Picking Up The Trail

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE. REPEAT IF REQUIRED

Today the sky was pure graphite and rain fell intermittently. This afternoon I bought a now available sheet listing the entries to the Hordle Scarecrow Trail. As we had feared, the numbers were down considerably from previous years, and some had suffered from the recent gales.I featured a few of the exhibits in ‘Seeking Hordle Scarecrow Trail’

Now the extended time limit had passed the sheets had been published today. The staff member in the pet shop who sold me the form told me that her own personal entry, a Frog Prince, had been ruined by the gales, and so would not be on display. She wasn’t sure that she would be able to repair it. In an effort of encouragement, I told her I would be looking out for it after the weekend. She had won the competition in two previous years.

Scarecrow - The Little Princess - storm-blown

The Little Princess had stood outside 6, Elizabeth Crescent. This decapitated scarecrow was all that was left of it.

Princess Ariel, daughter of Triton

The third entry, from Ramblers, Woodcock Lane, was missing. This was Eric who was meant to gaze lovingly at Ariel, his sweetheart, at Rose Cottage, next door.

Scarecrow - Frog Prince

Undamaged Frog Princes sat outside Hordle Pavilion, Vaggs Lane,

Scarecrow - Frog Prince

and 36 Heath Road.

Scarecrow - Prince Southgate

The residents of 1 Windsor Close paid homage to Gareth Southgate, England’s World Cup Football manager.

Scarecrow - Princess Jasmine

I needed to remove and replace a large protective plastic bag from Princess Jasmine at 20 Larch Close.

Scarecrow - Princess Anna and Elsa (from Frozen)Scarecrow - Anna

Princess Anna & Elsa (from Frozen) reside at 43 Charnock Close.

We’ll have a look next week for the two absentees.

This evening the three of us enjoyed Jackie’s delicious sausage casserole, mashed potato, cabbage, carrots, runner beans and mange touts; followed by a melange of chocolate cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, and strawberries. Jackie drank Prohibition Budweiser, and Elizabeth and I drank DiMarco, Primitivo Puglia 2015.

50 comments

  1. Wow – that had to be some wind to do such damage. The soccer one made me laugh. The faces of the Frozen Princesses were something – not sure what – were they Halloween masks?

  2. After last year’s wonderfully creative and abundant display this turnout is somewhat disappointing. Or is my memory amiss? And the weather must have been a great trial for those who did participate. ‘Pucker up Princess’ made me smile and seems to have withstood the weather in true froggy fashion.

    1. Many thanks, Pauline. Nice comment about the frog πŸ™‚ There were rather more last year. There is, of course, another one at Bisterne at the end of the month. You could be thinking of that as well.

      1. Oh, maybe I have rolled two events into one in my memory? It is more than likely – it seems to be getting worse πŸ™‚ It could account for the large parade of wonderful models I recall from from last year – My apologies to the good scarecrow makers who weathered the weather.

  3. Awe inspiring scarecrows! That was sweet of you to help Princess Jasmine, but who would expect less from a Knight? I’m sorry the storm affected the competition πŸ™

  4. That’s too bad about the Gale destroying some of the scarecrows. That must have been some wind.

  5. Those are so creative and cool! πŸ™‚ So sad that the weather has hurt some of them. πŸ™
    The frogs are my favorites! Especially the one that is ready to kiss some princess-es! πŸ˜€
    I’m sure Princess Jasmine appreciated your kindly-knightly gesture! πŸ™‚
    HUGS!!! πŸ™‚

  6. Such a shame the weather took a turn for the worse when it did.. Loved the photos and some very clever creations..
    Raining here over night and today Derrick, no thunder storms though. But our gardens were thirsty, so I am not complaining..
    Hope you have a restful Sunday.. <3

  7. Considering the effects of the weather, all participants have done an outstanding job in persevering with the Hordle Scarecrow Trail, seems like a great tradition that needs to be kept going.
    Thanks for the pics, Prince Frog is my favourite, all frogs survive.

  8. Very cool Derrick – I loved the frogs. Man people are really creative with these figures. Your dinner sounded delicious from start to finish ~

Leave a Reply