Thursday 17th May Up early  considering the pressure is off as such. But we did have to get ourselves to Widecombe in the Moor for 2pm. So Amy and Abi got boys down to the yard and fed at 7am so we could leave at 8.30am to give ourselves     3-4 hours to get from Lands End to Widecombe. We did this comfortably and parked up on the moor away from the village.  Mike and Margaret joined us, along with Jonathan. We harnessed up the 4 and drove them as a team into Widecombe to such a cheer from the locals and the school children.  Many lovely comments were made as to how good the ponies were looking. It was not such a nice day again, cold wind and the odd bit of dampness. Local   DPHT  helpers have said we must write a book - we are seriously considering this. 

Wednesday 16th May A slow start to the day as we were to be at Land's End for 12 noon. The pairing was worked out to be Basil and Archie, with William and Felix to be ridden in with Abi and Amy. Originally I had hoped for Abi to drive Basil in the single carriage over the line but when dealing with this on Wednesday morning it was found the single carriage was broken due to the shafts being forced back too far !!!!!!  Angie and Pip came with me for the 6 mile drive to LE and we collected more passengers and the out riders to do the last half a mile .  The reception at LE was amazing - Andy and Sue Burton from our village passed just before on a very posh motorbike - my brother Peter and cousin Annie also found us on the road. Along with the rest of the Hirst family Lindsey and Luke, ShirleyMay, Richard and Maree who joined us the evening before, Tim' s brother Richard, Carol and John, and Ed Stone who took lots of photos. 

Tuesday 15 May Showers were had by several at the local campsite and Alistair provided bacon butties for all with more than enough to take away with us for the day. We boxed up and left to return to Redruth to start the day. Abi and Amy went away with Basil and Felix for the first leg. Only complaint was that Abi had the traffic lights and roundabouts and Amy felt cheated! Change over at                                For Angie and I to take William and Archie into Penzance to meet the Mayor and give him a ride on the carriage on the sea front. Icecreams all round- lovely, then only a short drive to our stop at St Buryan. The day was one of our better ones weather wise - sunny but still with coats on !!  Ponies turned out in a field with long luxurious grass, they were happy and so was I as I had Amy and Abi running around doing things for the boys. Tim, Steve/Alan as always cleaning up the lorry and  doing the jobs. The banter between Tim and Steve was such good fun -  a pleasure and privelidge to have around. The girls were already planning their next visit to the beach after our last stretch into Land's End. The realisation that we really were on the homeward stretch was dawning on us!!! 

Monday 14 May Today started off wet and windy! We left Hawksland after a fond farewell from Ros and David - what great hosts they were, very many thanks. Trish and Pip did the first stint with felix and basil and headed off to Newquay for a meeting with the mayor. In the afternoon Angie and Amy set off with Archie and Wills and despite harnessing up in the driving rain they managed to do most of the trip in the dry. We finished up at Redruth and boxed the ponies back to Rejerrah where we stayed with Wills old owners, Allistair and Melanie. They greeted  us with cream teas - wonderful, what a treat. Later we decided to box all four ponies to Perranporth beach for a paddle. What a lovely evening we had. Abi was by far and away the bravest and rode all the boys whilst Amy had a little go on Basil before spending the rest of the evening playing with her bestist Felix!! The boys didn't quite know what to make of the sea but they all went in and everyone with a pony got very wet feet to prove it! 

