Guard dog

We drove to Christchurch (20mns). Parked in a grotty car park, stressed folk trying to find a working pay machine.

Walked down the High Street and further. Ended up near Stanpit Marsh (a Local Nature Reserve, part of the Christchurch Harbour Site of Specific scientific interest”), which is grazed by New Forest Ponies. Hadn’t been before.

Walked round the back of Christchurch’s Leisure Compex and found a path to take us to the Marshes. Pity, no ponies (semi-wild, New Forest Ponies - not shooed to save soil erosion) to be seen.

Drink at ‘the Riverside’ on way back. The heavens opened. Luckily we were under a large parasol.

Was cold by then. So after stripping to a T-shirt, I had my fleece and jacket back on.

The tiny Chihuahua blipped was ‘guarding’ a unit we passed along the path to the Marshes.  A brave attempt, but after a couple of minutes it wandered off wagging its tail.