Bachelor Party

So we’re finally home after our short break in the London area - a relief as at one time our diesel range was only two miles beyond our journey’s distance! Fortunately, we were able to fill up - at extortionate prices - at an M40 service station.  

Feeling a sense of freedom now our tank is replenished, we feel free to divert slightly from our route and visit Charlecote Park - a new National Trust property for us. The house and parkland are delightful, but for me the highlight is the herd of fallow deer. I can’t believe that I have the chance to photograph these less than a week after the red deer at Windsor. 

It is, of course, the rutting season, and the bucks have gathered in a testosterone-fuelled mob while the does remain demurely on the other side of the river. In fairness, these gorgeous bucks seem delicate and graceful in their various colourings, further dappled by the sun, and even the sparring taking place seems -at this stage - well natured. 

Of course I take far too many shots - not least to take advantage of the changing light - and selecting is once more a problem.  However, focusing on Mono Monday’s challenge, I decide to go with this shot of many bucks resting in the afternoon shade, leaving a collage of my other favourite images. 

Thanks to Majoayee for hosting! 


Thanks so much for comments, stars and hearts for yesterday’s Watts Chapel. I’ve been too travel-weary tonight to do much catching up, but hopefully tomorrow will be a day to settle down with journals!