Taking Life Easy in the New Forest

“A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi

It has been suggested that my blog posts might be a tad long and so in the interest of keeping your attention, today will be short and sweet.  Also our half term holiday blog is bound to be very long and hopefully I'll get that one posted this week too.

This weekend we decided that it was time to stay close to home and take it easy. The plan, Saturday blob out at home in the morning and a trip to the gym in the afternoon for a swim. On Sunday we would stick close to home and take a Sunday drive through the New Forest. So called because it was planted only in the eleventh century for the hunt, the New Forest is practically in our back yard and we thought it a good destination for a Sunday drive and lunch, as we continue our quest for the best Sunday Roast.

Today is more of a photo essay, letting the pictures tell the story, mostly, and giving you a break from the usually lengthy post. And so I hope you enjoy them, particularly if you like ponies as we saw plenty of them.

Sunday 9 February 2014  - Sunday drive Brockenhurst, Beaulieu and Lyminster

The beautiful drive from Christchurch to Brockenhurst was slowed by roads closed due to flooding, as well as stopping to take photos of the New Forest ponies that roam freely across the heath and also the road.

 

If you visit the New Forest, and everyone should, please don't feel tempted to feed the ponies. We didn't realise you are not supposed to and on Thursday when we were in Burley for afternoon tea Emma and I were chased by two ponies, in the pouring rain, who wanted more than the one small pieces of carrot each we had to offer. The boys thought it was hilarious, especially as they were dry and cosy in the car and not the ones being chased.

 

Flood waters like this near Brockenhurst have been daily sights since we arrived, the flood waters had started to recede this time last week, but another heavy dose of rain this week means more roads are closed and there are big puddles to jump in.

The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu was recommended by a good friend back in Australia and I'm glad she did. It had great atmosphere, delicious food and everyone seems to bring their dogs to lunch. Beaulieu is a gorgeous little town with a famous motor museum, abbey and big house we chose not to visit today as we were having a day off.

 This is the biggest roast beef dinner I have ever experienced and it was truly delicious, at least as good as the pork at Stourhead.

 Rob's slow cooked lamb shank was perfect and the children's portions were more than generous.

We visited a few of the cute little shops but it was one of those sunny but very chilly days so we head back to the car quick smart. We found a terrific organic farm shop selling all sorts of lovely goodies, so we picked up a homemade chicken pie for dinner and head home for a lazy afternoon of cards and board games.

It was nice to have a lazy weekend and recharge our batteries, especially as we headed off to Cornwall and Wales on our half term break the next Thursday. I look forward to telling you all about it very soon.