On the first bank holiday weekend of the holiday season in the New Forest there was much traffic on Holmsley Passage this morning: this took the form of
walkers, cars, and cyclists risking twisted ankles while negotiating potholes;
and a pony and trap I tracked approaching down the hill,
exchanging friendly greetings as they passed and travelled on to glide by a string of yellow-clad children on bikes.
A pair of horse riders clopping behind our parked Modus chose to diverge into the moorland rather than to confront either the small equines in harness or the vehicles following them.
Sensing that today would be hot, ponies on the moorland approaching Burley were already attracting visitors, with or without cameras, as they clustered together for their seasonal mutual protection.
Later, I finished reading the first volume of Dostoevsky’s “A Raw Youth”, then converted the following post from Classic to Block edit, changing its category to Garden:
For dinner this evening we all enjoyed succulent roast lamb; roasted potatoes, including the sweet variety; crunchy carrots; firm Brussels sprouts and broccoli; and meaty gravy, with which I drank more of the Côtes du Rhône and Jackie drank more of the Viognier.
This is a nice set, Derrick! So many people out and about on the weekend. Dinner sounds delicious as always, Jackie! ❤️
Thanks a lot from us both, John
What beautiful pictures! They perfectly communicate a lovely spring air and a holiday atmosphere????????????
Thank you very much, Luisa
You’re highly welcome, Derrick 🙂
Lovely photos portraying the holiday mood. I am looking forward to your review of Dostoevsky, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick.
Wow–it does really look busy! I guess this is the start of the summer season like it is here.
Thanks very much, Merril
People love being outside. Your pictures show it so beautifully.
Than you so much, Bridget
Lovely pictures. I love reading about the ponies and trap. Sounds like a 3 day weekend on both sides of the pond.
Thank you very much, Pat
You convey a lovely holiday feeling both in your fine photographs as well as in the description of your celebratory sounding meal 🙂
Thank you so much, Anne
I still can’t get over how narrow your roads are! Is it safe to assume that drivers are appropriately cautious?
Not a safe assumption, Liz, as evidenced by animal deaths and broken wing mirrors. Thanks very much.
That’s unfortunate. You’re welcome, Derrick.
I can imagine that some locals, anxious to get about their business, might not be as happy to see so many cyclists about as I am (from a safe distance).
These groups were all fine. It is the daft aggressive ones trying to kill themselves that annoy us. Thanks very much, Tootlpedal
Yes it’s the start here as well. The local campsite was full to busting this weekend. Wonderful photos sir.
Thank you very much, Gary
When I read ‘holiday season,’ I always think of Christmas. What I think you’re calling holiday season I think must be what we call vacation time. In like manner, we don’t go on holiday, we go on vacation. More interesting words to enjoy.
Indeed, Linda. In fact I was aware of that when I chose the title. And, of course, all life is now holiday for us. Thanks very much
“Traffic jam!” – No, not really but you know. And that sounds like a right proper Sunday dinner!
Thanks very much, Dale. That is the nearest we get to one.
My kind of traffic ????
What a beautiful day! It’s nice to see so many people out enjoying the fresh air!
Thanks very much, JoAnna
The day looks clear and sunny, Derrick. Summer is indeed upon us.
We are hardly seeing s cloud at the moment – very unusual, Alys. Thank you very much
I especially love the pony trap. It sounds like you and Jackie are having a wonderful holiday weekend!
Thank you very much, Lavinia
It’s surprising how many cyclists don’t bother with helmets!
Thanks a lot, John
Giro d’New Forest with the locals on horse. Ciao bella
Thanks very much, John
So wonderful to see all forms of transportation being enjoyed on such a beautiful day!
I hope it is a safe and fun holiday season for everyone!
The last weekend of May here, too, is when many people start taking time off (as schools are out) and enjoying the summer weather through the next 3 months.
(((HUGS)))
Thanks very much, Carolyn X
Nice gallery Derrick
Thanks very much, Andrew
Off season is my favorite time, which is why I took our vacation before Memorial Day. It meant that many activities were not open yet, but natural areas were. Too many people!
I’m sure
Lots and lots of people! Who can blame them for wanting to come to your beautiful area? In Maine, we have the same flood of people coming to our vaunted Maine coast. Because we live inland, we don’t have the same influx that the coast has.
Thank you very much, Laurie
Is today a public holiday in the uK, Derrick? I know it is a holiday in the USA. Nice pictures of people relaxing.
Yes, it is. Thanks very much, Robbie
How great to be out in the sun! I’d love to try the pony and trap 🙂
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
The pics give a peek into a sedentary life. I am dying for one.
Thank you very much, Geeta
That was a cute four-wheeled pony cart… with a rumble seat for her!
Thanks very much, Dwight
How unusual! Fine weather on a Bank holiday.
So very unusual, Sheree 🙂 Thanks very much
You’re very welcome Derrick
Beautiful pictures.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.