Pannage Pigs And Ponies

We set off this morning on a forest drive meandering up to Hockey’s Farm Café for our usual choices of brunch. The day began overcast yet dry; by the time we had turned back for home fairly steady rain had set in.

Comfortable air conditioning in our car belied the warmth that was to greet me each time I disembarked with my camera.

The first subject for my lens was the decorated postbox along Wootton Road, now ready for Halloween.

Perhaps both species unaware of the service the Gloucester Old Spots snuffling around pasturing ponies at North Gorley, the pigs guzzling mast left clear grass to the equines, thus saving them from acorn poisoning.

The unseasonal warmth in the air ensures that the flies are not yet done with the patient, uncomplaining, ponies.

Cyclists swung round ponies on the road, while outside Hockey’s at Gorley Lynch, motor traffic negotiated troops of donkeys.

The above photographs are all mine.

Jackie was also applying her camera, recording me and the Gloucester Old Spots on which I was focussed.

She overlooked neither hide nor heels of the grey pony that hugged the side of the Hyundai for a while.

The pony hide presented one pattern; she saw another in a gnarled tree trunk.

This evening we all dined on second sittings of yesterday’s pasta meal with more of the same beverages.

72 comments

  1. I love this decorating of mailboxes! And how lovely that you and Jackie share in this love of photography.
    Nature is a wonderful thing – the pigs eating that which would make the horses sick.

    1. Thanks very much from us both, Chrissy. Yes – 2019 Hyundai. Jackie is a better artist than I am.

  2. I always had a notion that Jackie might be responsible for the postbox decorations!
    I love it when Jackie takes photos of you taking photos of them!
    Hope you enjoyed Hockey’s.

    1. Thanks very much, Sue. The only time Hockey’s ever disappointed they were missing several staff – fortunately I didn’t review them for Secret Diners on that day

  3. Great photos, both of you!
    But, I must say I really enjoy those by Jackie! They are artistic!
    Pretty ponies and phenomenal piggies partaking and partying in partnership! 🙂
    So cool that Jackie found that pony in the weathered tree trunk. Nature’s art once again. 🙂
    (((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  4. I enjoyed seeing the pigs, ponies and other denizens of the forest. I love those Gloucester Old Spots! The bark patterns in the old tree were very artistic. Thank you both!

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