Mula Exploradora!

Mule Explorer!

The sun's shining, the breeze is blowing and this mule has energy! Come on FH let's go check out the wilds of Dartmoor!

I do so love it up on Dartmoor, it is made for mules!  Dartmoor is nearly 400 square miles of open moorland with herds of ponies, cattle and sheep (and the occasional Pixie aka Piskies in this area).

I have been exploring on the moor before but normally I have to wait for a more mature short ears friend to go with me as I get a bit excited!  FH reckons I'm ready to go on my own though now.

So let's get tacked up and out early..... we don't get blue skies like that very often here you know.









That looks like a mule track to me, need to go up hill and over yonder, hang on FH I'll get you there.

Dartmoor Mule!

I've noticed on Dartmoor that there are lots of these stone things everywhere.... FH tells me that some of them are the ruins of old houses (maybe we could come live up here FH, there's lots of grass), some are burial mounds (spooky!) and some are monuments that no one really knows what they are. These things have been here since the Bronze age, that's about 5000 mule years ago, wow!  They are all made out of granite and have a habit of popping up out of nowhere, I had to give some of those stones a good mule stare to put them in their place.... can't have those rocks thinking they've scared me...

Sometimes all is not as it seems, I noticed that quite a few of those stones actually moved when I passed them.  They was sheeps disguised as stones!  Naughty sheep!  This little lambykins wasn't that well disguised though, he had got left behind by his Mom.  Run, sheepy run.

After a few miles I was starting to get a bit thirsty, it was OK though as we were about to happen upon one of Dartmoor's many streams for a little drink.  We had to tip toe around a blanket bog first though.  Dartmoor has lots of bogs.... nasty squelchy things that suck your hooves off, thank goodness FH seems to know where they are as I wouldn't like to lose my pretty muletta hooves, good job I invited her along, humans are useful sometimes.

Bog tackled we neared the stream but what is this?  Some of the cattle had the same idea.  These are Belted Galloway cattle, I thought they were rather pretty, FH was not so convinced, she is a little bit nervous of them.  Apparently this herd are known to be fairly quiet but they got calves with them so we needed to be careful and not upset them.  FH needed to hide so she got off me and hid behind my mulificent self.  I gave those cows some stern mule stares and they quickly created a path for Queen Dragon to proceed through.  I don't know why FH is bothered by this lot they seemed pretty friendly to me.  I would've enjoyed staying to chat a bit longer but places to go people to see!

Just a second FH before we go I just gotta check under the bridge for the Piskies (this is the proper Devon word for pixies, those little fairy folk that live on the moor and have a mischievous time, us Muleteers love them, our humans don't believe they exist, they have no imagination sometimes).  

These old bridges are called clapper bridges, some nice person mules years ago put them up so you humans don't need to get your feet wet when crossing.  Us mules have superior waterproof hooves, you lot really need to evolve some too.

Checking for Piskies

OK bye now my bovine friends, I'll be back again soon.  What a nice view!  You can see where the farmer's fields end and the moor begins, they're such different colours.

Onwards we must go!  This is so much fun!  FH walks a bit and rides a bit and inspects the view while I inspect the plant life (mmm tasty).  We both sigh deeply and enjoy the sunshine, aahh bliss :-)

Nearly back to the track home and I came across this most interesting bunch of stones, I was desperate to climb all over it while FH had to get off to open one of the super difficult gates. This is called a 'Barrow', apparently not one of the wheeled ones but this is a name for an ancient monument sometimes a tomb or burial chamber.  These are found all over the moor, this is one of the oldest ones but alas it is now just a collection of big granite rocks. 

Perfect for a Mula Exploradora to pose on!

Homeward bound now, I'm sure I can hear The Mini bellowing from miles down the lane!  I'm having such a nice time do I have to go home?  Guess the boys need might need me.... oh well if we're going we might as well GO!  What do you mean FH that I really shouldn't canter down this path? It's only steep and rocky and narrow.... no problems for a Mula Exploradora but as you asked nicely I guess I'll carry you down it at a walk.  There is an advantage to that, I can snack along the way!