13 April Last night we stayed at Hoops Livery Yard, near Bradworthy - thanks ever so much to Angela for her hospitality at such short notice. A lovely eve was had by all, Pip served up a lovely meal - a combined effort from several of the crew. This was promptly followed by a few "bevvies" and because we were in the westcountry we celebrated with a few ciders!!  An early start this morning to get boys ready for the day ahead - we  boxed them over to Collation Farm, where we had finished off the night before.  Thanks very much to the owner (sorry, I've forgotten their names) for allowing us to keep the carriage there for the night - and giving us a donation! Trish and Dee set off with Archie and Felix who were on their toes - they completed their stint to smiles all round! Whilst waiting for them to arrive Amy took wilf for a walk, unfortunately they happened across two roe deer in the hedge and wilf gave chase (his favourite game) - cue frantic searching and yelling, luckily he rejoined us after a few minutes! The afternoon saw Trish and Amy set off with Wills and Basil - amy was soon at the reins and enjoyed negotiating roundabouts and traffic lights along the Atlantic highway, taking in the lovely views from the Wadebridge bypass bridge. We finished at Hawksland  Farm, St Issey - what can we say... Wow. Fab facilities, amazing location, a very warm welcome and sun! For followers of this blog who wish to join us on the final day, we hope to arrive at Land's End at 12 o'clock on Wednesday - if anyone would like to join us we'd be thrilled to see you.

May12th Everyone assembled bright and breezy at East Loosemoor to load up and go to South Molton to restart the journey. Amy,Dee and Steve joined us today, Amy and Steve till the end and Dee just for the weekend. William and Basil were put on the carriage and Abi driving with Karl on the backstep armed with a map as the plan was to go across country from Umberleigh to Bideford. Mission accomplished and they bowled up at Atlantic Village at 1pm for the change over. Dee and I left at 1.30pm with Felix and Archie to drive to Kilkhampton. We met up with the lorry at Kilkhamton at 4.15pm. I soon had Dee driving the pair and we had a delightful afternoon viewing Lundy Island, the sea, Saunton Sands on what can only be described as the best day yet - a beautiful sunny day. The Red Jeep not as well behaved as ought to be, but it is used as our tractor at home !!!!! Yet another successful day with 40 miles covered and in Cornwall. Approximately 100 miles to do ! 

May11th What a fabulous day. -  my 4 amazing little chaps were put together as a team and driven straight out of the yard to a reception at Mole Valley Farmers in South Molton without a problem. Really looked as though they have done it for ever. But when you consider one is a 5 year old, 2 x 6 year olds  and a 7 year old who has only been driving for 3 months, what these little guys have achieved is quite astounding. As far as I am concerned, these ponies never cease to amaze me and I consider myself the luckiest person in the universe to own them .  Whilst I am giving out praise, mention must be made to Karl at home (most of the time) and Jonathan Waterer ( who broke all 4 to harness for me ) who have mentored me through this, especially the early part! Without their unstinting support it might be a different tale.  At Mole Valley Farmers today there were several tears in eyes, and I am not ashamed to say I was one of them. Jonathan drove them to South Molton, and I want everyone to recognise, he  never doubted  their reactions to something new. Jonathan is an exceptional horseman. Whilst still in Mole Valley Philip Carr and Ryan            put the necessary shoes on the boys free of charge to send us on  our way. Thank you ! We had loads of lovely comments - raised quite a bit of money - came back and met our MP Neil Parrish in Oakford, who gave us money and said he would try and get more TV and radio coverage for us. Lovely man who was genuinely interested in our venture.  Last but not least Andy and Sue from the village arrived with more Chocolate brownies  for the onward journey  to Cornwall and the promise they are going to be at Lands End. The support we have received from our village folk has been heartwarming.

May10th Day off for all, boys on grass all day after a warm and cosy night in their own bedrooms. I had my own bed too and it was heaven!  The rest of the day was spent mucking out the lorry, pressure washing the mats and interior, reloading the trailer, washing ponies and cleaning harness. Again what I would do without team members Karl, Tim and daughter Abi  I do not  know. We finished at 7pm and had to hurry to get ready for a lovely reception put on at our local pub the Red Lion in Oakford , where village folk had gathered to ask us about the trip and the weather !!!!!

May 9th Had a really good nights sleep at Gordon and Audrey's lovely Post House in Moorlinch. Left the village at 9.30ish and drove Felix and Archie to Taunton for our arranged meet at 12noon on the Helipad at Musgrove Park Hospital No helicopters though and none expected as they have been grounded for some reason. Lovely to see my fellow workmates, who turned out in the RAIN ! Not a problem for us any more.  We left there and changed over ponies at Hillcommon.  Abi  drove William and her favourite Basil to home! We were all determined to get home so we could have a complete day off tomorrow!  It was a lovely drive as we were greeted  by so many people we knew on route. One of the joys of being in home country.  A quick tour of Bampton and then a power on up the hill to Oakford and the cheers to greet us  with a drink from the pub before the short drive to home. Puzzled ponies !!!!  Joy of joys we are on home turf with lots of lovely smiling faces so pleased to see us !  But yet another wet and grey day ! 

