Last weekend we drove to Albury to collect Spirit. He is such a trusting boy and stepped on the float (trailer) with trepidation but also trust. After a couple of snorts he settled right in to the 5 hour journey, watching the world flash by.

At Kangaroo Valley we walked him around some of his new paddock. His paddock is not much less than half a km wide and a km long, with different trails, tracks, open spaces, a creek and lots of hidey holes. Cedar and Jet, his soon to be companions, were not in sight. They have taken to hiding right up the very end of the paddock. However a few cows had naughtily found their way in to the paddock – Spirit liked the cows. After several snorts he followed us around for a while, then realised he was free to go.

The next day thick fog lay over the Valley. Spirit greeted us but was not interested in any treats we had – he had several acres to play in! We played it cool and turned our backs on him, when we turned back around, expecting him to be waiting for us, he had disappeared in the fog! We couldn’t find him!

We had to go out for two hours and I was worried that he’d find Jet and Cedar and I wasn’t sure what would happen. With some trepidation we returned to find the three of them at the gate, waiting for us (asking where we’d been!). They are as thick as thieves. I have never seen horses bond so quickly and intensely. When we took Spirit for a walk (leading) to show him around a bit more – all three horses called for each other constantly!

The next day we did the same. They are learning that they all get treats when they come to the gate – Spirit goes for a nice walk – which he enjoys. Jet and Cedar now know Spirit is coming back (as does Spirit) so they are all more settled.

Spirit is so much more handsome than his picture! he has good lines, a strong back, great feet and doesn’t care what you do to him – he is so kind – feisty – but kind – we love him to bits!

Sometime the next two weeks Pyscho Stevie arrives – AND Nutcase Ned and Atomic Charlie! Actually it’s just Ned and Charlie, but due to our other ‘exciting’ horses names, we thought we’d spice their names up a bit. Then we’ll have our string of 4 and start training. I still think we need five, to rotate them which will allow them a day off. . . . .  here’s a picture of Pyscho Stevie . . more to come.

Moving from land to boat created interesting challenges and observations, even on the second time around:

• You have to become flexible. Having a large engine room is great, but you still have to bend yourself like a pretzel to get in there.  Then perform miracles to unscrew, twist, replace . . .
• The top of the mast (68 ft high) moves a lot when you’re clinging to it, even on anchor.
• Bruises accumulate. The vice in the workshop bit me every time I went passed!
• Finding free WiFi on anchor is incredibly exciting.
• It’s possible to live cheaply on board (buy Cruisers’ AA to find out what I am talking about).
• There is an amazing amount of work involved in getting the boat ready for doing miles. (We rode our bicycles 60-70 miles a week, carrying the equivalent of a small truck load on our backs.)
• The laptop and camera are cherished items. I have to type everything as I can’t even read my own handwriting anymore and my camera captures all those memories which disappear with wine, oops I mean time.
• It’s so peaceful swinging on anchor.
• Just a few more knots of wind at night makes the difference between a peaceful sleep and a fitful sleep.
• Resourcefulness becomes your middle name. (Okay I’m gonna say it again . . . Cruisers’ AA will show you how.)
• It is blessedly stress-free NOT having a mobile phone!
• You never have enough rags on board.
• Life on board is fantastic. Hard work, but deeply satisfying.