Given that we are to expect two consecutive named storms in the next few days it was imperative that we took a forest drive during intermittent sunny periods this afternoon, because we may not enjoy such pleasant weather for a while. We shopped at Tesco, then continued from there.
We were to encounter more than usual traffic hold ups on this trip.
The first was a veteran paying his respects to the police who had clearly been called to investigate the case of the fallen number plate at the roundabout forming a link between Southampton and Wellworthy Roads,
which had caused an extensive tailback on the major road to Lymington.
We turned into Sandy Down where a large flatfish in a ditch revealed itself to be a foamy buildup of the collected rainwater. Roots, ferns, and other plants clung to the bank on the opposite side of the road.
Later a group of cattle pressed their claim to Norleywood Road,
and a pregnant donkey paused for a scratch outside the East End Arms.
Wherever we looked catkins hung from trees. These images are from Sandy Down and from Church Lane,
which has varying characters, from residential to more open land
including a field where we are enjoined not to feed the horses, most of which are still sporting rugs.
This evening we dined on mildly spicy piri-piri chicken; new boiled potatoes; firm cauliflower and broccoli; and tender green beans, with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Merlot.
Forest drives are mental and spiritual necessities. 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks very much, Pat
The change of seasons influences everything, including plans. Here we can smell Autumn in the air and the past month of heat and humidity is easing enabling more time in the garden. Catkins are a good sign that the earth continues to live on in the circle of life giving us a hope of the future ahead.
Very true, Chrissy. Thanks a lot.
Wow, you have lots of obstacles on the roads today, Derrick! Animals and humans doing a fine job of backing up your traffic. The roads seem very narrow compared to country roads here.
They really are narrow, John – laid down centuries ago. Thanks very much
The county apparently has no plans to widen them then, very different roads.
Yes
The forest area in late winter has its own beauty. The was a pleasant sunbeam on that brown cow. She looks happy!
The catkins on our own hazelnuts are hanging long and golden. In angled afternoon sun they are quite beautiful.
I’m pleased you noticed that sunbeam, Lavinia, and that you have catkins, too. Thank you very much.
The third picture looks like a dead body in the water. Perhaps we watch too many crime movies?
I’m sure we do, Bridget. Thanks very much
I think we’re getting more storms since they started giving them names. It’s as if they want to be famous, if only for a few wild hours.
Indeed, John. Thanks very much.
The fallen number plate just needs a bit of string.
Or duct tape.
Thanks a lot,
Andrew
I’d say today wasn’t a day to be in a hurry in your neck of the woods. I really like “Fence and Trees against the Sky.” It has a cinematic feel to it–but not in the usual golden kind of way.
Thank you very much, Liz. Uma saw that fence and trees picture in just the same way.
You’re welcome, Derrick. Uma and I must have the same taste in movies.
🙂
A few holdups today, but that makes for great photo opportunities. I loved seeing the cows and quite a lot of them today too. I hope the storms don’t prove to be too damaging.
Thanks very much, Sue. We are always pleased for those photo opportunities. It is great never having to be in a hurry now.
Never a dull moment! Nice outing today, Derrick. I enjoyed your photos! Dinner sounds yummy. 😋
Thanks very much, Jill
I hope that in the end the storms pass you by. You have interesting varieties of traffic jams in your area.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal. The veteran was the most unusual
Everything looks so dull and damp Derrick … while over here in Geelong it’s dry and delightfully warm ..
Cheers, Ivor.
It sounds like it was a day for patience. I like the winding church lane, though would probably drive it very slowly. I hope you and your family stay safe and dry.
Thanks very much, JoAnna.
Here’s a coincidence. When I went off to work this morning, all of our cypress trees were bare-branched. When I came home from work tonight, nearly every one was hung with brand new catkins! They often lose their leaves in unison, but I’ve never seen them put on the catkins in the same way.
That sure is a coincidence, Linda.
Thank you very much
Today’s platter consists of highly interesting photos of traffic snarls caused by a vintage automobile, cattle and donkeys. Catkin amongst dense woodland streaked by narrow, meandering roads have been captured tastefully. The silhouetted road with wired fence to the left can appear on the cover of a Thomas Hardy classic or a Stephen King issue with equal grace and effect.
Thanks very much, Uma. I walked back down the road to get that shot once Jackie had found a place to park, so I’m really pleased you saw a good use for it.
Is that an MG Tc that suffered the indignity of its bumper losing a grip on life?
On a +34C day, we are yearning to see the leaves start to fall from the trees.
Unfortunately I know nothing about cars, Yvonne. Thanks a lot
Looks more like an MG TD Midget to me, though I’m no expert on the matter. I’m guessing (based on photos of various years’ models) this one might be a 1953 or 1954 model.
You’re probably right, Doug. Hey, how are you and that cat these days? I have lost touch with your blog.
The blog is going well, and Andy and I are as good as possible.
Traffic eh but you have lovely trails though. Love those cattle photos and that narrow winding road.
Thank you very much, Arlene
Stay snug and dry! Those white bubbles surely did look like a fish. The animals were out and about.
Thanks very much, Laurie
I have thoroughly enjoyed this drive with so many interesting things to see along the way!
Much appreciated, Anne.
That foamy flatfish is very realistic looking. How odd to block the roundabout like that, why didn’t the police tell the driver to follow them to the police station or at least off the main road?
The police had only just arrived. We didn’t stop. Thanks a lot, Robbie
Beautiful pictures from your trek.
Thanks very much, Mrs W
Your welcome.
The catkins are so decorative!
Lovely to see such sweet faces looking at you and your camera!
Bestest wishes to Mom Donkey and her soon-to-birth baby!
Your fence and trees against the sky photo is breath-taking!
Thank you for taking us on this journey…so healing to traverse the forest!
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Much appreciated, Carolyn X
Quite a combination of events and photos here. You do get a variety!
Thanks a lot, GP
its about the cows on the road.. and the donkey.. love the variety in your “drive”.. hugs
X
Glad you got out and about Derrick ❣️
Thanks very much, Val X
Hooray for the catkins, a sign spring is approaching. The poor soul with the fallen number plate needs some ducktape. I love the photo of the cow looking into the camera as if it was posing.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Very interesting post. Love the photos.
Thanks very much, Dwight
You are welcome
Derrick, this was an engaging post–the photos really drew me in as well as the commentary. You live in such a beautiful area!
Thank you so much, Luanne
I am glad that you were able to get out for a nice drive before the storms hit. * Dan & I watched a documentary the other night on how global weather change is working to make England a centre for producing award winning wines. It was fascinating. I will have to make a special effort to check out wines from England the next time I visit our liquor store.
According to Jackie it is the white ones that are winners. Over here home grown wine is heavily taxed.
Over here, everything is heavily taxed. 🙄
I have never seen catkins and had to google the word, but they look like deliberate decorations.
They do. Nature’s own. Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
I just discovered that I had missed this post. So many beautiful, unusual photos. I think it’s the cloudy light. The fence and trees, the ponies with blankets, and the lanes that look either inviting or ominous. It’s good you weren’t in a hurry.
Thank you very much, Merril, especially for tracking back
You’re very welcome, Derrick.