This afternoon Jackie drove Becky and me on a recce through the waterlogged forest. On another reasonably warm day, we enjoyed a little sunshine and a lot of showers.
The first stop was near Wootton Bridge on the way to Brockenhurst.
There we encountered expanding pools of water on the forest floor,
a swollen stream,
intermittent sunshine,
and moody clouds above.
Becky’s red coat brightened the landscape a bit.
Soon after we continued our journey, I spotted a pony mother and child foraging by the roadside, and prevailed upon my driver to stop. As I emerged from the car, my potential subject, completely oblivious of oncoming traffic, stepped into the road and made a beeline for me. Wary of the ticks these creatures carry, I returned to the passenger seat.
Becky photographed our friend through the back window.
The beast then walked round to my door and I took over the camera.
Our continuing progress was then briefly impeded by another pony in the road.
Eventually we arrived at Brockenhurst where the sun now shone on oaks
and lichen alike.
It was time for Rosie. A cup of, that is.
For those readers unfamiliar with Cockney Rhyming slang, tea is Rosie Lea, truncated by omitting the second word.
The proprietors of Rosie Lea’s have chosen the full version in naming their tea shop which won the 2014 Hampshire Food and Drink Awards best tea/coffee shop and customer service awards. Incidentally the Bakehouse, that had the queue across the road yesterday, was the best baker. This photograph also doubles as a selfie for Jackie and me.
The cups and saucers in the cabinet photographed above are those used to serve tea in this establishment which also plays ’50s pop music for the customers.
Shortly before sunset we returned via Sway Tower, otherwise known as Peterson’s Folly.
Before building his monument, Judge Peterson erected a trial model, which is shown to the right of this picture.
Sunset was in its prime above Christchurch Road when we arrived home.
We will be eating rather late this evening. This is because Becky and Ian went out earlier and have been held up in traffic. But, fear not. I know what we will be having so I am able to include it and submit this post in reasonable time. It is beef hotpot, carrots, green beans, and cabbage, followed by profiteroles. I will drink more El Sotillo, Jackie will imbibe Hoegaarden, and I expect Ian will have a beer and Becky rose wine. The food will, of course, be cooked to perfection.