CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE. REPEAT IF REQUIRED This morning we visited Lyndhurst in order to buy a couple of presents. 
In order to benefit from the gorgeous autumn light, we took a diversion
down Shirley Holms.
Across fields to our left we admired the situation of a house nestling on the hill
and a chestnut horse blending into surrounding trees.
A pair of cyclists rounding a bend,
soon to be followed by a solo rider, laboured up the undulating tarmac. Note the speed limit.
Long shadows were cast across the
forest floor
fast receiving
autumn leaves,
some of which clung to shady banks,
and stood proud at intervals.
Ornamental trees animated a
splendid garden.
Having made successful purchases in Lyndhurst, we lunched there on Bertie’s excellent fish, chips, and mushy peas. We both drank tea which, rather unfortunately, resembled a dishcloth that needed boiling.
The Private Ear Clinic, this afternoon was based at Lymington Hospital. Our next visit was to this establishment where my left ear was relieved of the remains of its stubborn wax.
We then returned to the forest where, just outside Bramshaw,
we came across a sounder of swine slobbering
among ditches
leaves
and mud.
Occasionally with a loud snort they would trot across the road
to investigate the pickings on the other side. The pigs are revelling in a month’s extension of the pannage, possibly because of our stretch of mild weather.
This particular spot was doubly hazardous for drivers, because ponies
played the same leisurely game.
The speed limit in the forest is generally 40 m.p.h., but you would be well advised to reduce this on the serpentine roads. You never know what is around the next bend.
This evening we dined at Bartlett’s in the Church Hall at Bransgore. Jackie’s main meal was chicken tikka masala; mine was lamb madras. We take our own drinks. Jackie’s was Hoegaarden. I finished the madiran (WordPress, how many times must I tell you this is one word?).