Early One Morning...
OMG, while writing up my last post I visited my photo files and took a brief look at some of the snaps taken in 2007. There's one file in particular which just so happens to be one of my favourites and that's the one taken in August of that year while camping out in The New Forest over in the UK.
The New Forest has been one of my favourite places since early 1984, which at this late date is a long time ago! Over the four or so years that I lived on its outskirts, in the city of Southampton I criss-crossed 'the forest', as it is known so many times. I used to ride through it, walk through it and even journeyed through it by train.
Stories of its history filled my imagination with images that are too hard to explain. Stories of its inhabitants, human and otherwise regailed my young ears resulting in a fascination which lasts to this day. Like the Yorkshire Moors, another national monument, this place breathes its presence deep into the soul of its inhabitants and leaves behind a fondness that can't be shaken off.
While planning our forthcoming annual Scout Camp for 2009, the New Forest is one of the many venues investigated. There are so many things to see and do while staying there and if it weren't for the difference in currency it would have been an ideal place for us to visit. As it stands, I think it's going to be a case of re-visiting Croagh Patrick and one of my other favourite places: Co Mayo...
Now that I've done a wee bit of surfing for the day, I can go about my daily business with a clear heart! I feel so much better now, assisted by a cup of tea and an easter egg!