8th May Set off from Stone Allerton back to the A39, 5 miles north of Wells. Basil and Felix set off with Trisha and Angie. The 'sun' was out, so we planned to go through Wells to show off the ponies and collect some money,. Got into the one way system, then there was an incident and we were all diverted off in different directions. Regrouped and went on to Glastonbury where the 'Mayor' was waiting for us outside Glastonbury Town Hall. Photo shoot, quick bucket shake and then off again. Called in to The Train Station, who had given Kevin 6 months free membership to get him fit for the venture. Also called in to EM Print who had printed our wonderful banners, T shirts, sweat shirts and even printed some high viz  vests for us and posted them up to Glasgow, thanks they all look great. Called into Pure Feed who had donated special feed for the ponies. Called into Crispin School and Strode College, where Sam went. Parked the ponies on the green outside where the students hangout in the summer- and all hoped they didn't leave a present. Fran Thompson and Debbie Loveridge, Sams teachers came out to support us. Charmaine Bray, from Strode College also came out with a collection the students had had during their lunch break, thanks guys. The team were rejuvenated with prawn sanies.    Trotted on through Street to Sainsburys whose charity for the year is Teenage Cancer Trust. Bas and Felix parked up outside and we chatted and collected. Laura Scowen, the south west TCT fund raising rep came along. 5 pm we left for Moorlynch (Sam's home). Kevin and Jane rode on the carriage with Trisha  into the village. The bunting was out and there was a crowd outside waiting to cheer us  in. Ponies went to Sue and Graham's paddock. Audrey and Gordon, Sue and Graham and Kate and Gerry kindly put people up. An evening of fun and live music was held at the Ring O"Bells, lots of  people there and a lot of Sam's friends singing for us - thank you all so much for coming and remembering. Clive, the landlord and chef had fractured a rib and the non urgent ambulance was called. Fortunately he was not 'taken away', land lady Trish  got help in the kitchen as the orders rolled in. Fiona and Julie did an  amazing job with the raffle, Gerry with the quiz, Sue with pin the tail on the donkey and Mary with the piñata, thank you. Jamuna turned up trumps again, setting up the PA system with Neill. The music was all amazing: Neill, Zeb and Levi, Jamuna and Neill, Jake Meakin, Vic and John with guest appearances and first public performance of Kevin, Rachel and Josh, Jess and Andy, Josh Flowers and Squiffy. Great night only over shadowed by the fact we still have to get to Land's End! £612.55 made!!

7th May Wet set off with Basil and Felix, Angie driving and Karl back stepping. Lovely send off, with Nick leading the way through the back lanes. Through Chipping Sodbury which was unfortunately deserted - typical wet bank holiday! Change over at Webb's Heath, sent Trish and Abi off with William and Archie and tuna rolls - sadly Abi's roll was missing the filling - never mind she was living on love as Ben was coming up in the evening! Zoe and Andy came up to see the Team, sadly they caught up with Pip and Jane in Keynsham and they followed each other around in a complete circle before finding the A39. Caught up with Trisha and Abi in a cafe car park. Zoe produced home made ginger cake and a flask of tea- but don't tell the rest of the team. Stopped off at the Book Barn to say hi to Mike, Pam and Abi, who had donated our tent. The boys rolled on past Farrington Gurney, which was our destination and got within  5 miles of Wells. Very cold but not particularly wet - so a bonus. Just 3 counties to do now !!!! Angie and John offered to put us up as we had gone further. We had planned to stay at Petruth Paddocks Livery Yard and camp site courtesy of Jules Sayer at Cheddar, thanks for the offer Jules - maybe next time! (in your dreams) Hot showers and beds again - and a delicious supper, thanks.