Next stop home.  Just time for a Mula Exploradora to replenish her energy levels with cow parsley, hogweed and campion - yummy!

I'm ready for my next adventure, where to FH?  I love being a Mula Exploradora!

Searching for Spring....

The Mini on the hunt for Spring!

Dearest Muleteers, I have been a little worried that Spring has got lost, maybe she has wandered off across the ocean to our friends in the USA?  A mini mule like me loves the green grass and warm temperatures that Spring brings so you will see why I was so worried.....  I persuaded FH to accompany Explorer Mini on a search for the elusive Lady Spring.....

We set off to see what signs there were in the neighbourhood of Spring appearing, surely she must arrive soon?

I can't tell you how relieved I was to find my first clue that Spring has already paid a fleeting visit... look at those lovely daffodils, I had to sniff them to check they were real.  I offered to pick some for FH with my teeth but ughh they don't taste nice so best to leave them to look pretty.

The daffodils are a beautiful sign of Spring

Next we wandered off up the lane to see what delights we could find in our neighbouring fields, it's such a long way when your legs are as tiny as mine, I'm always happy to walk with FH though, special us time is welcome.... I am No. 1 you know but don't tell anyone else will you?!

Mini Mule on the Hunt for Lady Spring!

Spring rewarded us for our walk with her next clues.... I spy with my little eye (and rather large ears ;-) some bleating lambykins!  These ones are lucky as they're with their Mums enjoying the sweet, tasty grass that Lady Spring has delivered.

These little lambykins are not so lucky, they are orphans.... thankfully our nice neighbour is rearing them as tame lambs, us mules keep an eye on them and take it in turns to visit them and talk to them over the fence, they just say....baaaa, baaaa but they're cute anyway :-)

The Mini visits the lamb creche!

The next clue Lady Spring has left us is the carpet of Snowdrops, they are staying a long time with us this year, normally they would have said goodbye by now but the freezing temperatures have let them stay a while longer.  Aren't they pretty?

A carpet of beautiful snowdrops

After a hearty Springtime walk (I'm convinced she's arrived now!) I could tell we were nearly home as I could hear Dragon neighbraying.  Come quick you missed a sign!  

Look there's blue sky here too!  Not just horrible grey clouds but real blue sky.

Mule alert - blue sky ahead!

And look there's buds on the maple tree too!

Finally home time, I am such a clever Mini Explorer, I found Spring, she was there all along just quite well disguised.  Phew!  This Mini is all overcome with emotion at the arrival of the long awaited, best season of all..... only one thing for it...... a secret kiss from FH! Ssshhhh don't tell the others!

A secret mini mule kiss.... sshhhh!

Mule Rescue

Something is not right, something is definitely wrong.... there is a very scared creature on the other side of the fence and it's making very scared noises..... I think its lost its Mum, I think it's stuck.  Quick FH, stop calling me for dinner and come help!  Those naughty minis have disappeared in for their dinner but no I am NOT coming until you come sort this problem out.  I will stand here at the top of the hill and look over here til you get the hint for goodness sake!

The Momma sheep wants baby lambykins back and you're gonna have to deal with it cos I can't get over there and open the gate for it.

FINALLY!! You got the hint that I wasn't moving for all the shaken food bowls and enticing noises in the world, sometimes there are more important things in life than food (yes, I did just say that!).

Now then, get over that fence and rescue the poor lambykins.


Hee haw, hee haw,  Catanian.... we need you!  FH doesn't have a sheepdog so you'll have to do!

Sheepcat extraordinaire!

The poor lambykins is very afraid and running around so FH you'll have to be quick.....tehehe that was quite amusing when you dived on the floor, nearly in to that cow pat...hehehe

Right one lamb caught, one Momma sheep on the other side of the fence, one Sheepcat scoping out the gate.

