This morning the skies were overcast and the temperature cooler.
After a Tesco shopping trip Jacki and I drove into the forest.
The small lake on Clay Hill, although still bearing reflections was drying , its crumbling banks
dotted with brambles, wild rose hips, and heather,
that Jackie photographed in close-up.
Bracken was beginning to brown; roots were exposed beneath the trees; acorns now dropping presaged the start of pannage; further up the hill more heather purpled the moorland up which a winding road ascended.
Although not yet completely devoid of flies ponies along Bisterne Close had emerged from the depths of the woodland which had been their recent refuge,
Friendly cyclists appreciated Jackie’s allowing them to pass in safety as she tucked the Modus into the verge.
After lunch warm sunshine returned to tempt out a slithering grass snake which Jackie made a good attempt at photographing before it slipped through a crack to safety.
This evening we all dined on Ashley fish, chips, mushy peas and curry sauce; Mrs Elswood’s sandwich gherkins; and Garner’s pickled onions, with which I finished the GSM and no-one else drank.
The ‘Pony in Woodland’ photo is my favorite. It’s almost a silhouette, but the pony appears to be watching you.
Well spotted, GP. I was doing just that. Thanks very much
I’ll soon get to see my favorite pretty pannage porkers. Hurray! Glad the fly season is on the wane. Wish I could say the same for mosquitoes here since I am sporting three new itchy bites from yesterday.
We, too, have had our share of those this year. Jackie has worse bites than I do. Thanks very much, Pat
The mosquito problem has got worse. I don’t recall being troubled bu mosquitoes until only quite recently. There are horrible small black beetley things as well which give a nasty nip.
I feel bad for the horses dealing with pesky flies! ☹️
Thank you very much, John
The photos of the black and white horses together are beautiful. So, probably a stupid question, but do the horses just tough it out in the wild all winter?
Cheers,
Julie
They do, Julie. They are a breed that have been here for about 2,000 years. Thanks very much
I particularly like the ones featuring two black ponies and one black one.
Thanks very much, Liz.
Heather is lovely close up and from afar.
Big props to Jackie for the snake photos. My reactions to snakes are usually: scream, run/freeze, die. Grabbing a camera will never be in the mix.
Thanks very much, Jodie. We don’t have your snakes 🙂
It IS all about size. I am fine with worms.
As a cyclist, I appreciate Jackie’s courtesy in tucking into the verge.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
I’ve been battling flies this evening while enjoying our patio. I feel for the ponies. Beautiful shots Derrick and Jackie.
Thank you so much from each of us, Jill
OMG. Was the snake in your garden?
Yes. Quite harmless. The only snake that bites is an adder, death from which is very rare. Thanks very much, Rosaliene
Nice to see the grass snake – the garden eco-system must be running well.
Thank you very much, Quercus
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a close up of heather, so thank you for that! I also liked the dark brown pony next to the mossy tree trunk. 🙂
Thank you very much, JoAnna
Fabulous photos of the pines.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick, but I mean “ponies,” sorry. That autocorrect!
Of course. I got that
What beautiful photography!!!
The snake gave me the creeps.????
Thanks very much, Geeta. Ours don’t bite
…long and winding road. Love the pny photos.
Thanks very much, Arlene
Lucky to see that snake! Good subject for a nature photo challenge except that I don’t have a single snake pic.
Thanks very much, Denzil. I think I only have one other
I’m so jealous….all these years and I never did see a grass snake. Nottinghamshire is more or less too cold for reptiles. with few records even of Common Lizards.
Thanks a lot, John
Your pony gallery is exceptional, and great job by Jackie. I’m always surprised by how quickly snakes can move.
So was Jackie. Thanks very much, Merril
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Another satisfying day for your diary and old age. Jolly good! Cheers.
Thank you very much, Joy
Gorgeous photos of the ponies and I especially love the photo of the heather.
Thank you very much, Eugi
Most welcome, Derrick.
flies have dramatically decreased; must be a great relief! love those berry shots and the heather dotted grounds! 🙂
Thank you very much, Wilma
Excellent photographs. Cool grass snake.
Thank you very much, Sherry
Always enjoy vicarously driving through the woodlands with you. Have a Wonderful Wednesday, Derrick & Jackie. I end my love ;o) <3
Thank you so much, Jan, forms both XX
Lovely photos today.
I’ve never seen a grass snake, so I’m supposing that if Nottinghamshire is too cold for them, I’m very unlikely to see one here Yorkshire.
The wretched flies decreased overnight here when Richard moved the sheep and cattle last week.
Good news on the flies, Sue. Thank you very much
Lovely images. The heather looks so cool. I don’t see heather here at all.
Thank you very much, Zakiah
Gorgeous photos, Derrick and Jackie! ❤️❤️
Oh, my on the flies! Oh, eek and quake on the snake! HA! Maybe the snake could go on a long trip and take the flies with him.
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much from us both, Carolyn XX
It’s starting to look autumnal
Yes. Today is really perfect. Thanks very much, Sheree
Jackie, thank you for the picture of the snake 🙂 🙂
Much appreciated from each of us, Anne
Always such lovely photos. You are the dynamic duo!
Thank you very much, Dale
That is a beautiful snake! Mostly what we see are are gopher snakes.
Thanks very much, Lavinia
A beautiful day with lovely photos!
Thank you very much, Ribana