At midday Jackie drove us to Hockey’s Farm shop for an excellent brunch and to reintroduce Flo to the north of the forest.
Ponies at Ibsley and mossy rooted trees were reflected in the pool that covers waterlogged terrain.
Before eating we introduced our granddaughter to Hockey’s humorous alpacas lining up for their passport photographs and to
their colourful penned chickens.
Afterwards the two women wandered over to the exotic aviary while I waited in the car.
The thatched fox opposite the farm shop has come no nearer to catching the ducks he has in his sights.
Ponies on the road towards Gorley Common ensured our slow progress,
giving us the opportunity to track a small herd of deer from different viewpoints. At least three young males were present, and one pure white one was occasionally glimpsed.
The thatcher of a house in North Gorley celebrated his last year’s refurbishment with champagne while donkeys lolled or scratched further along the road.
This evening we enjoyed dining on alcohol free Red Chilli takeaway fare.
So many cute critters, Derrick!
Thank very much, John
Hurray for delightful forest drives.
I knew you would appreciate it, Pat. Thanks very much
Those alpacas are hilarious! They remind me of boys I went to high school with.
Liz! ???
đŸ™‚ Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Back to the woods means you should be much better. ??
Yes. Thanks a lot, Brian
The beautiful creatures were out and ready for their close-ups, Mr. Derrick! HA! (“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”) đŸ™‚
Ha, on the alpacas passport photos! In my head I heard my mom saying, “Comb your hair. Get your bangs out of your eyes.” đŸ˜€
I wondered if the donkeys had been drinking Champagne in the champaign! đŸ˜€
Hope you are feeling much better today! đŸ™‚
(((HUGS))) đŸ™‚
Thank you very much, Carolyn. Well spotted mis-spelling. XX
I didn’t know the correct spellings of either one…I had to look them up and their definitions. đŸ™‚
So glad you are all up and about again, Derrick – I’ve missed my (virtual) visits to the New Forest – it’s beautifully captured reflections, ponies, other animals and loveliness. Thank you – they are all SUCH characters!
Much appreciated, Emma
So many beautiful animals! For me, the alpacas are the stars.
Thank you very much, Laurie
We’re glad you all feel enough to get out and capture those wonderful images of the local menagerie. Is the white deer a true albino?
It is believed to be a genetic quirk – not albino, Maj. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1101567/Its-white-deer-The-dazzling-bucks-making-perfect-seasonal-picture.html
Thanks very much
Good to see that you are up and about again. I enjoyed the thatcher’s champagne and the wonderful array of alpacas in particular today.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Such wonderful photos–every set holds something special. The alpacas are amusing, but I love the wild deer.
I love the rooftop fox in endless pursuit of the ducks.
Thank you very much, Merril
You’re welcome.
Great to see you out and venturing further Derrick, you have brightened up my sunny Saturday morning with your wonderful collection of animal photos, ponies, alpacas, hens, and as always the donkeys are my favourites ..
Thank you very much, Ivor
I love alpacas! Fantastic photos today, Derrick!
Thank you very much, Jill
The play/film, Hair, comes to mind. “Gimme a head with hair, long beautiful hair….” Glad you feel well enough to venture into the forest. Take it easy.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
The alpacas were posing nicely. Some of them need a haircut.
Thanks a lot, Bridget
Looks like a wonderful day.
It was. Thanks very much, Mrs W
You’re welcome.
What a grand day out once more. Sleep well tonight!
We did, Val. Thanks very much
Hurray, you are back to your rightful task of entertaining us. Alpacas are such goofy characters, aren’t they? I did like that unusual final touch on the North Gorley rooftop.
Thank you so much, Yvonne
Lots of gorgeous shots there. I went to high school with a bunch of guys who had haircuts like those alpacas.
You and several others, it seems, Gwen. Thanks very much
Love them all! Conderful captures.
Thanks very much, Cindy
Sorry…. Wonderful captures!
Oh my goodness, those alpacas are cute and funny. Lucky you. I love the passport photo quip, Derrick.
Thank you so much, Alys
Finally, You and Jackie have broken free of whatever was holding you back. Your photographs too, are a celebration of the freedom, featuring ponies, alpacas posing for passport mugshots, donkeys and deer and hen. I have seen that exquisite family of ducks before followed by the wolf on the sly, the opened up bottle of champagne by the thatcher is a highly interesting addition.
Thank you so much, Uma
Another good visit to the forest. I enjoyed it.
Thanks very much, Andrew
What a lovely trip through the countryside! I “visit” your posts very early in the morning and they set me up for a smile for the day.
I’m so pleased, Doug. Thanks very much
They are a delight!
So cute
Thank you very much, gc
Ah – you are feeling better and out and about with your trademark photos! Outstanding!!
Thank you so much, GP
This is a most interesting post, Derrick! I can’t imagine how that alpaca can see though all that wooly head! Wonderful photos!
Thank you so much, Dwight
Wonderful photos, Derrick. Life looks very relaxing there, slow on the narrow road, but in a relaxing sort of way. Thanks for sharing
Much appreciated, Steve
Plenty of furred and feathered friends
Thank you very much, Sheree
A thoroughly enjoyable set of photos, Derrick. It sounds like you all had a wonderful day! I love the thatched roof with fox and ducks. The one with the champagne bottle was interesting, too. đŸ™‚
Thanks very much, Lavinia
Alpacas always look so very gormless!
Indeed. Thanks very much, John
The alpacas are hilarious! Well done on getting them up and close
Thank you very much, Geetha
Alpaca photos are quite amusing, Derrick, yet I am mostly impressed by the pony and roots reflections.
Thanks very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Love the thatched bottle of Moet; quite unique ?
x
Thanks very much, Melanie X
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Absolutely gorgeous! And those alpacas are really humourous ?
Thank you so much, Ribana