Setthorns Campsite, New Forest. (Day 2)

Yesterday evening as we cooked fish fingers an unexpected guest flew inside Margery. A large beetle almost fried itself alive by landing on our gas hob.

Fish will do us just fine thanks. As darkness fell, the owls began calling, and continued to do so all through the night. But Angela was awake anyway. Our new thermal pop top wrap around cover is very efficient. She felt as if she was trapped in a sauna, with none of the other pampering included. Tonight, less clothing in bed. This morning we decided we would spend all of our four nights away at the Setthorns campsite. Why move?

It's beautiful here amongst the fungi, amongst the trees, some gnarled by the wind. Beneath our feet a carpet of brown and gold. The leaves falling slow and steady like a light snowfall. The autumn light played tricks on our eyes in the early evening when we went in search of ceps. No luck there, but Angela did find a huge Hen of the Woods fungi at the base of a tree.

Beat that John! Today has been a lovely day. We took a walk along the old disused railway bed to Brockenhurst.

7

Treated ourselves to coffee and scones, before stocking up on supplies, including venison burgers from the butcher for tomorrow evenings dinner.

Outside Tesco the donkeys gathered by the door, their expressions serious. Who was supposed to bring the Tesco clubcard? Twelve miles later we were reunited with Margery. Next spring we plan to walk the West Highland Way in Scotland. It is just under one hundred miles. Training and planning has begun, so another long walk tomorrow.

One of the Pannage pigs clearing up the acorns in Brockenhurst.