6th May Woken by Adrian's many special cockerels. Early cuppas and then Karl and Abi set off with lorry for puncture and new alternator. Adrian kindly boxed Archie and Basil back up to Ross-on-Wye and Trish and Angie drove them to Highnam Woods car park where the support team supplied cake and fruit. Donations given by people who had seen the team yesterday and looked the web site up. A little girl was thrilled to be sat on Basil in the lay by as the ponies were swapped over. Basil and Archie got through Gloucester then Angie and Abi completed the day with William to Bush Street Farm at North Nibley. Basil, Archie and Felix were already there and were delighted to see William come up the drive. Suzanne, Nick, Rosanna and Charlie spoilt us with their wonderful hospitality. Hot showers, beds and lovely food. Wilf had company as well. Abi is counting the nights to her own bed. Angie asked "are we going to be tomorrow night where we are going to be?" that is the plan most days! Kevin got the old' banjo out. Ponies doing well and despite holdups and mechanical problems Team Chinkwell is still on target. South West here we come!

5th May Last night we stayed at Berrington Hall which was lovely, Angela and Jim supplied us with a lovely big green paddock for the ponies and supplied us with great hospitality, food, warmth, toilets and the bath room which was lovely. Abi set off with Karl & Basil to do the first 12 miles. Jane went to get her car fixed...juttering cant be good. Then Trish set off with Pip, Archie & Felix to do a further 12 miles. When william herd Basil come back he got soo excited and started jumping and larking around in the lorry....smashed a window in the procces, clipping Karl, John & Angie on the way down. The lorry had a funny 5 so Karl said lets get on and sort it whilst we had a couple hours, so out came tech trucks but they didn't have a new alternator to put on, so attached a cable to get it going when it needs to be started but said they'll get a new alternator & fix it in the morning along with the tyre which had picked up a nail somewhere along the lines... William was checked over and was good to go so, Angie, Trish & William to finish with a 20 miler (not intentionally but lorry was not there due to still being fixed so the just plodded on, William wasn't worried so just tickled away at the miles...still bouncing around looking for the chocolate gingers afterwards (his favourites). He passed Hereford football stadium...obviously a goal must have been scored the supporters were hollering and shouting, banging on the back of the stadium and did he care? No. Horses galloping up the side of the field next to him, did it faze him? No.

4th May Last night we stayed at a campsite near Whitchurch with Gill, and a very noisy donkey...At the beginning none of the ponies knew what to think of him...ever so scary! By the morning Felix was nose to nose over the fence with the donkey until the rest of the ponies came over then donkey said....I think not and kicked out, Basil still snorting away...as one does. Tom helped us out by using the computer to get us some details up and show us where the hose was. Trish & Abi left the campsite with Basil & William, when we stopped we realised that Abi had missed a phone call...from Guy (yogurt the farrier) he was top notch! Dishy ? Yes...better looking then the usual farrier...Marcus :P bless Guy...he did all 4's on Basil, William & Felix in a layby in the cold! South of shrewsbury. we found out the gossip of a saxophonist? This needs investigation...Trish & Abi will get on the case :) John & Angie went on with Archie. Karl arrived and Tim & Carla went home, with the car full! Biggest car boot sale...EVER!

