Wednesday 13th May - All 25 seen

At 16:55 this afternoon, the seven Sussex cattle, along with youngster 219, were spread out grazing near ///drumbeat.wire.proofs, close to Odiham Road. Cows 211, 212, and 1396, along with steers 1626 and 1640, were grazing contentedly in the pasture, while steers 197, 210, and 219 were grazing along the sides of the path just outside the area. They were all rather wet from the frequent heavy rain showers but didn’t seem at all bothered. They were all friendly, coming over to say hello and enjoy some strokes. Youngster 219 stood by the perimeter fence, enjoying a long back scratch while relaxing and chewing his cud. All eight were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 17:40, eleven of the Caesar’s original herd were gathered near ///ripen.drip.functions, just off Longbottom. Most were still sheltering under the trees from another heavy shower. However, older steer 20 had realised the sun had come out and was standing out in the open drying off. Several of the others soon wandered over to say hello, have the rainwater brushed from their backs and sides, and enjoy some attention. Youngster 222 was buried deep in the gorse to the west, happily browsing, and clearly hadn’t noticed me arrive. He looked quite surprised when he finally spotted me, then came straight over to say hello and enjoy plenty of fuss. He thoroughly enjoyed a long neck and back rub, moving around to make sure I reached all his itchy spots. As I was leaving just after 18:15, the cattle were all happily grazing and gradually making their way up the hill towards James Bond Pond. All eleven were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

At 18:25, the final six cattle — cow 72, along with steers 30, 217, 227, 228, and 230 — were grazing on the hillside close to the kissing gate into Gelvert, northeast of James Bond Pond, near ///avoiding.pranced.call. Youngster 217 was out in the open grazing in the sunshine, while the others seemed more reluctant to leave the thicket in case it started to rain again. They were all friendly and happy to take a break from grazing to greet me as I made my way around checking on them. Later, they crossed the path and began grazing in the pasture to the southwest. I said my goodbyes at 19:00, leaving them all peacefully grazing.

As I was leaving, most of the cattle from the second group were grazing in the pasture south of James Bond Pond, near ///quote.grudge.crumb. A few were grazing a bit further down the diagonal track to the west. After a final round of strokes, I said my goodbyes at 19:25, just as another shower passed through.

The cows were all good today.