Leaving the others asleep in their pits early this morning, Jackie and I took a drive into the forest in the vicinity of Burley.
Bluebells are cropping up on all the verges.
As I disembarked to photograph a stream and its reflections, a mallard shot under the bridge at a rate of knots leaving its wake serrating the surface of the water.
I exchanged waves with a bunch of cyclists while I prepared to cross to the other side of the road
in order to photograph fallen trees, their reflections, and banks of primulas, celandines, and violets,
all of which flourished beneath my feet.
I was hampered somewhat in photographing a large fallen tree with its tangled lichen-laden limbs still bearing fresh foliage. As I framed the shot the driver of the car decanting children, their Dad, and their bikes, clearly intending to ensure a bout of photobombing, reversed the necessary couple of metres. We indulged in friendly conversation and I wished the male members of the party an enjoyable ride as the mother drove away, leaving the track clear for us.
We returned home via Holmsley Passage alongside which a pair of ponies turned their backs on
a family group of cyclists on hired bikes as they struggled up the hill. The woman who towed the little trailer was not young. I don’t know about her, but I was mightily relieved when a gentleman changed places with her. We thought it best to pull over and wait until they had climbed their Everest.
This afternoon, Becky, Ian, and Louis returned to Southbourne where the young man was to catch a train back to his home.
This evening we dined on roast lamb, roast potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower cheese with which I drank more of the Merlot Bonarda and Jackie didn’t.
You can’t beat a day like that.
Many thanks, GP. Ponies included for you
I always smile when I see them. I always feel you stopped to take that pix just for me, despite you having so many followers!
🙂
Sounds a good day. Nice to see families out.
Thanks very much, Gary
Fabulous shots of the undulating water Derrick.
Thank you very much, Pauline
That duck with the ripple in the water is fantastic – and like the photo bombing cycles –
Ps any lamb left?
Two more legs in the freezer. Thanks very much, Yvette
mmmm – be over later (kidding – wink)
🙂
You can have my share, Yvette!
I love the water shots, Derrick! Looks like another gorgeous day.
It was, indeed, Jill. Thanks very much
An exciting outing! Always a let down when guests leave.
Thanks a lot, Laurie
A nicely varied collection of cyclists enhances any post.
🙂 You would know, Tootlepedal
This was great.
Thanks very much, Flower
I love the watery photos too.
Thanks very much, Clare
I haven’t been following many blogs recently, Derrick. You always find some beauty, no matter where you and Jackie wander.
I see you have encountered my favourite, resident pedant (Bert), who corrected your comment on the shopping list post! 🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, Yvonne
It has been a while since I have been able to catch up with my regulars. And it is a good feeling – I feel quite guilty getting comment and feeling too washed out to comment back. But what a joy to see that bright sunny road trip of yours. You will be fully into summer soon and won’t know yourself.
Thanks very much, Paol. I identify with that struggle to keep up when feeling washed out – and the longer it takes the worse it feels.
Early morning escapades have exclusive rewards evidenced in you joyous photographs. The family on pedalled wheels is surely having a memorable picnic.
Many thanks, Uma. So that is what was in the trailer
“in their pits ” I’ve not heard that expression in a long while!
Me neither!
🙂
🙂 Thanks a lot, John – nor me, so I thought I’d give it an outing.
Such a busy area and again lovely photos of families enjoying the Easter break.
Thanks very much, Sue
What a beautiful day, Derrick!
I love the mallard floating lazily in the sun, causing the water to ripple and shine!
Your water and reflection shots are always perfection!
How wonderful for all the cyclists to get out and about and pedal, pedal, pedal!
HUGS to you and Jackie!!! 🙂
How are you doing today?
Very many thanks, Carolyn. Improving daily X
Pull Over! Pull Over!!
– No, it’s a Cardigan, but thanks for noticing!! 😉
I also noticed that the gallant gentleman cyclist certainly has a fine head of hair – half way down his back!
Love Roast Lamb, but i’m a mint sauce man, not mint jelly. 😉
Glad to hear your improving. 🙂
Many thanks, Bob. A good groan. Mint sauce for me, too
Wonderful as always Derrick!! Here we wear winter cloths .. i hope Spring visit us too!!!!
I do hope so, Efi. Thanks very much
“Decanting children.” Ha! I loved that. And thank you for the shots of wild primulas. That colour is perfect.
Thank you very much, Crystal. I’m pleased
I thought very right, beautiful.
Thanks very much, Laleh
LOL, sorry wrong type. It should be you thought. LOL
“Serrated” is such a good word for that descriptive shot. I sure like the two ponies.
Thanks very much, Cynthia. I’m pleased you liked the word
Those ducks can really paddle up a storm when they want to. 🙂
Thanks very much, Widders 🙂
Beautiful journal Derrick.
Thanks very much, Rupali