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We enjoyed a productive drive through the forest this morning.
On Hincheslea Moor the horizon still bore the early haze, as one man and his dog disappeared into the bracken,
whilst the sun’s rays illuminated the rest,
especially the bright purple heather.
Venturing into the wooded area at the edge of the moor, I became aware that I was being observed.
A number of Highland Cattle glided among the trees,
and sailed majestically into the sunshine beyond.
These great shaggy beasts have roamed the rugged landscape of Scotland since at least the 6th century AD, possibly having been imported from Scandinavia by invading Vikings.
Forage is easy to come by in The New Forest,
and they probably don’t need their extra overcoats.
They really are light on their feet, silent, and really quite elegant.
On my way back through the forest this one became more interested in my presence;
raising her head, she licked her chops;
and attempted a kiss, which, deftly avoiding tripping over a fallen trunk, I politely declined.
Moving on, the Lymington River at Brockenhurst was as smooth and effective as glass.
From there we travelled to Beaulieu for a visit to Patrick’s Patch. Although this gem of a community garden has featured in a number of posts, the link from 25th November 2013 explains its purpose.
Today, the garden was enjoying one of its peak periods. This path, to one of the many scarecrows, is flanked by sweet peas, dahlias, and globe artichokes.
Butterflies, like this comma, punctuated the hedges;
bees raided the echinacea;
at their peak were flowers like the dahlias above, this zinnia,
and the globe artichokes that bore the evidence of the irrigation of
Rachel, the Head Gardener, who worked over the whole plot with a snaking hose.
Before we left, this friendly young woman cut us a bouquet of flowers, including the zinnia pictured above. Jackie was quick to place them in a vase on the kitchen table.
This evening we dined on the offerings of Mr Chatty Man Chan at Hordle Chinese Take Away. I finished the last inch or two of the Slovenian white wine.
I enjoyed the landscapes and the kissing cow, Derrick, but most of all the rustic trapeze hanging from a tree, over the water. It reminded me of when my brothers and I used to fashion what we called a “Tarzan swing”, to perilously “fly through the air, with the greatest of ease” over a swimming hole at the base of a mountain spring.
Thanks, Cynthia. We do find quite a lot here.
Those bovines have some serious hornage. 🙂
They do, Widdershins. Thank you
Lovely landscapes and the first shot of the cattle is awesome. The rest too are really nice but the first one has something really special about it
Thanks very much, Geetha. I cropped it quite a lot
Ah ok. I thought what a perfect shot with the exact frame. I did not know you cheated 😀 Welcome anyway
🙂
Wow, that is one handsome hunk of bull. And so expertly photographed. 🙂
Many thanks, Johnna
For a moment I thought you’d relocated to Scotland – what with the bracken and the heather and the highland cattle………. Who would accept the offer a kiss from such a one! Patrick’s Patch is gorgeous – and how kind that the lovely Head Gardener gave the other lovely Head Gardener a posy of flowers. <3
It was kind wasn’t it, Pauline? Thank you – and fun location joke 🙂
Just gorgeous! And you know I love the muckle coo!
Thanks, Leslie
I liked the Highland cattle, especially the affectionate one! 🙂
Rachel, the “other head gardener” does well but Jackie is still really my favorite one! The Patrick’s garden is lovely and your captured of bee and flowers exquisite, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Robin
The “comma” butterfly was very nicely captured, Derrick. 🙂
That was a rewarding day, Derrick. Love that peek-a-boo with the bull and the near kiss with a cow 🙂 – and no jewels can rival that handful of flowers. I noted the run of purples 🙂
Many thanks, Mary
Great pictures. I love flower bouquets when they are not store bought.
Thank you Ladybug
What a landscape. I feel I haven’t seen one like it before, those shots of distance and little clumps of plants growing. I prefer not to encounter cattle when there is not a fence between us, so you are brave, wandering among the bovines. As for Patrick’s that’s a little bit of paradise and the flowers and blooming artichokes were lovely.
Very many thanks, Lisa. I operate on the basis that if they are allowed to roam, they must be OK. Mind you, some of the ponies bite. I guess your community garden must be similar to Patrick’s.
That could be true, I guess. In the American West, where they roam across large spaces, they’re a bit wild and unpredictable. The ponies I assume are like those on Chincoteague Island (biting, raiding picnic baskets, and posing cutely on occasion), leading mysterious pony lives much of the time. I should try to take a more sweeping picture of our garden.
Your ponies do seem very similar
What a beautiful stroll under the morning sun, Derrick.
I love the 6th picture with the Highland Cattle who has observed you 🙂
Many thanks, Monica
😀
Hincheslea Moor looks great snake country!
Thanks, John
Beautiful shots, Derrick. The broken heather is amazing!
Many thanks, Jill
I’ve heard (I’m not sure where, perhaps another blog) that Highland Cattle are actually pretty good natured despite their fearsome appearance. I hope so. Those horns look like they could do some damage if wielded in anger.
Beautiful images, Derrick! I love the cattle captures, especially the facial expression. 🙂
Thanks, Amy. 🙂
Such a lovely walk and interesting as well! The bouquet of flowers is gorgeous.
Many thanks, Lynn
Oh what a delightful tour that was Derrick.. So enjoyed my walk amid that wonderful countryside and loved the cattle 🙂 and the Dahlia’s..Its been a good year for them.. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend my friend.
Sue <3
Very many thanks, Sue
🙂
I love highland cattle – we had some in a field near us for a while. I can imagine they love the New Forest. Lovely to see the purple heather blooming too – one of the colours of summer for me. And, gorgeous gardens and flowers – wonderful.
Many thanks, Peggy
Highland Cattle are so cute. Love the photographs with the sun shining through leaves, and the red heather.
Thank you very much, Inese
Ahhh, Highland cows, my favourite. Love the one peeping round the tree.
Thanks very much, Jessica
The place looks so quiet and serene, beautiful photos.
Thanks very much, Lakshmi
Love those cows!! The long hair, the curly horns. 🙂
Many thanks, Crystal. Great to see you back
Glad to be back 😉
Enjoyed your post Derrick, the Moors, the Highland cattle and the Lymington River, beautiful. I could imagine Highland Salmon resting in that cool Lymington River.
Many thanks, Ian
I’ve never seen Highland Cattle before! They look pre-historic; like mini mammoths. Thanks so much for the education, Sir Knight.
They do look prehistoric. I actually wonder if they are. Thanks, Rose