On another afternoon of heavy rain we took a drive into the forest.
Over Lymington Road the sun attempted unsuccessfully to penetrate the brimming cloud canopy. The oak in the third picture has been remodelled by the sea air. The highest groping fingers never bear leaves.
Almost the only wildlife we saw while the rain hammered down was a pair of deer crossing Holmsley Passage ahead of us. As usual my camera missed the first one and we waited for the expected companion.
The two fords along this route are filling with rippling water.
The moors on either side of this much nibbled winding lane offered misty landscapes,
lichen covered trees,
gorse and bracken managing to look cheerful in the conditions.
Along Forest Road I stepped out to photograph a recent winterbourne pool. The Assistant Photographer was on hand to portray my progress and the whole scene because she knew I would take a closer look.
She was right.
Here is a mossy tuft;
weed, lichen,
ripples and reflections.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s watercress soup, followed by smoked haddock; creamy mashed potatoes; piquant cauliflower cheese; crunchy carrots, and tender runner beans, with which I drank more of the Costieres de Nimes.
Jackie is sure getting handy catching you in action, Derrick!!
Thanks very much, GP. And it always surprises me 🙂
I do like those pools of water. I love that Jackie is always there with her camera too, such a wonderful marriage you have.
There’s a most successful partnership emerging here – the vista and the detail; the photographer in action…. At some opportune moment Derrick you must give us a peek at the assistant photographer photographing the photographer 😀
I’m sure there is a selfie stick for that, Pauline. Thanks very much X
Think about that Dee?!
The bare trees against the brooding grey sky make beautiful compositions. The winter rain pools and dark reflections mark the season. I love these forest drives!
I’m so pleased, Lavinia. Thank you very much.
There is always so much to see on your walks. Before I read your description I wondered what had happened to that oak tree. That’s a dramatic picture. I sometimes take a walk to a frog pond during my break at work and last week it was frozen. I guess those frogs and goldfish are hunkering down until the temps improve.
Thanks very much, Barbara
I’m enjoying these shots of you taking shots. 🙂 The first couple of photos are quite Alfred Hitchcockish. Well done!
Thank you very much, Jill. Only about 3 p.m. too.
Wonderful cloudy-day pictures! I especially like the third one of the tree, and it is always fun to see a photo of you taking pictures.
Thank you very much, Laurie
I like Jackie’s photos catching you in action–and your “closer look” photos are stunning!
Thank you very much from us both, Merril.
Oh wow Derrick,…. so much water…..
Wish you could have some, Ivor. Thanks very much.
We had some last week Derrick, but we’ll need more to put all the fires out 🌏
Despite it being grey snd wet, you still manage to make the countryside look beautiful.
Thank you very much, Sheree
Always love the water shots–water is magical to me. And those trees are something to enjoy. I appreciate the shots of you photographing. What is your camera?…if you told me, I forgot.
It’s a Canon EOS 5D Mark II – second hand. Thanks very much, Cynthia.
That third photograph of the silhouetted tree is so atmospheric 🌿
Thanks very much, Tiny. We have marvelled at that tree at all seasons.
The photo of the deer reminds me of an early 20th-century New England painter’s work, but I can’t for the life of me remember his name!
The only New England painter I know is Andrew Wyeth. I have his Helga Paintings book. Thanks very much, Liz
What a lovely, watery green place you live in.
Thank you very much, Lisa
The pictures are not only a lesson in Nature, but show your passion for the land and animals in your neighborhood. Moving and beautiful.
Thank you so much, Ronnie
It looks like Jackie loves shooting the Shooter-in-Chief. Not that we don’t love the portraits of the gritty aficionado shooting in the rain.
‘Gritty’ is such a good word for Derrick, Uma,
🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, Uma
These photos contain a quietly beautiful magic. They make me wonder what tiny life forms have taken refuge on the mossy tufts and below the surface of the pools. I can understand wanting to take a closer look.
Thank you very much, JoAnna. It is intriguing isn’t it?
YES!
Your waterscapes – reflections and ripples – are lovely.
Thank you very much, Anne. Sorry I can’t send you some of the pools
Well, it’s a beautiful, bright, cold day up here, so fingers crossed for the rain soaked South!!
🙂 Thanks very much, John.We are due that tomorrow
Looks very wintery still. Our overnight forecast was for snow and sleet but no sign of the white stuff this morning.
Let’s hope it keeps away – can’t have you skipping off to the Mediterranean. Thanks a lot, Andrew.
Wow! That oak is really impressive! How nature can model and shape everything!
Thank you very much, Ribana
You know how to make a boring day adventures Derrick.
Lovely set.
Thank you very much, Rupali.
Water water everywhere!
Indeed. Thanks very much, Leslie
This was beautiful. I love it when you pop up in your posts. Good job Jackie!
Thank you very much from us both, Flow
Stunning photos!
Thanks very much, Becky
Beautiful and curious winter trees and the lichen is so lovely too. The winter pool reminds me so much of the ponds in our woods. I am enjoying your winter adventures 🙂
I’m pleased, Peggy. Many thanks
Your reflection photos are marvelous, as usual, Derrick, but the gloomy tree in the first ones could serve as a set for Shakespearean tragedy. You are quite brave to leave the comfort of your car and walk in this kind of weather.
Thank you very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick.
Those darker gloomier wetter weather days make for beautiful photos AND make us appreciate the better weather days! 🙂 The skies, the trees, the ground, the growth on the ground, the pool of water, ETC., all beautiful! 🙂
Great photos, Jackie, of The GP crossing the road!
Q: Why did The Great Photographer cross the road?
A: To take photos on the other side, of course! 😉 😀
HUGS!!! 🙂
Thanks very much from us both, Carolyn 🙂
Beautiful photos. I love that old “remodeled” oak.
Thanks very much, Cheryl. It is particularly intriguing when in leaf except for those top upward-reaching branches.
Love the ripples and the closeup of the mossy tuft. You do manage to make a gray, wet day into a beautiful one, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Jan
Things are looking wintry.
Thanks very much, Lindsey.
Some great shots there, an example of how the dullest day can produce somethying worth having. 🙂
Thanks very much, Quercus
You are an inspiration. In the words of Ronnie Corbett – “I look up to you because…” Fill in your own reason. 🙂
Thank you so much, my quirky friend. Enjoy the rugby.
I didn’t see the Italy game, but I enjoyed the final stages of the Scotland game. (I’m being tactful so I don’t spoil it for anyone.)
That’s why I never give the results.
Another thing I have learned from you.
🙂