Another New Forest Autumn's Day
23rd November 2013
The Forest was experiencing a glorious, sun filled day and would have been quiet apart from an obvious Fox Hunt taking place. No matter which route I took, after many deliberate diversions, I seemed to keep crossing their path. Perhaps the fox was using me as cover(?)
The progress of the huntsmen (and women) through the Forest was rousing many animals other than the fox. As often I would come across the Hunters I would also be meet a deer moving away from the main direction of the hunt. This included a magnificent Fallow Stag, with an impressive set of horns, set upon his majestic head like two Hurley Sticks. He stepped slowly into the forest with an air of pride and grace, only the alertness seen in his eyes betrayed his worry.
The Forest had recently suffered from heavy rain, which made the going very soft and wet. In many places the water, accumulating in the many subtle dips and recesses, had formed ponds and streams crossing the path. This combination of water, light and clouds made the forest feel wilder, revealing the Forest's ancient origins.
Later that day, as the sun set over the bare and expansive landscape, the Forest was bathed in a red glow of light, it's warmth regretfully passing like the joy of the days walk.
The progress of the huntsmen (and women) through the Forest was rousing many animals other than the fox. As often I would come across the Hunters I would also be meet a deer moving away from the main direction of the hunt. This included a magnificent Fallow Stag, with an impressive set of horns, set upon his majestic head like two Hurley Sticks. He stepped slowly into the forest with an air of pride and grace, only the alertness seen in his eyes betrayed his worry.
The Forest had recently suffered from heavy rain, which made the going very soft and wet. In many places the water, accumulating in the many subtle dips and recesses, had formed ponds and streams crossing the path. This combination of water, light and clouds made the forest feel wilder, revealing the Forest's ancient origins.
Later that day, as the sun set over the bare and expansive landscape, the Forest was bathed in a red glow of light, it's warmth regretfully passing like the joy of the days walk.