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We enjoyed a productive drive through the forest this morning.
On Hincheslea Moor the horizon still bore the early haze, as one man and his dog disappeared into the bracken,
whilst the sun’s rays illuminated the rest,
especially the bright purple heather.
Venturing into the wooded area at the edge of the moor, I became aware that I was being observed.
A number of Highland Cattle glided among the trees,
and sailed majestically into the sunshine beyond.
These great shaggy beasts have roamed the rugged landscape of Scotland since at least the 6th century AD, possibly having been imported from Scandinavia by invading Vikings.
Forage is easy to come by in The New Forest,
and they probably don’t need their extra overcoats.
They really are light on their feet, silent, and really quite elegant.
On my way back through the forest this one became more interested in my presence;
raising her head, she licked her chops;
and attempted a kiss, which, deftly avoiding tripping over a fallen trunk, I politely declined.
Moving on, the Lymington River at Brockenhurst was as smooth and effective as glass.
From there we travelled to Beaulieu for a visit to Patrick’s Patch. Although this gem of a community garden has featured in a number of posts, the link from 25th November 2013 explains its purpose.
Today, the garden was enjoying one of its peak periods. This path, to one of the many scarecrows, is flanked by sweet peas, dahlias, and globe artichokes.
Butterflies, like this comma, punctuated the hedges;
bees raided the echinacea;
at their peak were flowers like the dahlias above, this zinnia,
and the globe artichokes that bore the evidence of the irrigation of
Rachel, the Head Gardener, who worked over the whole plot with a snaking hose.
Before we left, this friendly young woman cut us a bouquet of flowers, including the zinnia pictured above. Jackie was quick to place them in a vase on the kitchen table.
This evening we dined on the offerings of Mr Chatty Man Chan at Hordle Chinese Take Away. I finished the last inch or two of the Slovenian white wine.