Pamplona and the kindness of strangers, July.
Why we never made it to Mundaka….having spent most of this life on a farm I’ve had my fare share of being floored by large bovine beasts although not in front of thousands of people in a stadium. After one wild night of Basque flavoured hedonism we are up early in preparation for this amazing foot race. Sneakers, energy drinks, bananas are readied in a shallow doorway yards from Dead Mans corner. The game plan: to slip stream the first pack of bulls tightly and reach the stadium. Three rockets later the thrilling chaos ensues and continues within the arena as smaller bulls are released and rip through the shoaling numbers that were too quick for our own good….Hemingway was on to something!
The Final Fling. Co Clare, March.
Just before heading back home luck would have it that we score another lovely session at this magical spot as winter finally roles into spring. No dolphins this time but some quality company none the less.
The Cliffs…….12th March
I’d hope to feel that I’m sowing the seeds for a long and fruitful relationship with this place. Certainly a most humbling arena that makes me feel about 5 inches tall. My 7’6 seems to be keen as mustard.
Major Glyn Ovens……11th March
The man with the plan. After spying a large low pressure system from the south of Greenland and tracking it across the Atlantic a plan is hatched to tackle the swell somewhere off the coast of Ireland. For more info on Glyn click here.
Breakfast with the girls…..March 7th
Rambo, Roger and the girls enjoying a sunny morning nibble. Although spring is establishing itself slowly extra fodder proves welcome for the animals and helps take the pressure off well warn winter pastures.
Lambing so far……March 4th.
So far things are going well in the big shed. We are 3/4’s of the way through our flocks and after earlier issues with “Twin Lamb” where we lost 2 good ewes and their respective young our overall rate is 160%. What is also pleasing is the successful number of coloured lambs we have bred this year….much to Anna’s delight.
A beautiful animated film from the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation about our need for sustainable farming. With collaborators like Willie Nelson and Coldplay the overall message is a lot louder. Looking forward to more from their corner……………. watch it here.
