4,145 - 4,280km, Days 220-227 Gnowangerup to Boyup Brook

What a week!

Waking up Friday morning and attempting to set off, I quickly realised that Mr Richard, although fine at rest, was not a happy chappy and did not want to set out. So after two failed attempts to leave, I made the decision to arrange for him to be floated to Margaret River. Huge thanks to Carol and Jim, who were able to come and pick him up, and were so kind and generous to us, giving so much of their time and care to make sure we were ok. Thank you so much Carol, you are my hero 💗

But what with life etc, we wouldn't be able to leave Gnowangerup until Tuesday morning. I was hoping I could push Richard the 7km into town, but realised that wouldn't be possible (or wise!), so had resigned myself to spending a long weekend at the crossroads when local farmers Kathy and Ross stopped by, and before I knew what was happening, we were settled into their home 1km away, with the boys feasting on quality oaten hay, and myself being plied with fresh food and fine wine - the stuff of dreams! Thank you so much for inviting me in off the street and welcoming me into your home, guys - and for the chance to have a ride on the header and see harvest operations in action! You guys are the best 💗💗

Carol and Jim arrived Tuesday morning to whisk Mr Richard away, with a float kindly lent to us by Judy from Plantaganet Horse Power - the powers of community at work again!

And so then Micky and I were on our own. I have to admit that I was reluctant to leave the luxuries of civilisation and the friendly folks at Gnowangerup, but with 307km to go, and a deadline for Dec 9th (the last truck heading East before Christmas), we had to get a riggle on. Tickles had a good old freak out for the first couple of hours on his own, but before long settled down and got back into the swing of it. He misses Richard a bit at night - I miss Richard all the time! It doesn't seem right without him 😭

After a vet check, it's still a bit of a mystery what was actually wrong with him, whether it was a bit of poisoning or something else... or Richard just throwing the towel in and chucking a sicky to get out of the last bit 🤣 He seems fine and is now waiting for us at Margaret River- thanks for hosting him until we arrive Jodie 💗

So now we have the last 180km to go, and with next week predicted to hover consistently around the high 30s, it's gonna be a long one! But at least the countryside is beginning to soften up, with picturesque rolling hills and actual real forests!

Here's hoping Tickles can keep it together for another week 🤞