The next morning was a little bit of a surprise. It had snowed even more over night. It was already rather blustery out there yet the winds where to pick up strength still throughout the day.
I made it up to 'Hill Farm' rather OK. 2/3 of the route were quite uneventful apart from the odd largish tree branch on the lanes. The last 1/3 of the route to 'Hill Farm' was a little trickier this morning. It was still way below freezing and the snow was very dry and light. Strong gales had blown it all off the fields into the roads or piled it up against stone walls. Some of the drifts on (and in) my way were a good 15 inches deep. Knowing the snow was light and powdery I decided to drive at the drifts at speed and to basically 'shatter' them. Well it worked. But I could only do this because at this time (6am) nobody else was on these lanes.
Today was most definitely another duvet day for all the horses and they made no signs of wanting to go out. Usually they express their desire for being turned out by more or less patiently waiting near the gates. This morning however they all were busy eating.
As I was preparing mine and 'Mr F's breakfast I was planning my day. While I was OK yet still driving on the roads, no doubt the strong gales would make all the roads very soon impassible because of the snowdrifts. I was quite lucky earlier on to get through them and the drifts that I had 'knocked down' will be rebuilt in no time at this rate. As I am working in people's homes when they are out mainly, I was expecting some cancellations due to everyone being stuck in, including their children. Schools had already asked parents to pick up their children mid afternoon yesterday.
I didn't want to miss work as in my case: no work no pay. However, looking at how the snowfall was picking up it may indeed be wiser for me to get back and drop off the car at the house where I rent a room. I would have to see what the roads were like on the way back. One place of work can be accessed by foot and I could later on walk back up to 'Hill Farm', a matter of 20 minutes if walking briskly. This way I would only loose half a days work.
I did ask 'Jackie' if she needed a hand feeding any of her sheep etc but she wasn't quite sure yet. Some of the other horse owners were unable to come up and 'Jackie' covered for one while the other would be covered by her friends that life within 10 minutes walking distance. I spent a little more time enjoying the snow and making sure that 'Mr F' had all he needed, including his grass cube to eliminate boredom. Although there is always something to see around here. Snow was building up and I decide now is a good time to leave. I grab a shovel and some hi-vis gear just in case I have to dig myself out.
Driving back was OK, speeding again through the fresh snow drifts and clearing the wheel arches as soon as I parked the car outside the house where I currently reside. One by one all my jobs of the day had been called off. Then the phone rang again and 'Jackie' wondered if I could give her a hand feeding all her live stock. She thought I was still up at 'Hill Farm'. I explained that I had left but was happy to walk back up to the farm as all my jobs of the day had been cancelled. Might as well enjoy the time in the snow and spend it up at 'Hill Farm'. Plenty to see and do. I was wearing plenty of layers of clothing and my 'Seeland' wellies I was lucky enough get grab on eBay for £30 are keeping my feet dry and warm thanks to a thick sole and neoprene lining. I worn nothing else all winter so far.
As I arrive back at 'Hill Farm' I am pleased to learn that the wind had changed direction slightly and no further snow was blown into the boy's stable. All three were relaxed and enjoying the shelter. 'Rookie' as usual asleep. He sleeps a lot even when he hasn't been running around all day.
And here the girl's quarters ... all standing well at the back to get away from the winds.
I spend several hours helping 'Jackie' bring feed to the sheep in various fields. Being right at the top of the hill, the winds are so strong that I struggle to either open or shut the tractor door.
The feed is very much welcomed by all. We also make sure that none of the sheep are buried in snow. Somehow sheep seem to have a death wish, they just lay down and won't get up, even if they get covered with snow.
A few seconds when we can see what we were doing. For much of the time it was like driving in thick fog, with all the snow being swirled around in the air.
One of the ways I make myself useful is by opening / shutting the gates while 'Jackie' drives the tractor. While she went to pick up another bale of haylage, 'Polly' and 'Ester' ('Zac's mother) come and say hello. They have a big field shelter which they now gladly use.
By early mid afternoon we are all done. I spend the rest of the afternoon sorting out my tack room and busy myself with other odds and sods. It has been very cold, even the water in the toilet tank has frozen. All other outdoors water supplies have frozen too except the water that is pumped from a borehole. 'Mr F's water buckets however remain unfrozen. Success!
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