Today the weather was sun-bright-clear-chilly-cold.
We began by purchasing vegetables at Ferndene Farm Shop, then drove into the forest by way of
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Beckley Common Road where Jackie parked, a jogger passed, and I pictured
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the surrounding woodland where the harsh squawking of disturbed pheasants interrupted the melodic birdsong.
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The next parking spot was a lay-by off the A35 where gorse bushes balls emulated stationary tumbleweed.
My next disembarkation was beside Lyndhurst Road where no discordant notes clashed with the avian melodies.
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A friendly gentleman led a rope-tacked pony past the resting Modus while I photographed
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more woodland and its reflecting stream.
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I was surprised to see several euphorbia plants accompanying the primroses, celandines, and violets dotted among last year’s leaves carpeting the forest floor.
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Along a side track leading to several private properties a number of large trees had fallen recently, and someone had lit a fire between two smaller trees, burning off some of the bark.
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Showing signs of shedding their winter coats, ponies on Mill Lawn and the verges of Mill Lane tucked into their all day breakfasts.
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Others trooped across Bisterne Close to sample something more prickly. A pair of cyclists stopped to take photographs. New Forest drivers are encouraged to display stickers stating “I go slow for ponies”. The animals crossing here make their requests on the tarmac.
For dinner this evening Jackie produced some of her thick, wholesome, chicken stewp with fresh crusty bread and we enjoyed eating it with, in her case, Hoegaarden, and in mine, more of the Bordeaux.
Marvelous photos of shadowy lanes and reflections, Derrick
Thanks very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
The ponies look splendid.
Thanks very much, Anne
A beautiful drive, and I enjoyed the scenes of the surrounding countryside as well, Derrick and Jackie. I always enjoy seeing the ponies, too, and the occasional pig when you come across one. š
Thank you very much from us both, Lavinia
Amazing countryside sightings to see.
Thank you very much, More
You’re welcome
Do you live new a time portal to the early 20th or late 19th century? Stunning pictures.
Thanks very much, Pat. The New Forest traditions re ponies rights of way go back centuries. Since the area became a National Park about 25 years ago no more building as been permitted, except on an existing footprint.
So happy (as always) to see so many ponies. I am surprised thought that this wonderful countryside doesn’t have more people hiking and exploring.
The wood looks so inviting for a walk!
Thanks a lot, John
The beautiful calm horses, and soft reflections of arching branches on the road and glassy water paint such tranquil pictures.
A good way to end the day.
– And Jackie’s chicken stewp sounds an even more satisfactory way to end the day š
Thanks very much, Emma – an eloquent description
Another nice outing, Derrick. I didn’t know ponies shed their coats in warm weather. I’m always learning something new here!
Thanks very much, Barbara
So serene.
Thank you very much, Peggy
Gorgeous colour on the ponies on Mill Lawn and Lane
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Looks a lovely day and your photos a wonderful advertisement for the area.
Yes, I was thinking Derrick should write an article and create a brochure on the area.
A nice thought, Chrissy. If I had twice as much time š
š
Absolutely
Don’t forget I’m a grackle, Sheree. Thank you
With white plummage?
Damn WordPress. I typed grockle – this time I noticed what they’d done
That makes more sense
Thanks very much, Sheree.
Wonderful images, Derrick. Was the chap leading the pony retrieving it from the free range, perhaps? Or (laughing) were you and Jackie witnessing an equine rustler at work?
I wondered about that, Maj – especially as he was using a rope š He clearly wanted to keep moving, so, although we exchanged pleasant greetings I didn’t ask him. Thanks a lot
Thanks for taking us along on this beautiful drive, Derrick! Love the photos.
And thank you, Jill, for your loyal support
Love the beautiful light and shadows photos AND reflection photos! š
YAY for the going slow for the ponies! š
(((HUGS))) š
Thanks very much, Carolyn X
Thatās such a wonderful rude out. Marvellously recorded.
Thank you very much, Gary. I wish you could do something similar
I just love this delicate edge before exuberance. Thanks Derrick š
Thank you so much, Val X
Go slow for ponies is right!
Thanks a lot, Laurie
I never tire of seeing the ponies.
Thanks very much, Leslie
I particularly like the landscapes with the gorse bush tumbleweeds. I’ve only seen real tumbleweeds once. (Not quite as depressing as in the movies. š )
I, of course, have only seen them on the movies. Thanks very much, Liz
I only saw them the once, on a work trip to Ingleside, Texas. Grim place.
It looks like someone who lit a fire burned the bark off healthy trees? If so, I hope Karma gives them a clear lesson soon. Good for the New Forest drivers who “go slow for poniesā.!
This despite notices all over the forest saying No barbecues. Thanks very much, JoAnna
You had me walking there in the lane. Beautiful.
Thank you so much, Chrissy
Those fallen trees and huge stumps are an awesome sight Derrick ..
Thank you very much, Ivor. They really are
I really love seeing the ponies! Photographs of shadowy lanes and reflections are fantastic. IMO, Derrick is a writer who works in entertainment!
Thank you very much, Trevor
What a lovely day and drive out Derick. Some of those trees you photographed are pretty impressive. And of course I love the ponies!
Thank you so much, Miriam
Isn’t England beautiful?
Indeed. Thanks very much, John
Great pictures Derrick.
Thank you very much, Andrew
A nice gallery.
Thanks very much, Rupali
I’ve not seen any euphorbias in the wild yet, but I could have missed them. If not, they’ll be around soon. I laughed at the suggestion of “I Go Slow for Ponies” stickers. I have friends who have suggested an “I Brake for Wildflowers” bumper sticker for me.
š Good for your friends. Thanks very much, Linda
delightful ponies and lovely landscapes, Derrick! š
Thanks very much, Lola
Such beautiful photos of light and shadows–and the ponies, of course. You had a lovely day for a drive.
We did. Thank you so much, Merril
Another lovely tour, thank you.
Much appreciated, Sue
The woods are alive with the sound of music! <3
š Thanks very much, Jan X