CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE. REPEAT IF REQUIRED.
It was a bit early in the morning to be presented with a Rorschach test, but that is what Jackie spotted in this morning’s sunlight.
The cosmos and lobelia planting in the iron urn obscures the gazebo path.
Ginger lilies are now in bloom.
After the early burst of sunlight, the morning was dull, but the skies cleared this afternoon when we visited the last four stragglers in the Hordle Scarecrow Trail. All are individual entries.
There are two more Rapunzels, being No.15 at 22 Stopples Lane,
and 20 at 6, Heath Road.
No. 21, The Pied Piper of Hamelin attracts the rats two doors away at number 10;
Rodents, in the form of entry number 19, Cinderella’s mice, also appear to infest 43, Charnock Close.
After this, Jackie drove us to Christchurch, on the banks of the River Stour.
The Red Arrows (http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/) were performing various routines in the sky above,
leaving their trademark trails passing the mastheads.
Various activities included kayaking;
more leisurely boating;
feeding the birds,
like these swans vying for victuals;
kicking pigeons;
swinging on rails;
or toddling along, balloon in tow.
Some, more sedentary, enjoyed the comforts of benches and deckchairs.
Others stepped it out along the quayside.
One young woman enjoyed a ride in a wheelchair.
Jackie and I were not the only ones who enjoyed an ice cream.
Some way from its natural environment, a hippopotamus canoodled with a mallard,
and, in the distance, waterfowl lined up in harmony with the beach huts of Mudeford. Thanks to my friend, Lisa, I now know that the woman on the right is paddle boarding.
This evening we dined on a highly spiced pizza and salad. Jackie drank Hoegaarden, and I drank Almocreve tinto reserva 2014.