On another glorious summer’s morning Jackie drove me to the surgery at Milford, where I handed in my repeat prescription order. She then deposited me at The Beach House so that I could walk back along the cliff top and up through Shorefield, thus avoiding the ascent of Park Lane. 
Sleepy yachts slipped past The Needles and The Isle of Wight, along The calm, bright blue, Solent, reflecting the clear sky above.
Scarlet Pimpernels straggled underfoot.
Colourful lichen clings to memorial benches
like this one.
What is fascinating about these benches that line the cliff paths, is that they give you some idea of the length of retirees’ twilight years, and demonstrate the longevity of lichen.
Work continues on the re-sited footpath, brought some way inland following last year’s cliff crumble. Three cyclists sped along it. One waved cheerily. In the distance can be seen the crew adding fine gravel to the tarmacked surface. When I reached them I took rather a good photograph of the workers, but their head man preferred not to have their faces flying round the internet, so I deleted it.
A gentleman and his black labrador descended the steps down to the beach. The dog dashed down the bank, possibly indicating that he didn’t want to be photographed either.
The normally reluctant crows didn’t seem interested. One just continued preening.
Another, tattooed, man, attempting a tan, toted his shirt along the shingle.
A few days ago I featured signs warning swimmers off, because of World War II defence ironwork. A photograph now shows the spikes, rather like those that in medieval times aimed to ensnare horses.
This afternoon Jackie drove Sheila and me around the north of the forest. Donkeys wandered on the road in Mockbeggar.
One, standing in the soporific sunlight, cast a sharp shadow.
Another, sensibly stayed in the shade.
Before having a drink in the garden of The Foresters Arms in Frogham, we visited the nearby Abotswell Car Park.
Dog roses decorated the shrubbery. Beyond these it is evident that the small lake is almost dry.
Just how did the owner of these keys ever leave the car park?
There was no suitable stopping place for photography on Roger Penny Way, but, as we approached Cadnam, there was enough of an hiatus in the traffic flow for me, from the back seat of the Modus, to produce an image of
the pony family that had ambled across the road.
This evening we all dined at Lal Quilla in Lymington. The meal, service, and friendliness were as good as ever. I chose a new dish called Chicken Jaljala. This was cooked in a sweet, sour, and hot tomato and onion sauce. I will certainly have it again. Jackie and I drank Kingfisher, whilst Sheila’s choice was sparkling water.
It wasn’t far off 10 p.m. when we admired the sunset from the quay.
What great views and lovely weather you enjoyed yesterday Derrick. The shot of the lichen bench is probably my favourite – though the donkey close-up is pretty cool too!
Thank you Pauline
I like the selfie (6th from the bottom). I think you’re inspiring me to get up and out, except the bridge on the main state highway has just washed out with flooding and there’s no way of heading south more than about 2 kilometres. It’s been pouring down here now for 24 hours.
Haw haw
😀
What a handsome donkey and love the shadow picture. Also the tattoeed man. Lovely day you had. Take good care of your health.
Thank you Cynthia
I’ve never seen a scarlet pimpernel. Only read the story. So, something new every day. I liked the donkey, too, standing in the sun to create his shadow.
Thank you Lisa
I’m with Pauline on the beauty of the lichen on the bench, and of course only Bruce can get away with calling that 6th from the bottom photo a selfie!
Thank you Cynthia. Bruce is such a cute ass
The New Forest skeletal ironwork image is certainly a strong and profound visual reminder of the UK’s intimate WW2 experience and sacrifice. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Thanks Joanne
Funny how people turn from your camera and they always walk into my frame (when I’d rather they don’t). I like lichen too and have taken hundreds of lichen pictures. Wonder what it is that attracts us to them.
Thanks Mary. For me, its the colours and the length of time it takes to grow.
Yes, there is something ancient and timeless about them.
Beautiful pics Derrick! From a beautiful day! (selfies or otherwise! 🙂
Thanks Rob 🙂
Such a full day ! Those burrows are pretty cute. I find them quite irresistible with that bed head hair, Ha! I snooped on Google maps to see where you had dinner and where the forest is. Such a remarkable region. You probably know that only 20 minutes from your dinner stop is Lyndhurst where ‘Alice’ from Alice in Wonderland is burried. We were in London for 4 days in 2008 but didn’t get to travel out of the city at all. I’d really love to get back and see the countryside. Someday 😀
Thanks Boomdee. Yes, we do know Alice’s resting place. Hope you make it down here.
Amazing Pictures! Love seasides 🙂 I live by one 🙂
Thank you Anna
Wonderful pictures and tales. Thank you. 🙂
Thank you Jane
Wow what a spectacular views… Each one looks amazing Derrick…:) 🙂
Thank you Chitra
There are Scarlet pimpernels growing on Saltee island. I was admiring them on my last trip. Love your donkey photographs – they are my favorite.
Thank you Ines
Sea-view memorial benches and a re-sited footpath due to a cliff fall remind me of our local coast path … though I don’t believe we still have World War 2 defences lurking beneath the waves! Lovely photos of the donkeys.
Thank you for your usual support and encouragement, Peggy