On a weekend in which the vast majority of the UK has been beset by severe snowstorms we have to consider ourselves fortunate that the ferocious winds that have raged around our far gentler microclimate for two days and nights have been flinging floods of more manageable precipitation, the effect of which we encountered the minute we turned the corner into Hordle Lane on our intended forest drive to lunch at Hockey’s Farm Café.
We could have played ducks and drakes on the surface of this lane just a stone’s throw from our home.
The water from the moorland lapped across Tiptoe Road.
Unusually both fords along Holmsley Passage were full of fast-running streams;
the landscape flanking the passage as it climbs bore pools and soggy bracken beneath misty horizons.
Most vehicles, such this Land Rover outside Burley sent showers of spray across the flowing tarmac, the height of the cascades depending upon velocity involved.
A well submerged stretch of Crow Road was the first that my nerve-wracked Chauffeuse considered impassable.
Despite valiant further efforts she finally gave up the idea of Hockey’s and took the A31 to inexcess Ringwood Garden Centre’s Charlotte’s Tea Rooms, where very friendly, welcoming, and efficient, staff in a relaxed environment served our lunch of
cheese and red cabbage in a rustic roll with latte coffee in Jackie’s case; leek and potato soup with fresh bread and butter in mine; and two huge cheese scones to take back for Ian.
Walls and ceiling were covered with reproductions of printed posters and the tables were immediately cleared. In the bottom right corner of the table clearance photograph can be glimpsed a child’s high chair.
Balmer Lawn on our return was awash. We could safely ignore the ban on swimming and water sports.
Finally there was quite a hold up on the A337 outside Brockenhurst where traffic had been diverted around floods under a railway bridge.
It was fortunate that we had avoided returning by Hordle Lane because Becky had seen a car having to be towed out of the deepened pool.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s cottage pie; tasty firm carrots and Brussels sprouts, with which I drank Chilean Reserva Privada Malbec 2023.
Wow, guys! I’m glad that your home isn’t in one of those flood zones, terrible. The food sounds delicious! Well worth the detour.
Thank you very much, John
You’re welcome! ☺️
I absolutely love those Portmeirion Botanica plates and cups! I had a few, but sadly, they were broken when the bottom of the box wasn’t secured properly—they fell and shattered all over the floor.
Thank you very much, Ilze. Such bad luck
I still remember it with a heavy heart! They were gifted by a friend…
That’s wet day. Enjoyed the photos.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
Thank you.
Food looks good. Across the North sea we are dealing with heavy snowfall.
Thank you very much, Rupali
Not the best kind of day to be out driving, but the Charlotte’s Tea Rooms looks like are a warm getaway with a hearty meal.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
I am glad that you had an alternative eatery available. You must be thoroughly fed up with the weather in recent months.
It hasn’t been good, but not half as bad as the rest of UK. Thanks a lot, Toolepedal
I applaud Jackie for attempting the flooded road. I thought your company has already departed for home. Delicious food and pictures.
Thank you very much, Pat. It was only the youngsters who left on 2nd. Becky and Ian will probably leave tomorrow
I’m glad you found a cozy spot for your meal. We’re only hours away from the bottom falling out temperature wise — we’re looking at a 45 degree temperature drop! — and I have the necessary provisions laid in. There’s my favorite Mexican chicken stew in the crockpot, and some lovely muffins already made. And, the plants are either sitting in the dining room or covered with freeze cloth outside. NOW it feels like winter, at last.
Thank you very much, Linda. You will be so cold. I hope your Mexican stew is hot enough
It is — in both senses of the word ‘hot.’
As I thought
That’s some serious flooding! Both your meal and Jackie’s look very good. The Tea Room looks like a cozy, pleasant place to enjoy a meal.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Flooding does not look good. We got snow.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
You’re definitely had your share of bad weather lately, Derrick … we had some rain this morning, to give us a break from our dry hot summer and help the firefighters with the troublesome bushfires …
Thank you very much, Ivor
Glad you’re okay, Derrick!
Thank you very much, Becky
I’m glad you played it safe and found a warm cozy tearoom for lunch. Soup and fresh bread is always good on a cold, wet day.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
Driving through water when you don’t know the depth is alway a no-no. But the wet soggy bracken and the misty trees make for some very atmospheric photographs Derrick.
Thank you very much, John.
Plan B worked out well for you!
Thank you very much, Barbara
That is quite a bit of flooding and I am glad it was not snow. I am glad to hear you and Jackie got back safely from your trip out.
What a lot of water! We are experiencing some very light drizzle every now and then today – very welcome after the heat of the past few days!
Thank you very much, Anne
That’s a lot of water! Flooding can be so dangerous and scary.
Best to be safe as one can. Always good to have that Plan B!
What a lovely place to dine and the food looks excellently yummy!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
Ooo those scones looked good!
Thanks very much, Kim
You and Jackie are adventurous, and Jackie a skillful driver. I would have stayed home. 🙂 The tea room seems cozy and the food looks delicious. It is just beginning to snow here now.
Thank you very much Merril
I am glad you and Jackie safely contended with the wet roads. Charlotte’s Tea Rooms looks like a cozy place and your meals look delicious.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I’m so glad you managed to avoid getting stuck in flood water, and your visit to the tearooms was ‘fruitful!’
Thank you so much, Sue
I had to look up ducks and drakes! That cabbage roll looked delectable. I hope the rain lets you alone soon. Snow here
Thanks very much, Rose. I’m pleased you looked it up to get the “stone’s throw” joke
Definitely defines the term, ‘soggy’. 🙂
Thanks very much, Widders
That’s a lot of water!
Thank you very much, Riba
First, let me commiserate with Jackie for braving these conditions. Flooded roads are scary. I’m glad you’re not seeing the worst of things, but this looks bad enough. Your meals sound delicious, and I’ve no doubt that the change of scenery in a cozy cafe lifted your spirits. I’m glad you’re back home. I hope the weather mellows soon.
Thank you so much, Alys
Having braved the waterlogged roads, a warm and hearty lunch was a necessity.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.