3rd May Last night we stayed at Ormskirk with Beth who was a great host, kindly supplied us with supper which was lovely...proper comfort food, much needed! Beth's parents kindly put  beds up for Abi, Trish & Carla the beds were sooo comfortable and we were also supplied with an early breakfast to keep us going. Kevin & Jane went off to stay with friends of theirs, which in actual fact were Beth's cousins. Tim stayed in the lorry and kept Wilf company whilst John & Angie stayed in their trailer. The ponies thought that night was great! Not only did they have a grass paddock, the trailer was also in the paddock which had lots of goodies in it...which they found, we were just left with the plastic bag from the herb balls and the 'think fly' dusting the tow bar of the trailer...but I don't think too much was eaten... All ponies were driven and happy as Larry, had to stop a little early...due to vehicle issues... Kevin's BIRTHDAY!......he thought he would go to visit his parents whilst he was close so the plan was he'd go to visit them in his car then pick up the Trish & Karls Jeep and tow John and Angie's trailer so everyone could get on with the trip... The phone went 'I've had an accident on the M6....I think it could be a write off' but luckily no one was hurt and Angie's underwear was all peeled off the road along with her chilli. Johns words 'at least I don't have to clean that toilet out!' No one was hurt and everyone was retrieved back with the belongings, Tim, Trish, Carla & Abi went out to look for somewhere to eat out as a Birthday treat for Kevin, must have walked a couple miles before we found some where, but we found a lush Chinese & tai place...everyone was fed and 'watered' We hope you like the meal & the little gift :) 

2nd May Last night in the lorry there was sleep talking, snoring and giggles... Kevin & Jane left super early to go out and check out the route for today...crazy people but without it we could've been in a pickle... Started the day on a high with a huge breakfast...which was lovely! Phil & Jaqui were so pleased to of been part of the trip and we loved them being part of it, anything we needed they tried to help. We left at 10 o'clock which was good so we missed the morning work and school rush. Carla & John went to take Felix too tonights destination to get settled. Abi started with her beloved Basil & drove him through Preston which was such a giggle, Trish wanted Tim & Angie to buy a horn hat for Abi in a passing fancy dress shop, but...they wouldn't. Trish then was casually on the phone the Karl and dropped her phone without realising and was talking to her phone case and then realised there was no phone, so this CRAAAZY woman running in the opposite direction of her ponies towards oncoming traffic whilst Abi was sat on the carriage in floods of laughter. Quote of the day by Trish 'Abi...don't go without me the last thing you want is mother flat on her face in the middle of the roundabout' haha what a laugh ! Trish then went out with Archie and Angie back stepping, Trish getting very tired, Archie too! Angie then set off with William and Abi back stepping.  Felix had the day off again... The 'horse whisperer' tells us that the ponies are all happy today...goody! Now on our way back to tonight's destination !

1st May We left John and Helens and set of to get the ponies, John came with us to give us  a lead through kendal to set us off on our journey, he probably agreed due to knowing how settled we were that without doing so he may never have got rid of us. They were amazing hosts, thank you ! Angie and Abi were on the trap all day and took Basil, Archie and William (not  necessarily in that order) swapping drivers for Basil because Abi couldn't possibly drive one of the others but not Basil ! Trish spent the day with John moving felix, getting food to try tempt Basil (all will be explained) talking to a 'horse whisperer' our out come was... Felix-would you believe it...he has a eating disorder and is always worried about where the next meal is coming from due to being scarred from lack of food on the moor in his early days. He is also worried about his friends doing all the work, he doesn't like being strapped down but doesn't want his mum to leave him...aww Basil-doesn't like haylage, or bucket feeds he just wants hay ? William-he says he's fine Archie-mentally fit but physically a little tired WE REACHED ENGLAND...Wahoooooooo! We arrived at Phil & Jaqui's who supplied us with showering/ washing facilities, lots of lovely food for us & the ponies, drinkers, huge breakfast,  lunch for the following day and great company!  Thank you :D

29th Apr Cereals, toast and cooked breakfast  done very kindly by Viv & Chris which was a good start to the day, along with some happy faces. Ben left us at 7:15 after helping With the ponies in the morning. Trish and John took Basil to 'green farm-shap' for a well earned rest and grass...a ponies best friend! Angie, Abi & Felix set of for the first 12 miles, then Trish drove Archie with Angie back stepping for a further 12 miles through carlisle, he was great! Angie set off with Abi & William for the final 12 miles. Angie was described as a brick for giving Trish & Abi a break, John (Angie's husband) said...'was that spelt with a B or a P?' we weren't expecting that one...ahaha. John took Pip and H to the train station so we lost 2 from our pit crew ! Thank you for your help and see you when you come back up Pip. We arrived at John and Helen's (a friend of Trish and Karl's and they have been great! Provided us all with beds, food, drink, warmth and great company ! They made us  a lovely lasagne with beverages along side it ! :)

