Hatchet Pond

Today a friend and I went for a (slightly longer than expected) walk in the New Forest, beginning at Hatchet Pond.  It was very beautiful and there were plenty of animals about.

This pony was striding through mush.  We tried not to follow suit. First extra is another pony using a low tree as an itching post.  I guess she was keen to get rid of her winter coat.  Second extra is a bit of the glorious gorse that was in full flower and smelling of vanilla. 

Finally a very naughty donkey.  You can see the calculating look in her eye.  She and her buddy were lurking round the cars hoping to sample peoples' picnics.  A man was throwing bird food out over the water.  The seagulls were catching it mid air.  The donkey meanwhile walked up to him, put her nose in his back and shoved..  Luckily he was wearing wellies and a sense of humour.  ;))