More Liverpool than Buxton?

Some may spot there is a mistake in this photo and it isn't the winter clothing Angie is wearing in mid August.

We would like to do more carriage driving but it is difficult due to having to use a the main road for nearly 1km before tracks come. On both sides of the road there are deep ditches and Sultan still has a great fear of tractors. If alongside Rosie (100% bombproof) in the 4 wheeled carriage, there is a better chance of controllin him but it is still a big risk. Riding and driving are very different!

When we first came here, we could go out through the forest but for the last 10 years the track has been totally ruined by the tree harvesting machines. The forester did say in spring he wanted to have some trees cut down near the house and would try to use a machine with caterpillar tracks in the hope of flattening the ground. With luck they may be back at work next month.

Today Angie wanted to try Sultan in the 2 wheeled Sulky or cart. Impatiently she set off while I was still only on breakfast coffee #3 and risked the road. All went well. I then drove out with the trailer and picked up the cart when they were finished, Angie riding the last few hundred meters through the forest.

Hence no saddle or stirrups but loads of leather lines, harness, blinkers and a large bit - not sure it's name .... perhaps a Butterfly Liverpool, a Buxton or a Post... Almost all things driving are English based, even the driving seat on a carriage is on the "wrong side" i.e. on the right. England still has some influence in Europe!

Rest of the day was concentrated on bees and luckily MrB came around to help me out a a critical point. More of which on bee journal later. He also helped to dispose of some vegetables but not any courgettes! needing to consult with MrsB first if she had any ideas for a "new" way of enjoying these delicacies!