28th Apr... Stayed at Abington with Stuart, Ursula and the children who were fabulous ! They spoilt us with beds for all, a lovely chicken curry for tea and a cooked breakfast to start the day ! They helped us with the ponies and the three children came for a short ride on the carriage. 13.5 miles with Archie 12 miles Felix 12 with Basil We finished at 6:30 & John & Angie arrived to join the crew and brought up a casserole for us all to share with Viv and Chris our hosts for the night, who had the loveliest puppies ever!  She did a great job of feeding all 10 of us and no complaints, it went down a treat, well done very much appreciated ! Abi went to Tesco to buy goodies for every & Basil ! Very bleak area no houses for miles of each other and a looooong stretch of motorway along side of us, was very cold !

27th Apr... We left Gartcosh (horse haven) with Basil. We turned left nobody else did...oops! But by going that way it gave Abi and Basil another tick on their list of 'things to do'...a railway line! We then swapped Basil for William and Archie, but that didn't last long and Felix was pulled in along side Archie to finish.

Thursday 26th Apr...DAY OFF!!! Light retail therapy for myself, Abi & Ben- we went shopping for: -A PINK rug for Caz (Abi's horse) -A PINK pair of wind proof and waterproof gloves (due to horrid weather...for Abi) -A fleece brown and PINK...guess who's? -A blue horse rug -A blue pair of gloves -A mini poo scoop for Edward -&& worm tablets for wilf (our quiet team member)... Pip, Kevin and Heather went out for fish and chips and went out for a drive to the destination for tomorrow and came back for the event that was held for us at horse haven by Maureen which went down a storm and had a great turn out ! Many thanks to her and her team ! Will update you on how much was raised when we find out...

25th Apr Managed to leave Inverbeg at 9.25am even though we had a long drive to get back to the layby. Set off with William and Archie and drove 22 miles to the change over just before the Glengoyne  Distillery. Basil put on as a single, Trish drove initially then Abi took over and took him through the out skirts of Glasgow, jumping red lights, in and out of lanes. Both were complete stars, as far as Abi is concerned a competent British Junior Driver is being made !!!!!!! As far as Basil is concerned there isn't a cheque book in the country that could afford him !!!!  We think he did 21 miles.  Having said that though - I feel the same about all of them. They are not ceasing to amaze me with their work ethic and ability to cope with every thing that is thrown at them, including the b..... Weather.  I am sorry the blog is not kept up to date regularly but Abi and I cannot do it on the carriage with the ponies and when we have finished dealing with them at night, we then have to deal with ourselves and try and get a good nights sleep. Of course it is very hard work waiting for us in a layby !!!!!!! 

24th Apr Having had the most fabulous host at the Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum -  Lesley Wilkie. She was an absolute delight, we had beds, baths and food and jolly good company. A real pleasure to meet  her and a must to keep in contact with afterwards. we had to go back to Dalmally with the ponies to start the day and drove Archie and William back to Tyndrum, as usual wet and cold. Abi's parents popping in and out and Tim helping with the lorry as and when needed, thanks Tim. Pair went away from Tyndrum To Crianlarich and we changed over to Basil as a single and moved on to Inverbeg quite a way down Loch Lomond to finish the day. Mixed weather - bitter old morning with a hail storm, but better later and rain to finish with.  We are actually getting used to it all now. We are so grateful to Musto - without a doubt they know what they are doing with their wet weather gear. It has been a life saver for us. Went to a pub at Balmaha  for supper which was late again after sorting the ponies who were in a field at Drymen, we were allowed in the yard for the night. It rained heavily yet again !!!!!!! Archie and William did 18 miles and dear Basil did 21 miles.

