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This morning we brunched in a very crowded Otter Nurseries restaurant before driving to Emery Down, Bolderwood, and back home.
As with many New Forest villages, the approach to Emery Down from Swan Green is quintessentially English.
We have a row of tiny thatched cottages in which I could not stand upright, and a larger thatched house, opposite the green
flanking the uphill stretch of an undulating road, one of the warning signs of which bears the image of a pony. Level with the gate in this picture is a cattle grid. Both gate and grid are designed to keep those ponies on the far side.
The garden of the house benefits from our Indian summer;
no self-respecting one in this area, except, that is, for ours, is without its bank of nerines,
not all accompanied by pink shrub roses.
Turning left in Emery Down the forest road goes through Bolderwood. On its verges Jackie parked with her puzzle book whilst I wandered among the trees,
the leaves of which were beginning to turn rich gold and deep red.
This is also the season for mushrooms to force their way through the forest floor.
Throughout the woods can be seen shattered trunks and hollowed sawn logs from fallen trees.
At Bolderwood silent spectral ponies emerged from the shadows to graze their way across to the greener grass on the other side.
Sunlight played on the road on our return.
This evening we dined on spicy pizza and salad, followed by profiterols. I drank Basson shiraz 2014.
Hand and eye of an artist.
Right!!!!???
He really is..
🙂
Such a lovely comment, Oglach. Thank you
Beautiful colours of sunlit dappled trees.
Gorgeous photos.
x
Thanks very much, Melanie
You’re welcome.
x
So lovely as usual..
you know to really take us along with you . Everytime
Many thanks, Nita
Derrick knows how to capture them just right
Many thanks, Nita
A lovely ramble, Derrick. I particularly admire the composition of that oak leaf with ferns.
Many thanks, Cynthia. It just sat there waiting for me
I love those homeward bound photos – you captured such lovely light! And the thatched cottage – drool!!! 🙂
Thanks a lot, Pauline. It is drool-worthy
The tree trunks and ferns photographs look like paintings; water colours maybe.
Thanks very much, Mary. That was my hope
I feel like I am in a different world seeing these pictures! Lovely
Many thanks, Lynn. Having spent most of my life in London, I still have the same feeling
So special
Oh, I love these photos and stepping into this magical world. At least it looks magical compared to the Phoenix landscape!
Thanks very much, Luanne. It is magical
the Swan green cricket pitch was two tiered and the lower tier always seemed to be boggy. If the ball left the square towards the lower level you had to chase after it because you could be pretty sure it would plug as would you as the fielder. Forest cricket pitches were the oddest,
I’ll bet they are. The pitch I played on for many years had an uphill slope. I always chose to bowl uphill because it made me control myself 🙂 Thanks, Geoff
I never saw you as out of control but I can imagine you steaming downhill arms flailing hair set to stun – you would have been a terrifying sight
Only once did I opt for the downhill slope. It was during the annual single wicket competition (which I won). I had been given out caught behind for 1 – the umpire acknowledged that he knew I hadn’t hit it but wanted to even things up. It was then poor old Charlie Moilder’s turn to bat. Your description held good, except for the genuine rage on my face. I knocked out two stumps with the first ball. Jackie was so ashamed of me.
Oh I have those scars too andwifely disgust to live with
🙂
Spectacular photos, Derrick! I just love the thatched cottages. They remind me of Hansel and Gretel. As for the shots of your return…stunning!
Very many thanks, Jill
I so love that house with the thatched roof and the forest looks gorgeous!
Thanks very much, Geetha.
Welcome Derrick 🙂
Here is something you might like, in return for the lovely posts you share
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA1LvBnu7G4
Thank you, Geetha. I’m being told ‘can’t find a match’
Welcome. Perhaps the video is blocked in your country. I don’t get this whole thing about youtube censorship. It is a video called Tumi Bhaja Re Mana which is a Mantra to bring Love and Bliss to the listener (and the one who recites of course)
It is lovely and magical in your part of the world, and you’ve captured it beautifully.
The enlarged shots of the woods are particularly nice. I can imagine etherial beings there.
Thanks very much, Merril. I wouldn’t be surprised to see fairies
See if they will pose for a photo. 🙂
🙂
Your picture perfect countryside! Thank you, Derrick.
Many thanks, GP
Lovely, Derrick! And if you added more evergreens, then you would get something approaching the Maine countryside 😉
Thank you, Laurie
Beautiful landscapes and amazing ponies.
Thanks very much, Kim
I am contemplating quitting my warehouse job and finding a typical hours job. Another busy 50 hour week, which allows flying through blogs and saying one word comments or waiting until I can submerge into reading and enjoying. I am catching up by taking my time while Micah watches cartoons. Still 8:30 to 9:00 am here to read what I missed.
My love for England and Scotland is from my Dad’s side of the family, half of each one. So I am 1/4 English, I would love to see these winding roads and lanes, the thatched roof cottages and elegant castles.
Jenny Pellett entices me with her British city talk and museums. . .
This was a peaceful, pretty photographs filled post, Derrick! Those ethereal final pictures were magical!
Thank you, Robin. The work that goes into your comments is much appreciated
Beautiful forest images. I can almost feel the bitter fragrance of the fallen leaves.
A lovely comment, Inese. Thank yoiu
Such wonderful photos. I want that cottage! Makes me realise what a ‘concrete jungle’ (so to speak) London is.
I have been so happy with the contrast to London. Thanks very much Persia, for such a good catch-up session. I trust you are fully recovered now
You’re welcome! Unfortunately, I had to go to my GP’s Walk-In clinic this morning. The pain was becoming to much for me. I had to get stronger medication. Fingers crossed, it is only better news from here. Thanks for asking, Derrick. x
I hope so X