Update.

It seems every time I put my foot on dry land the weather turns! I've been away at sea for a week, not warm, but sunshine and light winds. I come ashore and what happens? Hurricane hell! The boys are back in rugs, despite it being almost June. Shell took Paddy out during the week, on his own down to the river. He was in a spooky mood, so she wasn't thrilled to see a field of cattle ahead. Fortunately they were on the far side of a creek. She managed to persuade Paddy past them (apparently by pointing out that there was a creek between them and anyway, he should feel sorry for them as they are destined to become beefburgers.....) Anyway, it worked.
The sponsorship is starting to come in, but don't let that hold you back, we still need more!
Thanks to Diana Fenton with whom we will be staying on the 17th for the lovely helpful letter (and offer of breakfast!). Anyone else feeling kind?