When a dull day began to brighten up we drove into the forest for a while.
Constantly changing skies,
reflected in pothole pools,
swept over the moorland bounding Holmsley Passage and its footpaths.
Sun-tipped ponies pastured on grass, bracken and holly on the borders of Burley golf course.
The forest car parks were all full to bursting. Overflow vehicles lined streets, lanes, and lay-bys. Nevertheless, visitors largely kept to their own discrete clusters.
Nowhere was this more apparent than at Rockford Sand Pit where family groups enjoying scaling the sandy hillside largely maintained social distance from each other.
This evening we dined on Mr Chan’s excellent Hordle Chinese Take Away fare with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank MV Reserve Malbec 2019 – a present from Shelly and Ron.
It’s been a rainy, dreary day here, as well, but without the dramatic skies. We had those yesterday. 😀 I like the sand pit shots, too.
Thank you very much, Merril. We arrived at Rockford when the light was just right.
Love the clouds and the reflections! It’s good to see people out and enjoying themselves in their own small groups.
Thanks very much, Janet
I’m glad they are keeping apart. I have noticed some families round here have been too close especially around a few places where people can sledge.
That is normally the same here. Perhaps this area is big enough to facilitate keeping apart. Thanks very much, Susan
As a geologist by training, I was curious as to what the folks were collecting at the Rockford Sand Pit. I observed collection bags when the images were biggified. The site appears to be a popular spot for collecting what I’m guessing are fossil shells of some kind.
That would be it, Maj. I’ll have a closer look when I can get up there again 🙂 Thanks very much
Derrick, I look forward to yet another year of exploring your world and garden 🙂 Your posts are a daily reminder and inspiration that much beauty still exists in our world to be treasured, cared for, and preserved, as you and Jackie demonstrate in your own small space of earth. Blessings <3
Thank you so much, Rosaliene X
Well said, Rosaliene!
🙂 Thank you, too, Liz
I thought for a moment that your sand pit was an enormous bunker at Burley golf course. I would have loved a place like that when I was young and nimble.
I have even walked up it – about 5 years ago 🙂 Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Impressive.
I found the set of photos from the Rockford Sand Pit fascinating Derrick..
Thanks very much, Ivor. I’ve featured it a few times, and this is now the set I like best
Spectacular photos of clouds, including the reflection one.
Thanks very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
The cloudscapes were my favorite, too!
One of the benefits of our wide open spaces
Glad social distancing was being observed. At least people can get outside during this time of Covid-19.
Thanks very much, Laurie
That’s great to see! Wonderful skies ⛅️
Thanks very much, Ribana
We had some dramatic skies today as the sun finally beat out the “Carolina Wedge” that’s been hanging around the past 3 days. Great shots today, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Jill. I like Carolina Wedge
Beautiful clouds sir.
Thanks very much, Gary. Like so many of yours
The skies are my favorites
Thanks very much, Sherry.
I love seeing the folks scaling the sandy hillside. We just don’t get enough exercise these days and a spot like that looks like a child’s dream… but a lot of adults let the child in them come out, too, didn’t they? Fun!!
I even did it a few years ago 🙂 Thanks very much, Jan
Oh my, I can just see you sliding down that hill. Not something I’d be brave enough to do today… but a few years ago I would’ve been right there with you! <3
🙂
The reflections are beautiful. And I always love ponies!
Thanks very much, Luanne
We never know for sure how a day is going to turn out. The sand pit hillside reminds me of our giant sand dune at the state park, though ours is not quite as steep. The Sun-tipped ponies are handsome.
Thanks very much, JoAnna. The pit is a little less sheer than it looks.
I enjoyed the photos from your afternoon out in the forest, Derrick and Jackie. It looks warmer there today.
Beautiful photography Derrick ! Love the clouds and the scenery 👍🤝
Thanks very much, Srikanth
Your photographs are inspirational – I have a weakness for reflections – and I feel I am getting to know the animals you feature almost as well as the Urban Herd that move about our town. The light on the sandpit is beautiful.
Thanks very much Anne. We certainly got there at the right time for that light.
love the changing skies, Derrick. the ponies are always delightful! thanks 🙂
And thank you, Lola
Amazing clouds…they are certainly putting on a show.
Love seeing the beautiful ponies!
And so good to see people out and about…looks like a fun place to play!
My fav photo is the clouds reflected in the pool of water!
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn. Jackie had to drive through those potholes to park. X
Oh, gosh! Poor Jackie! Potholes are not fun to drive through. But, I know she “suffers”willingly and kindly for your artistic endeavors. She’s a gem! 😉 🙂
🙂
The sandpit may well be worth a look from the archaeological point of view. Quite a lot of interesting things can sometimes be revealed as the sand collapses downwards.
Thanks a lot, John. I think you are right
A beautiful day even with the clouds.
Thanks very much, Mrs W
Your welcome.
I like your photo journals.
Thanks very much, Rupali
The light on the sand hill makes those captures so atmospheric. Looks like a good place for families.
A very popular spot – and we arrived just in time for that light. Thanks very much, Crystal