This morning I posted https://derrickjknight.com/2022/06/24/a-knights-tale-141-why-i-bought-no-3-rue-saint-jacques/
After lunch Jackie and I took a forest drive through Beachern Wood to Ober Corner where
ponies and their foals rested in the still overcast and humid atmosphere.
One suckler was welcomed – anther was given a clear message that he was getting too close.
I walked through the woodland to
the now shallow Ober Water.
Some tree roots are very exposed.
Another holds a sign rigidly in position – I think it reads Special Place.
Ponies on Rhinefield Road at the approach to Brockenhurst seemed to wonder what our problem was.
Ian returned to his home in Southbourne this afternoon so he was unable to partake of Jackie’s succulent beef pie; crunchy carrots and cauliflower; boiled potatoes; and tender runner beans with meaty gravy with which she drank more of the Entre-Deux-Mers, Flo drank elderflower cordial and I drank Patrick Chodot Fleurie 2019.
I do hope he managed to see the highlights of the second day of the third Test between England and New Zealand, which I did.
Such a lovely account of the forest and life within it today.
Your ‘action shots’ of the beautiful ponies are fantastic – especially when combined with your commentary!
I do wonder what the story behind the ‘special place’ sign is… and hope it’s a happy one.
Thank you very much, Emma. Yes, that sign was so intriguing – and too firmly lodged to pull out to investigate.
Let’s hope it has happy roots…
🙂
I got a big kick out of that last pony photo. Yeah, I’m standing in the road. You wanna make something of it?
Exactly. Thanks very much, Liz. Apparently Americans have the phrase: “I’m walking here”
You’re welcome, Derrick. I haven’t heard “I’m walking here.” It sounds like a New York City phrase.
Becky tells me it is a riposte uttered by a walker when hooted to get out of the way
I don’t think it would work in Boston. Those drivers don’t slow down for anybody or anything.
🙂
Beautiful pictures from your drive.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
One cannot help feel Ian left too early!
Indeed 🙂 Thanks very much, Sheree
Any day with a forest drive is a good day. Lucky man. ???
Thank you very much, Pat. I always think of you when we go on one now
?
?
Beautiful ponies.
Thank you very much, Susan
That beef pie sounds good!
It really is, John. Thanks very much
Most entertaining photos Derrick. Exposed roots are so fascinating!
Thanks very much, Maj.
I missed the test highlights. They sound quite exciting.
I record them in case I miss them. Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Beautiful reflections in nature of flora and fauna .. Enjoy your Cricket Derrick… I will be enjoying Tennis.. 🙂
Thanks very much, Susan
Love the last three photos with the whit horse in the foreground.
I didn’t find any elderflower cordial but I did find some organic elderflower and elderberry teas which is better on these chilly evenings. Taste good too. After watching videos on google we bought an elderflower plant and potted it behind the smaller potted herbs – so I can move them when seasons change again. It may never produce enough flowers for cordial I should be able to make a tea or two… some day. 🙂
Good luck with that, Chrissy. Thanks very much
Your photos of ‘nature’s tree root tunnels’ are fascinating Derrick .. I wonder what magical mysteries live in nature’s caverns ..
Yes – it is intriguing, Ivor. Thanks very much
I’ll be using your photo in my post tonight ..
What fun
I love to see the ponies of your place. Is the woodland too near your home? Thank you.
Just a mile or two away, Lakshmi
Thanks very much
I’m wondering who lives under those roots, and I LOVE that people brought chairs for pony watching. Makes sense to me! That decaying trunk would make a great planter if you could only get it home.
It would. Actually it is forbidden to take fallen limbs away. Thanks very much, JoAnna
Ponies seem content to be on their patch of land on which humans are intermittent visitors. I have a feeling they generally believe in peaceful coexistence except for undue competition for stretches of roads. Your photos have captured the idea time and again along with excellent portraits of the equine society.
Thank you very much, Uma
I love these forest drives! I guess that poor foal that was rejected was trying to get a drink from a mare that was not his mother.
Could be, Lavinia. Thank you very much
Mares are pretty quick to fend off an interloper, or tell junior he has had enough for now, and mom needs some ‘me time’.
I always enjoy your photographs of reflections and the exposed roots of trees.
Thanks very much, Anne
Really like the woodland pictures.
Thanks very much, Andrew
Oh, those foals are beautiful. I wonder if one or two shared the same father.
I imagine so, Sue. Thanks very much
Exquisite equine! I love how inquisitive they are about you!
Aw on the Special Place sign! Love that!
(((HUGS))) 🙂 ❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn. I hope Coop is OK X
Gorgeous shots, Derrick. I love the reflections!
Such great pony pictures! I couldn’t decide on a favorite!!
Thanks very much, GP
Amazing photos of the ponies and foals. The sign is most intriguing.
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Mothers always seem to know their young, even when they all look alike to us! Beautiful Post.
Thank you very much, Dwight
You are welcome!
I like that special place sign. Someone made an effort to make it just that!
It is most intriguing, Barbara. Thanks very much
Too many beautiful shots to pick a favorite. I love the mother and foals photos and the shimmering reflections and the forest. . .Beautiful lighting. I’m intrigued by the “special place.”
Gorgeous photos as usual! Those tree roots are gorgeous!
Thank you very much, Ribana
Very enjoyable photos of both ponies and woodland.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Thank you so much, once more, Ivor