On this dry, dreary, afternoon we took a drive to the north of the forest chasing a patch of blue sky that remained enticingly in the distance.
I first disembarked alongside the road through Rockford and photographed the fairly dismal landscape.
The next stop came along the road approaching the A31 underpass. From there I photographed yellow gorse, faded bracken, and spent heather.
As we arrived at Boldrewood I stepped out to focus on a horse and rider traversing the distant landscape.
The equestrian noticed me, stopped and waved, encouraging me to take another shot – at least I hoped that was what he meant.
It would have been rude not to.
On the approach to the Bolderwood Ornamental Drive, Jackie once more parked to enable me to enter soggy woodland to obtain pictures of
a pair of ponies foraging among browned bracken, reflecting pools, damp leaves, and mossy roots..
This evening we dined on more of yesterday’s Chinese inspired fare with the addition of vegetable spring rolls. Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I finished the Comté Tolosan Rouge.
Your weather seems to go through cycles of wind, being soggy and then drying out. I wish you plenty of dry sunshine. Meanwhile, I am thoroughly enjoying the frog chorus clearly audible from the dam across the road.
You have got our weather right, Anne That frog chorus is quite a sound – we heard it in France a few years ago. Thanks very much.
The pair of browsing ponies are especially striking. Their coats seem so vibrant and smooth against all that tangle of wood. And I’m sure the rider was pleased with your attention. Had you been in Texas, he would have been tipping his hat in a gesture of respect.
Thanks very much, Linda 🙂 The ponies have their winter coats
Lovely photos. Except for the dwindling snow banks and the ponies, you could have shot something similar here. 😉🐐
Thanks a lot, Pat
I hope you get some bright sunshine for a few days in a row soon, Derrick. the landscape is ethereal tet beautiful.
Thank you very much, John
The header photo could almost be out of a western movie.
(And yes, of course it would have been rude not to. 😏)
The black pony is striking.
Thank you so much, Merril 🙂
That black pony is magnificent, isn’t he?
The mossy roots look almost surreal.
Thanks very much, GP. I was pleased to get him in focus with the trees in the way
My favorite is the photo with the white feather. I kept going back to it.
I’m very pleased about that. Liz, Thanks very much
You’re most welcome, Derrick.
A soggy time of year. Yet, you make the most of it. Great pictures, as usual.
Thank you very much, Cindy
Love them all, especially the corral (paddock?) fence and gate.
It is a corral, used once a year for The Drift: https://derrickjknight.com/2016/08/30/the-drift/
You make even a dreary day look good, Derrick! Such beauty to see when we take the time to look.
Love the feather taking center stage. 🙂 The velvety mossy roots are verdant and vibrant! 🙂 The leaf-less trees branches hugging are wonderful! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you so much for these observations, Carolyn XX
Those ponies are so very beautiful; I’m not surprised they pose like Divas!
It’s lovely to see them; dismal landscape or not! 🙂
Thank you very much, Emma
Gorgeous gallery
Thanks very much, Sheree
At least you guys dont’ have snow. It looks cold though.
Warming up today. Thanks very much, Bridget
Wonderful pictures of ponies in the woods!
Thanks very much, Laurie
I liked the picture of the blasted heath and the cheerful rider.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal. The perfect shape for one of your headers.
I’m glad you managed to get your daily dose of fresh air on this dismal, grey day. It rained for most of ours, not sure which I prefer, this week’s earlier sleet and snow or the miserable rain.
Dreary as it is, we are more comfortable than you. Thanks a lot, Sue
Just a bit grey today and milder.
Your finale photo of mossy tree roots is one for storage and for my imagination to ponder Derrick ..
Thanks very much, Ivor
We’ve been soggy lately too, Derrick. More rain is in our forecast overnight. I loved seeing the ponies today. Thanks for sharing!
Much appreciated, Jill
I like the intricate, lacy tree branches, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
I doubt that you would ever be deliberately rude, Derrick. 🙂 Glad you and Jackie had another nice drive.
🙂 Thanks very much, AnneMarie
One never knows what one might find chasing a patch of blue sky. I like the distant equestrian, white feather, shiny black pony and of course the mossy roots.
The roots were, of course, for you, JoAnna 🙂 Thanks very much
Thank you! I’m honored. 🙂
That’s a great picture of those mossy roots!
Thanks very much, Barbara
Those are beautiful winter day photos, Derrick and Jackie> The yellow gorse blooms do brighten things up a bit, and I always love the ponies, even if they are soggy. 🙂
Thanks very much from us both, Lavinia
I love moss. It always looks so cool and serene, and it’s my favorite color, too. I love veggie spring rolls. You had a tasty meal.
Thank you very much, Alys
All great photos but my favorite of this batch is the fence one.
Thanks very much, Mrs W. I’m pleased I produced that one
Your welcome.
You’ve caught wonderful landscapes chasing that tempting blue patch of sky. The rider is clearly enjoying the sudden attention come his way. The stark black and brown ponies are striking beings.
Thank you very much for your thorough observation, Uma
I really liked those mossy roots but the whole heathland landscape is wonderful.
Thank you very much, John
Oooh, I love that mossy root! Another day of dreary skies, but your photography chases away the gloom and invites the joy of discovery. Thanks for the tour of ponies and the bracken… I’m glad it was you tromping the soggy soil and not me! I’m happy vicariously experiencing it from the warmth of Ty & Monika’s (even if I’m “Sleepless in Placerville!”).
I hope you find some sleep, Jan. Thanks very much X
Your header reminds me of the western movies of yore. The black pony is gorgeous, especially amid the dismal surroundings.
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I love the ponies as always – and those mossy roots are magnificient!
Thank you very much, Jodie
xo
For me it was the photo of the wooden yards.
I can understand that, John. Thanks very much
Those mossy roots seems magical 😍 Nice gesture from the equestrian 😉🐴
Thanks very much, Ribana
I like the mossy roots…