Nodding Donkey

A slight change of pace and direction today, in more ways than one.

Our daily walk took us in the opposite direction from yesterday, along the same cycle path. The cycle route joins the road not far from here and so we elected to wander some forest paths along the lakeside. The path doesn't stray far from the lake but the trees obscure any watery views.

It was quiet and tranquil in the forest with no gunfire being evident today - just the distant industrial hum from the lake (there is an oil rig out there).

We soon came to a well-defined path alongside a nature reserve where we lingered to read the various  signs but declined the opportunity to wander inside the perimeter due to the promised presence of horses (they graze the unwanted plants but leave the protected ones alone.) There were cows too but I don't mind those. Not horses. They are sharp at both ends and smell dreadful. Not going anywhere close to any of those, thank you.

Gradually we became aware of a distant noise. Hopefully not hunters... no, I thought perhaps a braying donkey somewhere, Mr L thought dogs barking. It became louder as we moved on. Possibly ducks or geese? No, I returned to my donkey theory. Until I realised that it was a mechanical noise, rhythmic and metallic. Grinding or clanging.

Then we saw it, the Nodding Donkey, pumping oil and in need of an application of grease.

I make no apologies for the fact that this image was subjected to some extreme editing. I had fun and I like the finished image. None of that "straight from the camera" malarkey here, oh, no indeedy not.