23rd Apr Kevin had a rude awakening this morning by a cuckoo bird, then Heather went out for a walk  up the mountain at 5am!!! CRAZY. Basil and William set off at 9am on the dot and did 15 miles, then felix and Archie were on for a while before Felix went lame. But William to the rescue and took over to help Archie then we gave William a break and put Basil back on. We managed  do a good day even though we had the upset with Felix. Trish is worried about him. Phone calls need to be made to sort him out. Weather was very kind to us :D

22nd Apr Maintenance day  ! Basil , Felix and William all had new back shoes courtesy of Euan Ross a farrier from Fort William. Really appreciated on his day off. Sorry to say the shoes lasted just 5 days. Felix seems better today, so will take him quietly tomorrow and keep an eye on him. Been able to do washing - Wilf has made friends with the tame lamb in the paddock next to us. Tim and Lindsey joined us for most of the day and Tim and Kevin along with phone support from Devon tried to solve some of our electrical problems.  We have all had a kiss and cuddle with Kevin to get him through what should have been Sam's birthday. Not much rain today - probably saving it all up to give us tomorrow. Although Carol tells us it's going to be showery all this week and getting warmer from next weekend.  Tim wanted to go off deer stalking with the farrier! Abi put makeup on today as she had spare time ! We all  had  wonderful long hot showers, Pip and Heather had a bike ride on the cycle path that goes through the farm. We went out for a Sam roast supper with a Jack Daniels toast to start and apple crumble with  custard to finish to celebrate Sam's birthday with a RAINBOW over the mountains to look out apon. Pips first words " Lovely roast dinner...YES, no washing up !!!!!

21st Apr Boxed ponies to Invegarry to start the day-having had to jump lead the lorry yet again ! Had a good rest in delightful lodge chalets at Torlundy Farm, home of Chris and Siobhan Carver at the foot of Ben Nevis, still with a lot of snow. Left in pouring rain which remained with us most of the morning. Jonathan gave Abi her first driving lesson with her Basil and William. Lesson went well and Abi pleased. Felix and Archie put on after lunch, but Felix went lame soon after so Basil was pulled out to do more with Archie - and was a total star. I nfact the dear chap did approx 30 plus miles - bless him. This made us late for our stopover at Lagnaha  Farm. We walked into the yard at 8.45pm. But the kitchen fairies did us proud with a lovely supper.  Thank you Pip and Heather. Hasty phone calls to get a farrier but pleased to say arranged one for our rest day tomorrow.  Jonathan's last evening with us as he has to get back to Halifax to pick up 3 horses and take them home to break to drive. Abi's parents popping in and out yet again and taking lots of photos . Evening sun was gorgeous so made the drive so lovely even though we had very tired ponies. Hopefully a well earned rest tomorrow will do the trick. 

20th Apr

20th Apr -  drove back to Muir of Ord and started at the distillery! Have a bottle in the post promised. Drove. The ponies had a long drive back to Drumnadrochit with a long downhill at the end. The road we were planning on using was closed due to an accident but all was fine by the time the team came back through and our journey was a success and ended up at Invergarry. We boxed the ponies back to Torlundy farm where we were given  chalets for us all and a large paddock for team chinkwell. To finish the day we all sat around the table to tuck into traditional scottish tea of 'wee little beasties' ...haggis, which went down well considering the first thoughts... 

Following on from 19th Apr

We (Trish, Abi, Lizzie and John) decided we would stay at a b&b as we didn't fancy roughing it again...cold, damp horse manure scented lorry or warm bed, with shower/bath room and breakfast made for you...I know which I'd pick! We all planned to go out for a meal but we then missed that so thought our last resort is a fish and chip shop which didn't look fab  (Lizzie and Abi laughing in anxiousness at the sight  of the place). Then we spotted a lovely quiet Indian restaurant with quite an entertaining waiter, a Bangladeshi Yorkshireman who had worked all over the highlands. Had a lovely meal and finally got into bed at way gone midnight.  But was a good day all in all done the miles and the ponies were bright as buttons.

19 Apr - Dornoch
Called in at Glen Morrangie to warm the stomach for the day ahead, very nice. Another bottle added to the auction lots.
A9 a lot busier and Scottish driving doesn't slow down for ponies even in the driving rain. Glad to turn off to Muir of Ord on quieter roads.


