Early this morning Jackie drove me into the forest.
We aimed to take our normal route along Holmsley Passage which had been closed for four days from the 21st. The signs from the entrance beside the A35 had been lowered so we merrily sped down the winding, undulating, lane, only to find barriers at the halfway point. There were indications that some patching of the eroded edges of the tarmac had been begun, but nothing was happening today. This is not an unusual phenomenon but we had travelled hopefully. I photographed the woodland beside the carpark, beyond which we could not continue.
We backtracked and deviated over the newly repaired bridge on the A337.
Outside Burley we came across some curious cows
and their quizzical calves merging with woodland foliage and browning bracken.
The size of fallen oak leaves among the grass beneath the trees gives perspective to a string of very small, almost imperceptible, mushrooms
near larger fungi, some of which had provided breakfast on the hoof.
This afternoon I made further headway with Richardson’s “Clarissa”.
We dined this evening on a rack of pork spare ribs; hot and spicy and tempura prawn preparations; and Jackie’s flavoursome savoury rice, with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden, I finished the Comté Tolosan Rouge, and Flo and Dillon drank fruit cordial.
Plenty of detail in today’s photos, Derrick, and the cows were surely keeping an eye on you!
Thank you very much, John
You are welcome, sir! 🇬🇧
Looks like those bossies were laying down on the job. We have some black cows near Barboursville that always lie down under a huge shade tree whenever it gets hot. More sense the the humans that stand out in the noon sun to gossip. Love your country drives. Wish we had rooting piggies at times. They are comical in your descriptions and pictures.
Thank you very much, Pat
What amazing little treasures you always find in the forest! And you take such beautiful photos of them! I love the little “tables” and “umbrellas”. 🙂
And those cows seem to pose just for you! Those faces are so sweet! And they do seem curious to watch what is going on with you. 🙂
What a wonderful day! Thank you for sharing it with us! 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️ 🙂
PS…Thank you, again, so much for letting me use your donkey photos in my donkey post.
Many thanks, Carolyn X
That’s quite an unusual colour for that cow, an almost violet grey all over.
Yes, we do get some interesting breeds, John. Thanks very much
Are those mushrooms edible Derrick?
A post with cows or fungus is always a good post. A post with both is an excellent post.
Much appreciated, Tootlepedal
Are these mushrooms edible, Derrick?
I don’t know about them, Dolly. I wouldn’t try any outside the shops 🙂 Thanks very much
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Wonderful. It’s a delight to see mushrooms at this time of year.
Thanks very much, Gary
The cows seem to feel relaxed and at home in the woods which I’m guessing is better than being on the road with cars merrily speeding down the winding, undulating, lane. 😉
Thanks very much, JoAnna
I like the case of curious cows decorated with tags. They are the highlight of today’s post.
Thank you very much, Uma
I enjoyed the virtual forest drive, Derrick and Jackie. The cows looks much happier than they did in the heat of summer.
Thank you so much from us both, Lavinia. It looks as if the flies have flown
I don’t think I’ve seen cows with such expressive faces before.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
What a collection of muted colours today.
I’m pleased you noticed, Anne. Thank you very much
The close-ups of the cows are wonderful, it’s such a treat when we capture the eyes.
Thanks very much, Sue. The eyes of any creature are so important and often rescue a picture lacking focus elsewhere. 🙂
I try but don’t always make it.
I like the shades of green, the relief of the photos of cows About mushrooms I would have a defiance for the white ones. Are not the small brown ones collybies, Derryk?
In friendship
Michel
Thank you very much, Michel – especially for the suggestion. I have looked them up. I think the white ones might by collybies, but the others really are much smaller.
Such much attention to detail in your photos. The cows do seem to be watching you, and the calf does seem to be giving a quizzical look your way.
thank you very much, Merril
Always something interesting to photograph in nature. Thanks Derrick. Caption for the lone cow:”‘Oo you looking at?!” Cheers.
Thanks a lot, Joy 🙂
Your pictures have the lovely look of autumn. Onward ho with Clarissa! Have you spotted land yet, or are you still out to sea?
Mmmm… your dinner sounds delightful. BTW, Derrick, are those mushrooms all edible?
I really don’t know, Jan. Thanks very much
The cows seem very peaceful in their environment. Excellent photos.
Thank you very much, Eugi
I am a bit wary of crossing fields with cows in them. They are beautiful animals though.
Thank you very much, Susan. This post may amuse you: https://derrickjknight.com/2012/05/28/nettle-rash/
Such great catches, these photos of the cattle. They look serene, and not minding you at all
Thank you very much, Rose. I think some of them must know me by now 🙂