Tuesday 2nd June - All 25 seen

I waited until the second round of thunder, lightning, heavy rain, and hail had passed before heading out to spend some time with the cows this evening.

At 18:00, a mixed group of twenty cattle, including Sussex steers 197 and 1640, along with cows 211, 212, and 1396, were spread out grazing across the slopes of Sandy Hill, on either side of the track near ///churn.thud.exhale. I had only just started making my way down the path when youngster 222 wandered over to greet me, eager for a long neck and back rub and offering affectionate head rubs in return. The others were equally welcoming as I made my way around checking on them. I was pleasantly surprised by how dry most of them were.

It was initially quite sunny, but by 18:20 the sky had turned very dark, and several of the cattle had moved down to the bottom of the slope, choosing to stay close to the trees in case they needed shelter from the approaching rain. Sussex cows 211 and 212 were especially friendly, each coming over in turn for plenty of attention before a heavy shower swept through. The cattle were happy for me to join them beneath the trees, with many stepping forward for back scratches while we waited for the rain to pass. Once the shower had moved through and the sunshine returned, they gradually drifted back out to graze. I said my goodbyes shortly before 19:00, leaving them all happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 19:10, cow 940 was lying down beneath the trees southwest of the entrance to the covered reservoir, near ///slick.couches.hexes, peacefully chewing her cud. She was happy to be approached and enjoyed some strokes while she rested. Older steer 21 was standing under a tree just behind he, butt soon wandered over for a hello and some head scratches. Youngster 219 and Sussex steers 210 and 1626 were grazing on the far side of the path to the northwest, making the most of the fresh grass. They all paused to greet me, with youngster 219 especially delighted by a long back scratch. All five were content, calm, and in good condition. I said my goodbyes at 19:50, leaving the Sussex boys browsing along the fence on the northern side of the reservoir, while the other three grazed among the tall grass to the south.

The cows were all good today.

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