18 Apr- Inver
Planned early start - lorry won't start again, horse rescue called yet again. However Keith and Rhona at the b & b put all our gale damage right to lorry tailgate and rear doors and tent, so set off in good spirits and sunshine.
Undulating road and kamikaze lorry drivers made the first leg tiring on the ponies so they were rested and driven again later in the day.
Made Dornoch and stayed on a small camp site on Mill Farm owned by David and Michelle. Set up camp, refuelled on lasagne, salad and a little bit of the special local water!

Archie and felix (left to right)

DIY, good job men

17 Apr- John O'Groats
Got away late in gale force winds and rain, followed by the jeep. Then the call "the lorry won't start, have you got any jump leads." Jeep goes back.

2.5 hrs later repaired lorry, jeep and ponies reunited at Wick Tesco, cold and wet and miserable. Ponies and Jeep head off, "lorry won't start". An hour later Horse Rescue escort lorry to garage for a new battery and Wick becomes a distant memory.
Made 40 miles on the day still, and found a good b&b to dry out at Inver. Damage to trailer doors, tent and morale.
Hot shower then excellent food at The Bay Owl and a few wee drams improved the mood.  The owner Trevor has promised a bottle of his whiskey for our auction.

Leaving John o'groats in the foul weather with felix and Archie

We haven't managed to leave John o'groats...oops

Refueling on ponies

16 Apr- Amanda's
Trisha in seventh heaven, ponies everywhere.   Driving animals,sheep,pigs?
Archie jumps stable door twice! Spooked by the pigs who wanted to know who the new boys in town were.
Long haul to JOG via Dalwhinnie distillery, and bottle for the auction.foul weather strong winds and rain. Arrived in at 8.00pm and set up tents.

The driving sheep of Amanda's :o

Important stop off at dalwhinnie...the distillery

Must have sucked to be you then...

Day one

We had a hectic start to the day with many fairies running around helping to get everything packed on time...we arrived only 10 minutes late (it could have been worse ). We had a big welcome by the villagers involving tea, coffee, biscuits and photos (and lots of them) at the point of leaving we loaded the ponies and set off on our journey. We arrived at our destination of Lockerbie (and had a very warm and positive welcome by Amanda and john...chariots of fire). Well that was just fabulous we met lots and lots of ponies, 4 tame sheep that are used for her carriage demonstrations along with her 3 cows, donkey and their 2 koon koon pigs who Archie wasn't sure about so jumped out over the stable door (twice may I add)! We had an eventful journey in the lorry of trying to tune a radio (of which we failed miserably at), the radios falling out of the designated spot and taking a head dive. We had such a warm welcome by amanda and John who supplied us the stables, hay ledge, electricity, 3 beds, electricity and a full breakfast for all 7 of us! I think the deserve a big thank you and we are very grateful and so were the ponies. The 4 of us who roughed it in the lorry realised how cold it is at Scotland and experienced ice drops on the roor seeing our own breath and in general being chilly... But the spirits stayed high and we all had a good night and have set off to John o'groats this morning. Will keep you all informed throughout the journey. Trish, pip, abs, heather, Kevin, , lizzie, John, basil, Felixstowe, Archie and wills x

Shouldn't the ponies be doing that?

Loading one of the carriages

Getting the ponies ready

The lorry ready for off!

Felix, Archie, Just William and Basil wondering what all the fuss is about

The people of Oakford make sure they go!

April 13th 2012

Today we had an interview with Emma Britton on BBC Somerset radio.
Well we went into their 'Green Room', actually the kitchen and waited to record the interview. The nice man said I'll put the radio on whilst you wait. On came Emma Britton saying after the news I'll be talking to Kevin & Jane about Team Chinkwell etc........
So a live interview, not a recording to use later that we had expected. Good job we didn't have too much time to get nervous!!!
Still it's in the can and if you missed it, you will find the interview 2hrs 7 mins 30 secs into her programme on i player at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00qgp3h

4th pony found in January - now broken to harness and in a pair with Basil. Going very well !