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Knowing that today would be the hottest May bank holiday on record prompted a trip to Lyndhurst for a spell of people watching.
On our way, Jackie parked opposite The White Hart in Milford Road on the outskirts of Lymington so that I could walk back to the roundabout and photograph the bluebells and other wild flowers on the banked verges. As I returned to the car along the footpath, a couple of cyclists approaching me from behind asked me to “excuse” them. I was unable to move out of the way, even if I had been so inclined. They were forced to pop up onto the grass, but thanked me anyway.
Eventually Lyndhurst High Street and its traffic became so crowded that it was impossible to focus on anything from my perch on one of the benches beside the pillar boxes, so we went home.
The High Street is approached down the hill beside the parish church of St Michael and All Angels. The Antiques Centre stands next to Down to the Wood where Romsey Road forms a T junction. On this corner people tend to stand to make up their minds which way to go next.
Often, like this couple pausing at Paws in the Forest, they will wander up the hill and return with an ice cream purchased at
the outlet advertising its wares with its outsize cone. One little girl chose an ice cream to match her blue sandals.
Cornets were definitely the treat of choice, although one gentleman preferred an apple.
Judging by the number of mobile homes, some carrying bicycles, in the perpetual stream of traffic, many travellers were making their way back to London or to Southampton.
At least one mobile phone was in evidence.
One gentleman was in need of liquid fuel as he carried his toddler.
Family groups
and others, walked aided or unaided, with or without dogs, occasionally pushing bikes, thronged the pavement, crossing the road when there was a gap in the traffic.
This afternoon, I joined Jackie for her gardening break in the Westbrook Arbour, facing the Phantom Path. These views met our eyes.
With this evening’s meal of pepperoni pizza and plentiful salad, I finished the pinot noir since I had preserved some from our drinks on the patio. Jackie had consumed all her Hoegaarden.
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What lovely people watching! The kiddos here had ice cream after their swim yesterday, definitely not an apple. Though their nanny wished by 10pm it had been an apple lol.
Many thanks, Lisa
I’d have gone for the ice cream too.
Me too. Thanks, Cathi
It looks like a lovely day–though too bad it was so crowded. I’m craving an ice cream cone now. 🙂
I wonder if we’ve got any of that ginger one left. Thanks very much, Merril
I used to like to ‘people watch’ in NYC. That place has everything under the sun!!
It sure does. Many thanks GP
What fantastic photos, Derrick! You’ve inspired me to just get snapping whilst out on such a sunny day. I’ve recently started a photography bucket list (to go alongside my main bucket list) and my aim is to take 3 photos for each of the 50 categories including ‘crowds’, ‘children’, ‘senior citizens’ and ‘solitude’. However, until now, I haven’t really really people watched per se but I just love the way your photos have captured this lovely day 🙂 https://sarah50.blog/my-photography-bucket-list/
Thanks for the comment and the link. I’m following
Your garden looks beautiful today.
(Whenever we drive through Lyndhurst, my husband always slows down as we drive past the Ferrari/Maserati dealers, so he can check out the wares on the forecourt!)
x
Taking window shopping to a new level 🙂 Thanks a lot, Melanie X
😄
I think I prefer the peace of your garden to the traffic laden streets of the town!
Yes. Me, too. Thanks very much, Pauline
Don’t you just love to people watch, Derrick? Great shots!
Many thanks, Jill
Lovely post and people captures Derrick. Paws in the Forest is just up my alley 🌸
It is very popular, Val. The staff are very helpful – will even point you in the direction of other outlets for items they don’t have. Thanks very much
What a lovely day! The blue ice cream matching sandals was cute!
Thanks very much, Lynn. It must have been deliberate
Haha
Lovely post. It looks like a perfect day for ice cream (mind you, who needs an excuse). 🙂
Quite, Miriam. Thanks very much
It is fun to go out people watching every now and then. 🙂 … it makes getting home to the peace and quiet all the more satisfying. 😀
It certainly does, Widders. Many thanks
People watching is the best thing some days!
Until I get the first of my new knees in ten days time it is actually all I can do 🙂 Many thanks, Yvonne
I’m packing my nursing stuff right now! Best of British luck with the surgery and rehabilitation, Derrick.
Very many thanks, Yvonne – see you in hospital 🙂
PS Please ask Jackie to toss out any foods that start in “l” before I get there, or the deal is off.
🙂 🙂 🙂 Thanks a lot
Good to see you are finally enjoying some good weather.
Many thanks, Ivor
I am craving ice cream, too, even though as I read this, it’s only 9:30. I guess I’d better wait. 😉
🙂 Many thanks, Laurie
Sounds like you know how to enjoy your day, great ✨
Thank you, one moment ministry
Great pics Derrick
Thanks very much, Andrew
Paws in the Forest, now that is certainly a different name for a shop.
Sure is. It sells a wide range of animal related toys and ornaments – and we all like a pun. Cheers, Ian
pepperoni pizza is my absolute favorite, could eat it every day if I could, unfortunately the doc says no way Jose 🙂
🙂