This afternoon Jackie drove us to Beaulieu and back. We began at Hatchet Pond, so named because of its shape.
These first two photographs of and over Hatchet Pond have received no editing.
An about turn produced this one.
The recent, now ceased, rains have distributed various pools nearby.
Wandering donkeys did what donkeys do: chomped on thistles,
and prevented a driver from opening his boot to release his dappled collie. A certain amount of persuasion was required to allow the dog its freedom.
Becky and Ian took Scooby for a walk along the waterlogged track around the pond.
On her return Becky’s bag of poop scoop attracted the attention of a pair of swans who lurched along to engage her in conversation. Or perhaps they were just having a hissy-fit.
Each of these birds was tagged.
This birch, stripped of it leaves, embellished one skycape.
Others were enhanced by geese,
or gulls.
Beaulieu Abbey was nicely silhouetted.
In the village’s main street are a number of interesting terraces with long chimneys;
one group of dwellings has fascinating herringbone brickwork.
We payed a visit Steff’s Kitchen in Fairweather’s Garden Centre, where the others enjoyed superb flapjacks and cappuccino’s. My salad lunch had rendered me incapable, but I kept them company.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s scrumptious cottage pie, mashed carrots and swede, crisp cauliflower, and green beans.
P.S. See my reply below to Timi at Lively Twist. She has pointed out a disgraceful omission 🙂