On this overcast, somewhat warmer afternoon Jackie drove me to Puttles Bridge and back.
From the carpark I crunched among the dropped pine cones and dried autumn leaves; thudded along the beaten track; slalomed around fallen, decaying, branches and tree trunks; and gingerly stepped over exposed, sometimes mossy, interwoven roots, alongside the still, silent, reflecting Ober Water.
I enjoyed a pleasant conversation with a friendly couple across the stream. They had been visiting their son at Southampton University.
Now the cattle, having been overwintering in their shelters, are free to introduce their calves to the moorland. These occupied the environs of Sway Road.
Later, I booked my Spring booster Covid vaccination.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s succulent sausages in red wine; creamy mashed potatoes with nutmeg; crunchy carrots; and tender broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, with which she finished the Rosé and I drank more of the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Calves are showing us how the pastures are in bloom as well.
Indeed. Thanks very much, GP
As always, the pictures are atmospheric. Love your choice of strong verbs in your opening.
Thank you so much, Pat
There’s something about the roots and stream landscape that’s otherworldly to me. The reflections are lovely. I liked seeing the calves against the bright gorse.
Will this be your first or second booster?
Thanks very much, Merril. The second
Have to agree with Merril’s “otherworldly” quality of the stream side images. Found it fun that the chap across the creek also enjoys photography, at least he’s carrying camera gear. The calves will enjoy romping around the open range at dusk, as all young cattle do.
Thanks very much, Maj. Immediately after I took the more distant shot of the couple, he reciprocated. 🙂
So many gorgeous photos today, Derrick. Thanks for sharing!
Much appreciated, Jill
I see that your gorse are still blooming brightly. My favorite out of today’s group is #12/21. I could see the scene prompting some daydreaming.
Same here, Liz.
Thanks very much, Liz. I went back to the post to check that I imagined the correct number 12. I had 🙂
You’re welcome, Derrick. 🙂
The first gallery of pictures is wonderful….somewhere where a hobbit might live.
Thanks very much, John
Your photos and words ignite our senses!
Trees! I love how you beautifully capture the lives of trees…and their reflections in the water are beautiful, too! The exposed roots are like Mother Nature’s artwork. 🙂
Cows and calves…aw-worthy! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
PS…Ooh, on the addition of nutmeg to mashed potatoes! 🙂
PPS…”The tree is more than first a seed, then a stem, then a living trunk, and then dead timber. The tree is a slow, enduring force straining to win the sky.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Hah! You beat me to it. Next time I have mashed potatoes, I’ll be adding that loveely spice.
How are you nice woman? <3 xx
Thank you, too, Yvonne
I will be, too! I love nutmeg and I’m always trying to think of new foods to include it in! 🙂
I’m doing well! Thank you for asking!
How are you doing?!?!
(((HUGS)))
❤️🌞
Just fine over here, Down Under, thanks.
Nutmeg is good in a slow cooked beef stew, also. <3 xx
Thanks for the tip, Yvonne
Thank you very much, Carolyn. An apt quotation X
I liked your roots and reflections section.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
A faireyland of wonder and inspiration. However, next time you go there could we have a photograph of the actual bridge; it is there in two photos – I think. (PS. I haven’t been responding much of late, I am a little tied up righthandwise.
Fully understood, John. I have occasionally photographed the bridge. I’ll do it again. Thanks very much
Sounds like tricky going. Glad you didn’t fall.
You are so right, Laurie. As you probably appreciate, I would have had great difficulty getting up. Thank you very much
Phew!
Your wonderful description of traveling among pinecones, branches and roots, and leaves sounds like a good workout for the body and mind requiring concentration. Still, I know you enjoyed it. I especially like the Ober Water woodland with reflections.
Thanks very much, JoAnna. I have to admit that it was scary in parts.
There’s a trail in the mountains that scares me a little. We have to be careful on our adventures.
It’s interesting to see photos of a place like this when compared to your vibrant and colorful garden. They’re quite different worlds, but equally attractive — rather like Walden West on the one hand, and our flower-filled prairies on the other.
Thank you very much for this thoughtful observation, Linda
“From the carpark I crunched
among the dropped pine cones
and dried autumn leaves;
thudded along the beaten track;
slalomed around fallen,
decaying, branches and tree
trunks; and gingerly stepped over
exposed, sometimes mossy,
interwoven roots,
alongside the still, silent,
reflecting Ober Water.”
This is how I read this beautiful piece packed with onomatopoeic imagery. The pictures enrich and deepen the perception. What a joy it must be to the younger cattle released to the open world.
Thank you so very much, Uma. What a wonderful job you have done without changing a word.
You give a lively description of your walk 🙂
Thank you very much, Anne
slalomed – nice word. Autumn is showing it’s colours here. The trees are beautiful.
Thanks very much, Chrissy
What a beautiful place to hangout. Looks out of a fairy tale 😊
Thanks very much, Mithai
Overcast days have their own special charm, and you have captured that in your forest photos. It was a pleasure to see cows and calves again, too. I suppose we won’t catch a glimpse of the Gloucester Old Spots until the fall mast crop? 🙂
Probably not, but we do know a couple of lanes where they do sometimes escape :). Thanks very much, Lavinia
Fabulous photos of roots and reflections.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Your camera skills were on high alert and your muse was on overdrive today. Beautiful post! I am in the waiting room – ready for my surgery. Thanks for the beautiful journey with you as I wait. Great entertainment! 👍🏽❤️
Thank you very much, Jan. I hope the surgery went well XX
I think it did, but it’s too soon to tell for sure. Meantime, I’m just following the doc’s orders. 👍🏽❤️🙏🏽💤😆
X
Those trees and their reflections are magical!
Thank you very much, Ribana
What beautiful woodland and water features Derrick!
Thanks very much, Geetha
Welcome Derrick