Today, albeit cool, was bright and sunny throughout.
Jackie, once again this morning, found basic items in short or absent supply in the shops. Without compunction she acquired the last two bottles of Hoegaarden.
This afternoon we went for a drive in the forest.
What is usually a fairly shallow pool on the road from Beaulieu to Lepe now laps at the trunks of the trees reflected in it.
We parked alongside the shallows outside Lepe beach looking across to
the Isle of Wight, against which
swept a speedy yacht.
We could see beach huts but didn’t know their location.
We did recognise the Red Funnel ferry on its departure.
Jackie photographed me photographing the Island.
Brent geese gathered and engaged in
pairing up,
sometimes after enjoying the chase.
Ponies grazed at East End –
in the drying ditch,
among the daisies on the moorland,
and on the road ahead. Having hove into view, the cyclist in this last shot, as he passed me said he hoped he hadn’t spoiled that for me. “No,’ I replied, “you made it.”
One of the llamas further down the road basked in the late afternoon sun,
the other smirked in the shadows.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s classic cottage pie; crisp carrots, cauliflower, broccoli; and tender runner beans, with which she drank Hoegaarden and I finished the Merlot.
Your drives sound and look peaceful and adventurous simultaneously. Wish I could join you. It’s such a stressful time now.
It would be good if you could, Steve. Thanks very much.
Ah! the reflections shots are amazing.
Thank you very much, Rupali.
Sounds like a wonderful dinner and I felt my heart rate slow when looking at those glorious views of trees. Beside me the bread is rising, and my husband is making stew with Guinness. The scents of my quarantine are lovely.
I can just imagine those scents, Brenda. The bread in particular takes me back to childhood and the cloth over a bowl. Thank you very much.
We decided making bread would help us isolate a bit longer. And we already had TP. 🙂
Lovely. I am ready for a little Merlot myself. 😊
Thank you very much, Anne Marie
Looks like the affects of your storms is finally starting to dry up a bit.
Hope things calm down soon with all the panic shopping and hibernating!
Thanks very much, GP. It is all a bit crazy
What a beautiful upside down world you have portrayed in your reflection shots!
Thank you very much, Anne.
Alpacas are interesting animals Derrick, I happened to have a feature image of them in my poem from yesterday . https://ivors20.wordpress.com/2020/03/16/even-the-church-mouse-had-fled/
I think yours are really alpacas, Ivor, but mine are llamas – as pointed out by Pauline. Thanks very much.
Oh my goodness I love those upside-down shots of the trees – a fitting meditation on the state of the world! I love alpacas, but I think yours are Llamas – it’s the ears that give them away most easily in your photos.
I’m sure you are right about the llamas, Pauline. I was in two minds, and have now changed it. Thank you very much.
I like Jackie’s priorities. Lovely series of photos – I particularly like those with the trees.
🙂 Thank you very much, Sheree
Pleasure Derrick
Your pictures, walks, drives, and journeys make me feel a bit more peaceful during these troubled times. Keep up the good work 🙂
Thank you very much, M.B.
Your reflections shots are absolutely gorgeous, Derrick. I think Pauline is right about the Llamas. They tend to have bigger, banana shaped ears like your curious fellas. Thanks for brightening my day!
I was in two minds – Llamas it is. Thanks very much, Jill.
LOL! 🙂
That llama does look like it’s smirking. :). The reflection shots are beautiful.
I hope things settle down where you are–things are crazy here.
May both our countries settle down, Merril. Your comments are much appreciated.
I particularly like the composition of the tree reflection photos that show the bottom of the tree and the rest of the tree is reflected in the water.
Thanks very much, Liz. I like some context to demonstrate that it is a reflection.
Yes, it was the context that made the picture.
Lovely drive and nice to be able to take part by enjoying your great photos. I love those geese, fabulous creatures.
Thank you very much, Agnes
Great photos – both the reflections and the back lighting.
Sorry to hear you are already short of “basic” items. 🙂
🙂
Smirking llamas! YAY! 😀 😉
Your reflections photos are amazing! Smile-bringers, for sure! 🙂
In these crazy times, your photos bring us joy! Thank you!
As I look at the animals in photos, in my nature walks, and at the one lying on my feet right now 😀 … I think about how animals live one day at a time. Doing what they must do today and not worrying about tomorrow or next week or next month. 🙂 We should be more like them. 🙂
HUGS!!! and be safe and well!!! 🙂 <3 to you both! 🙂
Your parallel with the animals is so apt just nw. Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
I must tell you, Carolyn, that I always love to read your comments as they certainly bring me joy!
I’m so glad, Jackie! 🙂
And these days we could all use more smiles and joy. 🙂
I think of you and all of your family and wish them the very best!
(((HUGS))) and <3
XX
I liked the backlit shots in particular today but the beach huts ran them a close second.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal. I have my 600mm lens to thank for that.
Stunning photos sir. Almost looking dry now.
Thanks a lot, Gary.
The reflections made me feel a little upside down dizzy which made me smile. Then the ponies helped me feel more grounded. Nice balance. 🙂
Thank you very much, JoAnne
Your reflection photos are fabulous, as always, Derrick, and solitary sailboat has made me turn green with envy.
Thank you very much, Dolly.
My pleasure, Derrick.
The sailboat was my favourite today. I didn’t see my white pony.
We didn’t take his road, John. Many thanks.
What a lovely forest drive, Derrick and Jackie! I enjoyed all the photos form your day. The llamas are adorable! We have alpacas living next door here this year.
Thank you very much, Lavinia.
I love the tree photos, sort of desolate too, but that could easily be my melancholy mood, I’m glad you got the cyclist in the shot.
I am having a dry week (no wine) though I have to say the depressing instructions yesterday made me wish I had a bottle.
I took one before the cyclist arrived and didn’t use it, Sue. May we all come through this.
If you ever get fed up with the traditional name of your local pub, may I suggest “The Smirking Llama” as a cool and trendy alternative?
🙂 Well, you wouldn’t find another one, John. Thanks very much.
Wonderful photos Derrick!
The good news is that trees, water, reflections, and ducks will remain available to us all. As for nabbing the last two bottles of Hoegaarden: one does what one must. Good for Jackie!
Thanks very much from us both, Linda
Fabulous pictures, as always. So good I can’t even decide which one I like the best, but the trees reflected in the water and the misty pony are top contenders.
Much appreciated, as always, Laurie.
I think that cyclist did make the photo! You’re right. These photos were nice and relaxing. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks very much, Lisa
How wonderful to live surrounded by such beauty.
Regards Thom
Thanks very much, Thom. We are lucky.
Nice photos and yummy meal.
I love just going for a ride it always the nerves.
How are you and Jackie by the way?
We are fine, thanks very much, More
Well hunted-and-gathered, Jackie. 🙂
Thanks a lot, Widders
Do you know what one says to a llama who enjoys picknicking? Alpaca lunch.
Nice one, Leslie 🙂 Thanks a lot.
Hah! Thanks for the chuckle!! <3
You’re welcome!
I love the ponies, Derrick, but the sun-backlit llama was by far my favorite. Thank you for sharing your beautiful drive with us as we sit fairly sequestered in our home here in Montana. We needed those beautiful scenes!
I’m pleased, Jan. Much appreciated.