This was a morning of brief showers alternating with bright sunshine giving way to a gloomy afternoon.
As we drove out of our front garden I noticed that Félicité Perpétue is thoroughly confused about whether she is six months early to bloom, or six months late.
We started along the coast road where a couple walked along the clifftop and the Isle of Wight and The Needles sparkled beneath a moody skyscape. Soon we returned back up Downton Lane where we
noticed tractor tyre tracks leading to the stubble of Roger Cob’s field.
We were setting off to Lakeside Café at nearby Bashley for brunch, after which we intended to continue a forest drive. This was to take some time waiting for various traffic holdups and diversions to clear. Our blocked lanes were too narrow for us to see why vehicles in front kept exercising three or four point turns.
On Hordle Lane we eventually saw the police had closed the road because a van had mounted the verge, crossed a small garden, and ended up in a field. Backtracking we tried Arnewood Bridge Road
where an enormous Bugler Coach, far too big for the road, had stopped traffic in both directions as it tried to negotiate a bend. I have imported this different model from the company website.
Finally we were ensnared on Silver Street where the Honda in front of us skilfully negotiated a turn leaving us enough room to follow suit and pass the tailback who had no idea what they would soon encounter.
A rainbow blessed us on Brockenhurst Road and we eventually
reached our goal where I tucked into a beef burger and chips while Jackie enjoyed her cheese and onion toastie and matching crisps.
When we arrived rain fell filling the lakes and the muddy pools on the approaching gravel paths. Each fisher sported a large umbrella unfurled as we left for home, pausing en route to observe
the waterfowl on the banks of Ballard Lake.
This evening we all dined on Jackie’s succulent lemon chicken, her colourful savoury rice; tender broccoli stems; and tangy macaroni cheese with which she drank Wairau Cove Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022, and I drank Paarl Shiraz 2022.
I’m glad you were rewarded with a rainbow after dealing with the traffic snarls.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Crazy poms drivers. Well. at least you got to your destination safe and sound. No destination I see in you travels have unworthy view though. There’s always animals too of some kind. Well done.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
Most interesting – sounded like a very full day! Loved the flowers…
Thank you very much, Joy
Wow, I wonder if the bus driver was in trouble with local police? That bus is way too large for your small road in that area. The cheese and onion toastie reminds me of a grilled cheese sandwich! Delicious with tomato soup.
Thanks very much, John. I doubt the police have time for that. A number of large vehicles do try their luck
I see.
Oh those skies!
Thank you very much, VJ
Welcome Derrick
A day that called for supreme patience by the looks of those traffic snarls.
Thanks very much, Gwen
Quite an adventure! I’m glad you got a rainbow and delicious lunch.
Thank you very much, Merril
Ballard Lake looks like a lovely spot for a picnic Derrick
Thanks very much, Ivor
You two sure have an interesting life. I’m glad you got to see the rainbow. It looks like a big pregnant dinosaur balloon floating over the Isle of Wight.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
Your fabulous roses are blooming out of season for me to admire, Derrick.
They are indeed, Dolly. hank you very much
My pleasure, Derrick.
At least you have good views while sitting in traffic. Lunch sounds yummy!
Thank you very much, Jill
Those clouds look heavy. Looks like a good day.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
This was an adventurous drive which made for an engrossing read. Jackie is certainly an expert chauffeuse. Driving on the chaotic roads infested with belligerent drivers out here, I have learnt the car you are tailing can make or mar your day. You appear to have struck luck following the red Honda.
Quite so, Uma. Thank you very much
I wonder if a gigantic coach trapped in a country lane was a hapless victim of satnav?
Always a thought, John. Thanks very much
So glad you survived the battle to enjoy a rainbow and some yummy food! 🙂
I enjoy seeing the waterfowl!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks very much, Carolyn X
Such situations are common here in summer when lots of tourist vans and busses arrive in Norway. One wrong turn may turn into a half day adventure for them and for others ????
Thanks very much, Rupali
I’m glad your persistence was finally rewarded with a tasty brunch!
Thank you very much, Sandra
I am glad your brunch was worth the excitement of getting there 🙂 We enjoyed Two Cubs Cabernet Sauvignon whilst watching the rugby. I couldn’t bear waiting until the end and went to bed with fifteen minutes to go – fortunately I was listening to the radio commentary. Joy for us, but what a disappointment for the English team!
Thank you so much, Anne. Disappointment indeed, but the game demonstrated a resurgence of our team of which they can be pleased
My goodness, what a day you had.
Coaches and buses sometimes try their luck on our lane, even though signs at either end say not suitable for heavy goods vehicles, common sense must surely tell them heavy goods include buses!
Everyone else is inconvenienced as we all attempt to back up to allow the buses to pass.
I’m glad you finally managed to grab a bite to eat.
Thanks you so much, Sue
That was quite a job going out to brunch. Glad you finally made it.
Thanks very much, Laurie
The rainbow was well-deserved after dealing with the traffic on the way to brunch. The food looks delicious.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You are most welcome, Derrick.
I have been on some coach trips in the past Derrick where huge coaches and narrow lanes do not mix well lol..
Lovely photos… After all the rain and flooding we have had .. <3 xx
Thanks very much, Sue X
<3
I am not surprised that beautiful rose was confused by such warm autumn weather! A rainbow spawned by a moody sky is indeed a blessing. Good catch!
Thank you very much, Lavinia
the rainbow was such a blessing after the huge motor coach fiasco! 🙂
Thank you very much, Wilma
Liz and I will be ’round later to help with any leftovers. Looks like getting to brunch was over half the fun.
It was indeed. Thanks very much, Pat 🙂
Over summer we too often get very large coaches trying to navigate our narrow lanes, so frustrating.
Thanks very much, Gary
Lots of traffic but well worth it 🙂
Yes. Thanks very much, Ribana
Oh, that is no fun to be stuck (and I imagine the bus driver was more than perturbed by the situation!
Lovely photos despite the whole thing!
Thanks very much, Dale. Everything makes a story 🙂
That is so true 🙂
Frustrating but at least you finally attained your objective
And gave us a story, 🙂 Thanks very much, Sheree
I’m glad you persevered through the traffic nightmare, but my oh my what a mess. Your lakeside photos are lovely, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Alys.