Martin spent the whole day working in the garden. Jackie and I left him to it later this afternoon, but I will need to photograph his results tomorrow, because soon after we came home from an afternoon’s drive heavy rain hammered down.
Before lunch Shelly visited for a coffee and catch up after Covid in both families. All is well now.
My camera today found plenty of subjects along Beachern Wood.
A solitary pony cropped the verges beside the car park where
a horse being led from its box attracted visitors’ attention.
Various ponies dotted the landscape as we approached
the waking woodland, walked by people of all ages.
Alpacas basked on a hill opposite the trees;
cyclists and riders ambled down the road;
ungainly gaited crows trotted around the banks of
the rippling Ober Water, which reflected the surrounding trees,
one of which still bore Christmas decorations.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s omelette-topped savoury rice served with three preparations of prawns, namely tempura, hot and spicy and salt and pepper with which the Culinary Queen and I drank Valle de Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc 2021, while Flo didn’t.
Does that tree have googly eyes?! 🙂 I love the alpacas under the perfectly-proportioned tree, the ponies in silhouette coming in a close second.
Thank you so much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Great photos again. Is the New Forest having to import ponies?
I enjoyed seeing all of the animals out enjoying the spring weather. 🙂
Thanks very much, AnneMarie
Wonderful gallery of your environs. Rudolph is a treat, alpacas cute and that horse van is amazing. Thanks for sharing these pictures, Derrick. Glad things are getting back to normal for you, Jackie and family and friends. 🙂
Much appreciated, Maj
The white pony in Beachern Wood looks like something straight out of Thelwell.
Yes, John – we think it might be a cross between a Shetland and a New Forest pony. Thanks very much.
A productive day, I would say. 🙂
Thank you very much, Chrissy
what a wonderful walk Derrick.. and so many beautiful ponies… Love Rudolph and the one with the crow.. the stump of wood I think it is looks like a cat … stalking the crow..
Enjoy the rest of your week my friend.. 😀
Thank you so much, Sue
So many critters out and about today, I like the Moose on the tree, cute!
Thank you very much, John
Great photos! I had to wait until the last one to understand your title. lol
Tanks a lot, Jodie X
<3
I must say that you have managed to create a wonderful sense of peace and well being through your photographs today.
Thank you very much, Tootlepedal
The Rudolph reference was what? I’m slow this evening.
The Rudolph reference was what? I’m slow this evening.
It took me a minute or two. Look at the very last photo!
Thanks. Once I read your comment, I looked up and found the red nose and the limb-like antlers.
https://youtu.be/VjL031bE9FA Thanks very much, Pat
Thanks, Derrick. It was the last picture and I mostly scanned the first pictures… Duh!
🙂
Someone left their Christmas decorations up longer than me! The mossy trunk looks like it could be the side of a steep mountain with vegetation.
Thank you very much, JoAnna. I’m pleased you saw that in the trunk
Wonderful again Derrick. You really make the New Forest look truly amazing.
Thank you so much, Gary
Oh Rudolph … Christmas is a long way off (I hope) … and your photo of the white and black Alpacas basking in the sun together is very eyecatching Derrick, and I have placed it in my “Files”
Thanks very much, Ivor
As always, I enjoyed the pictures of all those animals, especially the horses. But the alpacas are a close second.
Thanks very much, Laurie
The woodland has interesting visitors of all ages. Ponies seem to have taken over the control of the grassland. Alpacas are always a wonder to me having met not one in my life. It is a lyrical narration replete with intricate alliterations, always a treat to the mind.
Thank you so much, Uma
I enjoyed seeing the alpacas, Derrick. They’re fascinating creatures. Crows are such clever birds.
Thank you very much, Alys
Those are wonderful forest drive photos, Derrick and Jackie. I love all the animals, especially the littlest ponies. 🙂
Thank you very much from us both, Lavinia
Your subjects are so lovely! The 2 legged ones. The 4 legged ones. The no legged ones. 😉
And Rudolph is a cutie! I bet he brings lots of smiles to surprised faces!
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn
It’s ever changing. The prize today goes to the little girl striding out (photo before the alpacas)
Probably my favourite, too, John. Thanks very much
That Rudolph tree is so funny and effective. Many beautiful horses and ponies. I liked the white pony and the black and white scratching one. The alpacas are a twenty-first century version of the pastoral paintings done in earlier centuries.
Dinner sounds delicious.
Thank you so much, Merril
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Such outstanding pictures today, Derrick. I love the white pony and that silhouette at the bottom right of the pony gallery is a sure win in the contest (if they still have it).
Thanks very much, GP. I haven’t seen the contest advertised since Before Covid
Now – that is a shame!
What a beautiful day! Gorgeous photos Derrick!
Thank you very much, Ribana
I love the photo of the fallen tree branch. It adds an artistic flair to the forest.
Thank you so much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Spring is in the air. You do live in a lovely place… 👍🏻
We are so lucky, Brian. Thanks very much
Alpacas are interesting; I have been close to groups a few times in Oregon as both lamas and alpacas are bred/raised in many areas. They aren’t all that welcoming but fun to watch. Liked seeing the older woman with the little girl–glad so many folks enjoyed walking.
Thanks very much, Cynthia
Everbody seem to enjoy the day out!
Thanks very much, Aletta