Saturday 19th July - All 25 seen

At 11:50 this morning, older steers 21 and 35 were grazing peacefully among the bracken near ///geese.jolt.amicably. Although slightly damp from the rain, both appeared happy, relaxed, and in good health. Nearby, yearling 270 was resting and chewing his cud, gazing out over the pastures to the northwest. Unfortunately, he was attracting a huge number of flies. He came over and stood close, hoping I might offer some relief—but the flies simply shifted from his face to his sides. Despite this, he seemed content and accepting that flies are an inevitable part of a steer’s life.

By 12:15, the remaining fifteen members of the Caesar's original herd were gathered near ///verbs.soldiers.remotest. Despite the persistent rain, they were all relaxing and chewing their cud. One by one, they began to lie down and rest. They were all friendly, with many coming over to say hello. When the rain was at its worst around 12:35, the three steers from earlier joined the group, approaching from the south. Even with the drizzle, the cattle were still being bothered by persistent flies.

It looked like British White cows 214 and 234 had been rubbing their wet heads against the same tree—they both had rather messy foreheads! Youngster 222 was especially affectionate, enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs, before rewarding me with gentle head rubs, as if I were a human towel! The entire group was happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 12:45, I found the seven Sussex cattle grazing contentedly among the bracken further west, near ///hiker.crew.extra. They seemed to be enjoying the refreshing rain as they munched on the fresh grass. They were all friendly, pausing their grazing to come and say hello, happy to have the flies brushed from their faces. Cow 211 was particularly friendly, enjoying a long neck rub before lying down at my feet to rest and chew her cud. All seven were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

I returned to spend some more time with the group of eighteen before saying my goodbyes at 13:30. When I left, they were all lying down, relaxing, and drying out after the rain.

I'm pleased to report that the second burnt-out car has now been removed from the site. Unfortunately, the permanent fence repairs have yet to begin.

The cows were all good today.