We Thought It Best To Pull Over

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.

52 comments

      1. 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!

  1. 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! 🙂

  2. 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.

  3. Early morning escapades have exclusive rewards evidenced in you joyous photographs. The family on pedalled wheels is surely having a memorable picnic.

  4. 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?

  5. 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. 🙂

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