Calm before the storm

A lovely peaceful scene isn’t it. It’s the road from Appleby to our village and I drive it several times a week. At its best at the moment, as the trees get their leaves and the hedgerows flourish. A quiet road, used by a few cars and tractors.
 
However, it is not always like this. This time next week the place will be teaming with people and horses. The clue ** is in the permanent barriers along the sides of the road. These are supposed to keep people away from the horses, as they are raced up and down what they call the flashing lane. They don’t work of course and there will be people spilling out all over the road. The fields, both on the right and left, will be packed full of cars, vans, caravans, trailers, trucks, every vehicle possible actually. There will be hundreds of market stalls, selling every thing you can possibly think of and many you wouldn’t think of as well. There will be traders, trading in everything. And of course lots and lots of people and more and more horses. The smell of horses, burgers, and goodness knows what else, will permeate the air and the grass will be covered in rubbish of every description. Well, actually there won’t be much grass left by then.
 
Yes, it’s Appleby Horse Fair . . . again!
    
Here is an idea of what this road will be like next weekend. Note the state of the grass verges. This was taken two years ago and is at the spot in the far distance of my blip, just as the road bends. I didn’t go to the fair last year and won’t be going this year either

**Another clue is in the extra picture, take this afternoon in Appleby.