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!!