Close encounter

 

I don't advocate approaching the ponies normally, it's frowned upon anyway, too many people feeding them shit led them to develop negative and dangerous behaviours. Although if a pony approaches I feel it would be discourteous to recoil, it may be Epona herself, you don't know, so I welcome the opportunity. Two ponies stood looking down on us from the old platform of Holmsley Station as we passed, an adult male and a foal, both friendly and inquisitive. The foal was particularly interested in Geoff, coming down from the platform the pony got so close as to bump noses, which was all too much for Geoff.

Shappen Bottom

Shappen Bottom. A finger of bog and carr filling a shallow valley off Holmsley Bog, with Slap Wood in the distance. 

Wet

 

That water's about knee deep I reckon; we wont be taking the Holmsley line route this morning. Walking the forest continues to be a very wet affair, where no route can be guaranteed.