Sunday 7th December - All 25 seen

At 09:35 this morning, steers 21 and 227 were foraging for acorns while sheltering from the rain near ///cycles.brick.matter. Steer 35 was grazing in the nearby gorse bushes. Youngster 227 was very friendly, taking a break to enjoy a long neck rub. All three were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

At 09:50, nine members of Caesar's original herd were gathered near ///fine.tube.punchy. Most had been grazing in the gorse along the main path, but soon came out to say hello and enjoy some strokes and rubs. Youngster 222 enjoyed a neck rub and then having the water brushed from his back and sides, before insisting on giving me cuddles despite still being quite wet. Youngster 228 was particularly vocal this morning, seemingly keeping the others informed of his whereabouts. Older steers 30 and 33 were both lying down at first, relaxing and chewing their cud, but soon stood up. After a few greetings, older steer 33 lay back down. He has been lying down each time I’ve seen him over the past seven days, though he did get up yesterday to move into the gorse for shelter and was walking normally. It may be nothing, but I think we should keep an eye on him just in case.

Cows 72, 234, and 940, along with steers 20 and 271, had been grazing in the gorse to the southeast on the far side of the path between the pastures. They soon emerged and wandered down the hillside to say hello. Cow 72 especially enjoyed having the water brushed from her neck, back, and sides. Eight from the first group—everyone except steer 33, who remained resting—crossed over to join them, and the combined group began to relax and chew their cud in the drizzle. A little later, steers 21 and 227 also arrived and joined them.

At 10:40, youngster 219 and the seven Sussex cattle were gathered near ///revisits.joke.legs, further southwest near Horse Pond. They were all friendly and enjoyed some strokes before settling down to rest. Cow 211 especially enjoyed her neck scratches and thanked me with gentle licks before lying down at my feet. Youngster 219 leaned in for an extended shoulder and back rub, shifting forwards and backwards to make sure I reached every itchy spot. I said my goodbyes at 11:20, leaving all of them lying down except for steer 1626, whose head injury continues to show steady improvement.

I walked back to where I had left the others and found fifteen cattle resting on the hillside near ///bags.navy.fears. Steer 33 was still lying in his original spot, and steer 35 was foraging for acorns under a tree to the east. The resting group were happy to be approached and enjoyed a few more strokes and rubs. I said my goodbyes just after 11:50 as another heavy shower rolled in.

The cows were all good today.