After dropping off our menu choices at Karen and Barry’s home in Pennington on this cool morning of clear blue skies and bright sunshine we continued for a forest drive.
Along Wilverley Road we stopped beside Setthorn’s campsite where
a sylvan sprite had forged a heart in the trunk of a woodland oak.
Immediately opposite a trampled track down which I trod led to Longslade Bottom, populated by ponies and dog walkers.
Jackie photographed me in action.
In addition to fallen oak leaves the sward was littered with spiky chestnut cases evidencing the industry of squirrels dragging their fodder from trees some distance away.
As we drove slowly along Bisterne Close ponies seemed to be gathering from various locations to their usual meeting place. They didn’t stay long because as Jackie said while I leisurely collected up my equipment to disembark “They’ll all disappear quickly into the woodland”. That is exactly what they did, so I trudged after them.
One group I traced to a holly hedge behind a wire netting fence. Suddenly neighing and stamping of hooves was followed by three animals thudding down the bank in disarray. Naturally I made myself scarce. To my relief the two who had been seen off by a rival claimant to the hedge were more interested in returning to their lunch than in making any further escape.
This evening we dined on oven fish and chips and baked beans with which we both drank Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021.
I read very quickly today as my to-do list is measurable. I enjoy your outdoor photos most of all.
It is unseasonably warm here in the midwest US, so we have almost as much autumn colour left as you have.
Thank you so much, Rose
Nice action shots of the ponies’ kerfuffle. And the sylvan sprite marked woodland oak has an arm that puts one in mind of the Saguaro Cacti of the Sonoran Desert. Fascinating tree with a silent history…
“Kerfuffle” is one of my favorite words!
We should use it more often, eh?
Definitely!
Thank you very much, Maj. Kerfuffle is a good word I haven’t seen for a long time.
I immediately noticed the tree heart!
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Glad you shared the tree heart. I noticed it before I read the caption.
Thanks very much, Peggy
It does look like a place where fairytales are born💕
It is, indeed, Laura. X Thanks very much
Gorgeous pictures and a superior taste in Sauv Blanc.
Thanks very much, Pat
What a wild and wonderful place you live, where there’s always something new to see in the natural world, like sylvan sprite heart art and chestnuts! A beautifully enchanting post, Derrick!
Thank you so much, JoAnna
Some beautiful heathland there!
Yes. Thanks a lot, John
I am visualising the neighing and stamping of hooves of a herd of ponies, albeit a small herd. Always a pleasure to see.
Thanks very much, Sue
Beautiful. The colours are stunning
Thanks very much, Gary
I really enjoyed the heathland scenes.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal. Your kind of landscape
Pony drama! Glad you weren’t caught in the middle of it.
Fortunately I wasn’t too close, Laurie. Thanks very much
Absolutely stunning colors
Love the pictures
Thank you very much, More
You’re welcome Derrick
Great outing today! My mouth is watering for the fish and chips!
Thanks very much, Jill
A heart on that tree! <3 Aw! 🙂 Good to see people and doggies out and about. Lovely photo of The Great Photographer by The Also-GREAT Photographer! 😉 🙂 Glad you followed the ponies and got some beautiful photos…but, glad you didn't get caught up in their dramatics! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn. Sometimes it pays to remember that they are wild. X
Yes, so true. We must always respect animals. 🙂
Lovely photographs of the woodland and landscapes, as well as the play of light and shade on the ponies, Derrick.
Baked beans! I make them a lot during the winter months, they are mighty tasty, mighty virtuous eating!
Thanks a lot, Yvonne.
Your photo of the Oak tree tickled my curiosity Derrick … “a sylvan sprite had forged a heart in the trunk of a woodland oak.”
Mine, too, Ivor. Thanks very much.
I enjoy the peaceful scenes of people walking in such a lovely environment with their dogs. There appears to be space for everyone, including the dogs and the ponies.
Yes, So rare in this small island. Thanks very much, Anne
I particularly like photo of the oak leaf and the one of the silhouette of the horse with the white light behind him.
Thank you very much, Nicki
The strategy of making yourself scarce from the expected range of stampede is a very sensible one. Once again, Jackie has added an excellent image of the avid shooter.
Thank you so much from us both, Uma
I enjoyed traveling through the day with you and Jackie. I especially love the sylvan sprite’s heart (and your close observations).
Thank you so much, Merril
I suppose those ponies don’t know you very well. But, you capture them anyway – terrific!
Thank you so much, GP
The open fields reminded me of your links style golf courses. Are the ponies ever threatening to people? Fish n chips always sounds good. Nice post, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Steve. The ponies can bite or kick, which is one reason we are advised not to feed or touch them
Ouch!
Fascinating photos especially the tree heart. It’s interesting to see the terrain in the forest. I imagine one must be careful while walking.
Yes, it is easy to trip up, Eugi. Thank you very much
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I do like the tree heart, Derrick. These are all very nice pictures.
Thank you so much, Robbie
Beautiful.
Thank you very much, Mrs W
Your welcome
These are beautiful scenes from your day, Derrick and Jackie! The ponies are always a treat. I like the heart in the tree, too.
Thanks very much from us both, Lavinia
You must be quick 😉 A wonderful day!
Thank you so much, Ribana