The morning rain was forecast to last all day. In fact, this afternoon blue sky and sunshine relieved the rolling clouds and we went for a short forest drive.
We left Lymington via the long, winding, undulating, and varied Mount Pleasant Lane which offers views of Sway Tower beyond fields alongside.
Kings Hyde is a turning off it.
A small group of ponies on the moors bordering Forest Road was quite suddenly enlarged by a purposeful string we watched dice with death from the other side of the road and further up the hill. We observed them galloping down a slope and hoped that speeding traffic would be aware that they were intent on dashing out to join the others. The first four or five made it through the traffic from both directions. They were then followed by the inevitable straggler who took more of an amble. All remained unscathed and still strode out past their more sedate cousins.
We have noticed on almost all the forest pools carpets of small white flowers offering considerable surface cover. More were in evidence in this area. I can’t be sure what they are called.
Cattle shared grazing further along the road
with more ponies,
among whom another foal kept close to its mother.
This evening we dined on succulent roast beef; crisp Yorkshire pudding; roast potatoes and parsnips; broccoli, carrots and cabbage. Jackie drank Hoegaarden while I drank Marcelo Bocardo Malbec 2018 brought by Elizabeth on Sunday.
You were lucky to see blue skies Derrick. Beautiful images again my friend.. It rained all day and its still raining… 🙂
Thank you very much, Sue. Sorry about your weather – that is what we had thought we were in for today
Good thing I am travelling next week, hope I see more Sunshine.. See you when I return Derrick.. 🙂
Enjoy your trip
???
Someone would be hard-pressed to describe scenery more scenic and serene that this. Wonderful, Derick.
Very many thanks, GP
Love the photos of the horses.
Thanks very much, Sheree
Your weather proved more than suitable for your impressive images, Derrick. Here in Surrey our afternoon was one of heavy rain and resounding thunder.
Thanks very much, Roland. We were lucky with the weather
Despite the weather it all looks so beautiful – and those ponies are always good for a few breathless moments 🙂
Thanks very much, Pauline 🙂
I think those little flowers are a variety of marsh marigold, genus Caltha. I don’t usually see them under water like that, but, what with your rains, there would be standing water.
Having had a look at google, I think you are right, Lisa. Thanks very much
A short forest ride is better than no ride! Gorgeous shots, Derrick. The pony is so adorable!
Thanks very much, Jill
Lovely, as always!
Thank you very much, Leslie
Just fabulous photos, Derrick, from beginning to end.
Thanks very much, Diana
I enjoyed the picture of the grazing horse a lot. The colour was very striking. I was pleased to find out that no horses were injured in the making of this post.
🙂 Many thanks, Tootlepedal
Those ponies are stunning
I was holding my breath for the ponies galloping down to the road. So glad they made it! The rust colored pony is gorgeous. And I love the dandelion!
Thanks very much, JoAnna
I am grateful for the ‘long, winding and undulating’ drive through tranquil, rain washed and bedecked forests populated by ponies and cattle. Man made contraptions are inherently designed to counterbalance Nature in its full glory.
Eloquent as ever, Uma. Many thanks
Those cute ponies standing by their moms! One never gets tired of the sight.
Thanks very much, Byung
Glad the weather improved enough to get out and about!
We had rain, and hail all day…with rain predicted for the next 5-6 days.
That little foal is a beauty!
Now I do wonder what those little white flowers are…looks like they have a beautiful yellow center! If you find out, please share with us. They remind me of wild wood anemone.
HUGS to you and Jackie!!! 🙂
Many thanks, Carolyn. I did google the flowers. There are quite a few on sale at garden centres, but I couldn’t be exactly sure. I might have to get the Head Gardener onto it. X
Yes, The Head Gardner can figure it out! 🙂
Lisa (arlingwoman) has done it – marsh marigolds
OH! thank you so much! 🙂
I still don’t think that “Sway” is a great name for a tower.
🙂 from us both. Thanks a lot, John
I’m glad that the weather cheered up for you. The rain becomes a drag after a time, doesn’t it?
It does, Helen, but we’ve needed it. More has come today. Thanks very much
Still drizzling here but I’m stuck in an office. The trees outside look lovely and green, though!
Wonderful nature! So beautiful pictures! Looking at them I feel like I’m in the nature too ?
Many thanks, Ribana
Such beautiful images yet again… that foal (Colt?) is just gorgeous! 🙂
The ponies seem to have some decent feed now Spring is here.
Many thanks, Bob. Jackie thinks a filly
I’ll bow to Jackie’s local knowledge!! 🙂
I’m glad the ponies were all OK. That must have made you anxious to watch till you were certain they were fine. If the lane at the top was in a movie, or described in a book, it would be the beginning of some magical adventure. Your forest pools are Monet-like images–beautiful.
Thanks very much, Merril. I like the Monet thought
🙂
What a perfect triangle on that baby’s forehead. 🙂
That is just what Jackie said. She thought we would recognise her as she gets older. Thanks very much, Widders