After buying provisions from Ferndene Farm Shop this afternoon Jackie and I took a forest drive while Becky and Flo, taking Ellie with them, shopped elsewhere.
On the way up Lyndhurst Road outside Burley, Jackie managed to park the Modus allowing me to walk down
the soggy verge with my camera.
I had been attracted by the moss-carpeted roof opposite the bright red cones which had not prevented a number of heavy vehicles from gouging tracks in the mud with their outsize wheels.
Over the years, we have watched the gradual disintegration of this stump still functioning as a direction indicator to the church, provided you understand that you need to take the next right turn rather than carry straight on up the hill. Observant drivers will notice that that right turn is signed Church Lane.
As I approached a trio of Highland Cattle on Wootton Common one of them bravely ran away and stared me out from a safe distance.
This evening we dined on tender roast leg of lamb; crisp roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding; firm cauliflower; crunchy carrots; piquant cauliflower cheese; and meaty gravy. Jackie drank more of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Becky drank Diet Pepsi, and I drank Mendoza Malbec 2020.
Wonderful forest drive and I love the woolly nerve of the highland cattle.
Thank you very much, Pat. From the car Jackie was hoping I didn’t get too close to them 🙂
Since you lived to tell the tale and take the pictures, I will assume that neither man nor beast suffered any distress during the interaction.
🙂
I love your woodlands photos, Derrick, would the moss-covered roof leak? I’ve never seen a roof completely covered like that. Have a great weekend, guys. ☺️
Thanks very much, John. I imagine the owners of the roof reckon it doesn’t leak. Your wished for the weekend reciprocated
Be well!
Everything looks soggy except the highland cattle. Perhaps they are too. It’s difficult to tell in the photos.
Is the cauliflower cheese put on the cauliflower or all over the meal? I used to make a cauliflower cheese sauce when the kids were little. It was the only way they would eat broccoli and cauliflower.
Just the cauliflower, Chrissy. Thanks very much
The brave Highland Cattle stares down the brave photographer, Derrick
Thanks very much, Ivor
Very clever sign for those who know where to look for it.
Thanks very much, Dolly 🙂
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Looks a lovely place and those Highland Cattle magnificent .. I love supporting the Local farm shop.. 🙂
Thank you very much, Sue.
The moss-carpeted roof is absolutely lovely.
Thank you so much, John
Highlands are such magnificent creatures.
Thanks very much, Sue
I particularly like the last two photos. I think it must be the light and the color of the cattle matching the landscape.
Yes – that is what I went for, and didn’t crop too much. Thanks very much for your usual understanding, Liz.
You’re welcome, Derrick.
It is good to see Highland cattle enjoying the soft southern lifestyle.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
I’ve never seen a moss-covered roof, although there are at least a couple of roofs around here that have been designed to be covered with grasses and flowers. What we do see are barns and such covered with Kudzu: a southern plant/vine also known as The Plant That Hopes to Take Over the World.
I have seen it growing in Kentucky, way back when, with my own eyes. 🙂 I think a number of places have a kudzu festival of some kind, and crown a Kudzu Queen.
I had to look up kudzu
Local towns have mosquito and alligator festivals, too. I suppose the theory is, “If you can’t beat ’em, celebrate them!”
Thanks very much, Linda. Another new word for me
Love the leafy carpet…and the mossy roof! Nature is decorating again! 😉
The history of the Church sign is interesting!
What great photos of such impressive bovine! Handsome hardy Highland hunks! Ha! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you very much, Carolyn X
Those are fine Highland cattle! I love the lighting at this time of year, angled, soft and beautiful.
Me, too, Lavinia. Thank you very much
Such a cool roof! Great photos today, Derrick! The World Cup game was good today.
Thanks very much, Jill
Handsome beasts, those highland cattle. I’m curious about the moss-covered roof and how well it works.
Maybe it is akin to thatch. Thanks very much, JoAnna
Highland Cattle posing for your camera. 🙂
Thank you very much, Bridget
Beautiful pictures make you feel you want to be there. I like the innocent look of the cattle wondering at the strangers. Humans must be looking like strange creatures to them!
Thank you very much, Geeta
The moss covered roof makes me think it my leak or be very damp.. Great photos Derrick.
Thank you very much, Aletta
Those are moody, well framed shots of the woodland. Turning roads always make for interesting pictures. The mossy roof is an ecological and aesthetic marvel. The highland cattle seems to be weighing its chances against a possible encounter with the photographer.
Thank you so much, Uma, for your usual close observation and welcome comments
The Highland cattle are a wonderful addition to your beautiful woodland photographs, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Anne
The Highland cattle certainly are impressive looking.
They are, Nicki. Thanks very much
Highland cattle are so majestic
They are, Sheree. Thank you very much
I recognize the narrow English roadsChaamp of hops bordered by high hedges. Not always funny mainly when you meet an enormous bus; It was in the Kent, I wanted to see a hop field. Never been able to see them because of the high hedges!!! 🙂 But this same day we found a vineyard with production of wine.
In friendship
Michel
Thank you so much, friend Michel
That moss roof is unique, but I HAD to show my better-half that Highland cattle picture. What a good-looking animal!
I’m pleased, GP. Thanks very much
That is a funny little sign. I expect only those with sharp eyes can spot it
🙂 Thanks very much, Laurie
interesting photos, Derrick. I love the stump with the church sing. That old bull looks a little dangerous!
Thanks very much, Dwight
You are welcome!
You really do live in such a beautiful area.
We do, Gary. Thanks very much
I’m inclined to think the bull was posing for you, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Judy
Beautiful photos to sum up your day.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
Hello Derrick
It’s been a long time since I’ve been there, but I still love your images that I like so much, so I walk around at the same time to, like you, dwell on small details
ps; I hope that the cure of the Church does not lose too many flocks 😀
Welcome back, Catherine. Thanks very much
I love the light in the cattle photos–especially the first one. And that photo of the lane makes me want to follow it. 🙂
Thank you very much, Merril
Beautiful photos! That moss-carpeted roof looks really magical ☺️
Thank you very much, Ribana
The photo of the highland cow is gorgeous. What an animal. Naturally, you would have noticed that the name of the road is Church Lane. It’s as helpful a clue as the sign! I think the moss on the roof is appealing, and when it begins to thicken on my roof I am tempted to let it grow for the looks. But sadly, I climb up there once a year and scrape it all off. Too bad moss has to be damaging.
Thanks very much, Crystal