Ibsley Ford

When we brunched at Hockey’s Farm Shop two days ago that had been because Jackie wanted to try out The Potting Shed at Hyde, which, unbeknown to us is closed on Mondays. We therefore took another trip north to enjoy a late breakfast there this morning. It did not disappoint.

In Woodcock Lane a huge spider clung to a tree above a pair of booted legs diving into the soil below. A pair of eyes watched from a window behind, while poppies on a garage door awaited Armistice Day.

A persistent donkey took the advantage of my open window to stick its nose in 

until I managed to persuade it to join the rest of its family in the ditch across Gorley Road.

After our meal at Hyde I disembarked to photograph distant deer through a gap in the trees. 

I took the opportunity of photographing a friendly equestrienne with cyclist escort passing a group of forest ponies ignoring their broken cousin.

Had I not needed to walk along the verge to find a break in the foliage for a good view of the deer I would not have noticed

a cluster of well-rounded mushrooms beside my feet.

I was really blown about while photographing the 

swirling and bubbling stream crossing the Ibsley ford,

at the corner of which a dying tree looks more skeletal at each visit.

Across the road a group of horses were enjoying the fare at their trough.

This evening we repeated yesterday’s chicken jalfrezi meal with different beverages – Hoegaarden for Jackie, and more of the Côtes du Rhône for me.

89 comments

  1. Wonderful photos, Derrick. Cute donkeys, horses, deer and of course the huge spider in the tree! Do the gabion style bags with the black stones make up the support for the Ibsley Ford path?

  2. Looking very autumnal in your neck of the woods. I like the photos with the ‘broken’ pony. The red jacket is such a bright spot.

  3. We don’ t know what was this famous late breakfast, Derrick ?
    About the donkey , he wanted probably to get a kiss on its nose ! Who knows ?
    In friendship
    Michel

  4. I agree – the donkey nose takes the biscuit… at least that’s what it was hoping. The old tree is a marvellous sight. We might see it as on its last legs, but it will be providing a home for more than we can imagine.

  5. I wonder howe long that tree will hang on. Years ago, my wife and I were told that an oak tree has about 600 years. 200 to grow, 200 to flourish and 200 to die. Whether that is true or not, I don’t think any of us will ever know!

  6. Absolutely brilliant photos today! Such artistic nature photos! 🙂
    Oh, what a sweet persistent donkey! Are you surprised I love that photo?!?!? 😀 Did the donkey get a smooch on the nose? 🙂
    (((HUGS))) ❤️❤️

  7. It is amazing how trees can continue to live with their middles hollowed out. I’ve read that other trees help with more than physical support, but also with nourishment. Enjoyable post. I especially like the donkey face coming in the window.

  8. I always enjoy looking at your photographs, Derrick, for you have a good eye for detail and colour. Today’s pictures of the “swirling and bubbling stream crossing the Ibsley ford” are particularly attractive – especially the oak leaf floating on a bed of bubbles.

  9. You spill such beauty with the photographs and your words on to these pages Derrick. I loved each shot ; how calm and blissful every thing seems…. even the donkey who wanted to acknowledge you!

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