Don’t be fooled by the title. This community is thriving, more than ever!
It is the driftwood that adds a touch of ghostness.
Rustic wooden chunks don’t take much imagination to visualise shapes and patterns.
Particularly when night falls and the full moon orbits around mysterious and magical Middle Earth.
Spooky and fabulous.
Sanctuary Island may be the last chance of survival.
Perched right in the center of the bower, care must be taken when entered.
Dark forces protect the towering volcano, straight through the gates of Mordor.
That’s where ‘you know who’ lives.
It’s better the devil you know.
Once stranded here, you may never leave.
Sharks have controlled these waters for millions of years.
Giant squid creep out from deep waters.
They have a savage appetite.
It is to be told, that the ‘Ibis of extinction’ has a fierce reputation.
He lures his prey with sweet delicacies and waits motionless.
Hypnotizing.‘ Here little birdie’.
Check-mate is the last king of his kind, a horse nation full of pride.
He won’t be fooled again.
Deceptive forces transformed his partner into a creature of the sea as her crown still sparkles.
She has good reason to stay close to him.
The most outstanding creature is a direct and ancient descendant of Scotland’s most famous mythology.
At least this one is clearly seen.
Looks can be deceiving, as it appears that Nessie is a vegetarian.
The birds can’t get enough of her.
A dirt-bike helps for a quick getaway, steering well clear of danger.
The revolving watchtower was installed high off the ground.
This gives a ‘bird’s-eye view’ of the surroundings.
Round and round we go. It is said that shady forces possess this monkey on a string.
Frodo does well to approach cautiously. Could this be the way to the precious?
This ‘Animal’ is just a muppet without drums?
Schmiegel knows his way around the bower.
He makes friends with everyone and is never far from Frodo’s side.
It sounds all too familiar.
Not all underwoods are scary in appearance.
Soft edges and lighter shades sweeten a welcoming sentiment.
This lightweight extension branches off to hoppit shire and Frodo’s happy land.
The ‘balcony’, is a fabulous compilation of structure and colour.
Enhanced with local growths, which attach easily, it is a long-time favourite by all.
But care must be taken at all times. The dark side is calling.
How did it come to this, you may wonder?
We simply ran out of space.
The amount and variety of visitors are often overwhelming.
Safety is another significant factor.
The newly formed horse duo, Sunshine and Larry, are our largest visitors by far.
Their feeding bay is the front yard, but a visit to the outback could be fruitful.
As stubborn as Arabian horses are, there’s no holding back.
The duck train rails in from up front as well.
Every last seed gets sucked in by these natural Hoovers.
It is a sight for sore eyes.
Recent wet weather conditions lifted my spirits as well.
The Gras-plains are muddy and saturated and attract even more visitors.
Gumboots are quite trendy though.
I needed a project to keep myself preoccupied as weather and viruses caused havoc all around.
I ought to think outside the box and elevate my creativity.
And what better material to use than driftwood?
The idea came from the driftwood itself, stacked up on beaches.
It was so much fun to create, I can’t say it often enough.
Menthol and physical stimulation are just what the doctor ordered.
A moment of ideas shot through my brain!
And so I started digging. And measuring. And calculating.
It all started with one thought, everything else happened naturally.
I had already mentally positioned the next wooden component whilst digging into previous projects.
I knew exactly which rustic piece of driftwood wood be added at what location.
Which side would face the veranda, and therefore the camera. What background suits best?
And that’s what came out of it. Une Parque du Ballet.
Belinda added an inspicibly touch of decoration, natural and practical.
I can’t wait on what’s to come.
There’s oodles of space and an abundance of refill stations.
The bohemian tree will flower first, attracting even more visitors.
Who knows who else will make an appearance?
Frodo and his friends will be having a ball, but need to choose wisely if they are to succeed in the quest for the precious.
Travels with Ben 