Late this afternoon, while Becky and Flo shopped in Lymington, Jackie and I took a forest drive via Brockenhurst, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, Linwood, Appleslade and Ringwood.
While Jackie parked the Modus alongside Rhinefield Road, both of us enjoying the gentle birdsong in the otherwise silent woodland, I crunched and crackled over the beech nuts, the browned autumn leaves, and the brittle, lichen covered, twigs scattered across the bone dry forest floor, as I wandered among the trees lit by the lowering sun.
Seated in the Modus Jackie was passed by a quartet of cyclists as she photographed
the woodland,
including “Where’s Derrick” (7)
Further along, as we approached the underpass beneath the A31, a pony and a pair of cyclists were nicely silhouetted.
More ponies and the same four cyclists were seen on the moorland and the road through Linwood.
Cattle and ponies occupied the now hazy landscape at Appleslade, where the poor injured creature bringing up the bovine rear
found the journey very hard going.
This evening we enjoyed Becky’s spicy savoury rice accompanying Lidl’s very meaty spare ribs, with which Jacki drank Hoegaarden and I finished the Zinfandel.
Gorgeous photos Derrick which definitely have a spring-like quality. Maybe it’s the light?
The light is certainly telling at the moment
When I viewed the gallery, #10/17 of the Woodland photos was my favorite for the size, shape, and hollows of the tree. When I viewed the photos full-size, #14/17 of the Woodland photos was my favorite for the silvery colors and accented by the green tree in the middle.
Thank you so much, Liz, for your careful scrutiny.
You’re most welcome, Derrick.
These are beautiful photographs. The trees are an inspiration.
Ah… Jackie has her eye on you. I love the woodlands photos. Trees are always fascinating.
Thanks you so much, Chrissy
Such beautiful photos. I really love those trees in the first galleries–I see arms and eyes, magnificent creatures!
I love the glowing light on the ponies and moorland, and then the different light on the cattle.
thank you very much for these observant comments
You’re very welcome, Derrick.
Jackie sure keeps an eye on you, Derrick! Beautiful photos as always, and the two visible cyclists were riding eBikes, or electric bikes.
Thank you very much, John. You would know about the bikes.
I spotted you! You are very fortunate to have such a rich palette of woodland and animal life at your disposal. You make good use of it.
Thank you so much, Tootlepedal. Well spotted.
Excellent tree pictures Derrick.
Thanks very much, Andrew
The hazy mist is beautiful – and mesmerizing – I see why the cow was so contemplative in her walking!
The silhouette of pony and riders is such a lovely shot too. I hope they didn’t collide?!
The silhouettes passed with ease, Emma 🙂 Thanks very much
Looking at all that beech mast made me wonder whether you’ve ever seen wild boar during your ramblings in the woodlands and forests?
Now there’s a thought, John. Fortunately not. Thanks a lot
I spotted you by the pine tree, Derrick! I don’t think I have ever seen that many beechnuts on the ground. Must have been a good year for them. I miss the beeches that grew everywhere back east. I hope the injured cow was alright.
Thank you very much, Lavinia. I think the cattle were headed back to their farm. Well spotted
So many gorgeous photos today! Thank you for sharing.
Much appreciated, Jill
Yes, a very nice silhouette. The one greise tree with some green, in the ‘woodland’ makes my imagination see some tall creatures front legs, from the knees down. An imagination is a wonderful thing. Oooohhh, spare ribs, save a couple of the leftovers for me. Happy Spring, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Steve. Ribs all quickly polished off, I’m afraid
Today’s woodland photos are especially beautiful and crisp. I love the big old trees with mossy skirts. I hope someone will call the vet for the poor injured cow.
Thanks very much, JoAnna. This is a regular nightly journey for these cattle, so we hoped they were going to their farm
Absolutely stunning photography. You capture the atmosphere and the mood perfectly
Thank you very much, Gary
I really like the silhouette of the horse and bikers. How nice for Jackie that Becky cooked supper. No matter how much you like to cook, it is nice to have a night off.
Indeed, Laurie. Thank you very much. Good choice of pic.
I imagined birds chirping in the brooding woodland, four cyclists rolling up and down the pitch road that meanders aimlessly, and was gripped by a desire to skip the workday business awaiting to engulf me. Like that poor cattle, it’s a hard going ahead. I noticed you towards the left third in the middle of the frame hiding well in the quiz image.
Thank you very much, Uma. I sympathise with your having to work. Well spotted
Thanks, Derrick. More than the work, it’s the mundaneness and mediocrity one has to put up with that pose questions of existential nature.
I’m sure. You probably know my first job was in insurance
These photographs are enchanting.
Thank you very much, Anne
What injury did that poor cow have?
Hard to tell, but certainly a leg in a bad way. We have seen these cattle on their nightly journey before, and hoped the farmer would be on hand. Thanks very much for your concern, Yvonne
She looks in pain, for sure. 🙁
Your tree photos are always so beautiful and artistic!
I see you! Seeing red in a good way! 😉 😀
Aw, that poor cow. 🙁
(((HUGS)))
Thank you so much, Carolyn. Well spotted
I hope the owner of the cow with foot/leg problems is made aware that the animal needs treatment.
We have a fair few sheep undergoing daily foot treatment, it’s sad to see them limping or walking three legged.
I hope so, too. I think they were on a regular nightly trip. Thanks very much, Sue
It looks such a peaceful place, far away from the troubles of the world. The trees are fascinating and your photos make me feel I am there. Thank you.
Much appreciated, Lakshmi
All the pictures are magnificent, but the injured bovine is sad.
Thank you very much, GP. It was
Ah, there you are, Derrick! Beautiful photos of the animals which seem to be content
Thank you so much, Eugi. Well spotted
Oh, that bovine has my sympathies! I’m glad your header featured it… I was drawn to it. I hope it gets some help.
Thank you so much, Jan
The silhouette of the pony and cyclists is particularly striking.
In general, the light is so beautiful at this time of year. The shots of the animals in hazy sunshine look so calming.
Thank you so much, Helen
So beautiful! You blend very well with the forest ?
Thank you very much, Ribana. Well spotted
Aw, I feel bad for the cow. I hope someone helped her out.
Loved the photos of the trees and the moss. And the silhouette is wonderful. I was able to spot you but had to zoom in to be sure.
Well spotted, Jodie. The cattle were on a regular trek – we hoped they were going to their farm. Thanks very much
<3