Phew Momma and baby reunited, after a quick nuzzle and comforting drink I saw Momma bring the lambykins right near to the gate and look pointedly at FH, Catanian and me.  I'm really convinced she was saying thank you, how lovely.

Ok, all sorted, just checking that there are no more escapees and then it's time for a nap and that dinner you promised me, I think extra carrots are in order...

We're particularly pleased to reunite Momma and Lambykins as here in the UK it's Mother's day, Mum's are just THE BEST!  For all the Mums and Grannies out there we salute you for keeping us all on track and bringing joy to the world.

God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made Mothers.

Rudyard Kipling

Mule Inspection Duty: Neighbourhood Watch

Greetings Muleteers! Yippee I'm fixed, back to work = happy muletta!  FH and I have been out on the town!  Well ok, we've been out and about on the local lanes, we decided to go and inspect the damage from the terrible weather we had earlier in the month.

The lane to my summer residence (hmmm when the sun shines!) has been terribly damaged,  there are deep holes and all of the tarmac has been torn up....  not to worry though muleteers I am the original off road vehicle.  These little rocks and gaps are nothing for a muletta like me.  My hooves have no metal shoes as they don't need them, I like to feel the gravel beneath my feet, it helps me balance and know where to put my feet.  FH never worries about me finding the right track.

This used to be a perfect lane before the rain!

FH hopped on and we had a ride up to the moor to see what was happening up there.  We practiced stops and starts and I am trying to get the hang of gates.  FH would really like me to master this as she wouldn't have to get on and off.  Of course I know what I'm doing but I do get a little distracted by the tasty hedgerows that grow next to the gates.  I'll think about trying harder with them though as FH looks a little puffed at having to get on and off - LOL!  

The view was wonderful, Dartmoor is home to sheep, cattle, ponies (short ears but they're still quite nice) and pixies!  I know lots about the pixies and occasionally we see them creeping down from the moor at night to come and share our water.  They are very nice and this muletta is not scared of them.  Occasionally when FH isn't concentrating they pop out from the hedgerows and say hello, this often makes me jump and my ears nearly touch in the middle, FH thinks I'm doing something called shying but really I'm saying hello to the secret pixies - she wouldn't understand being a two legs!

Dartmoor, home of the Pixies!

Alas it was time to go home, on the way FH was telling me that pesky dogs have been causing trouble in the local area by killing sheep.  How dare they!  These sheep live in my territory and there will be no nastiness, besides which my mini boyfriends are not that much bigger than sheep and I wouldn't want these dogs having designs on them for dinner :-(  

My friendly farmer has put up a sign to warn dog owners to make their dogs behave, I thought I would leave my own mark on the sign, a good bite out of it should put them off, this mule is on the prowl and will not take kindly to any dogs making trouble with my neighbours!

A chunk out of the sign should make my intentions clear!

Finally we were home, I was raring to go further and it seems that I may have a willing volunteer for the next ride.... FH seemed a little disgruntled, everyone is getting in on this mule riding act!  Don't worry muleteers I'll save the next ride for her :-)

Catanian climbs onboard!

Summer at Mule HQ

Greetings muleteers!  The English summer is now in full swing, yes that's right we have had days of torrential rain and gales!  Gales are good for this Mini though, they blow away the midges and relieve my wheezy breathing as I'm allergic to pollen :-( So I've been enjoying the breeze and making the most of being able to shelter inside, I've also be making the most of sheltering behind my favourite hedge.

The only thing with this hedge is that the nettles have grown so high they are now taller than me!  This is not good... I have summoned FH and told her that she must cut down these nettles and when they've wilted I will gladly eat them for her.  If you look closely at the picture can you spot the odd one out?  Ro-Land's ears are sooooo small, much too small to be normal, blink and you'll miss them!

So apart from the torrential rain what else does summer bring to muleteer HQ?  Well lots of noisy neighbours trying to edge in on our territory.

Firstly look at this baby wren, it and its nest mates had very noisily set up home under the eaves and just when the sun shone they all came out of the nest and chirped very noisily to be fed, one of them even came and sat on my gate - hmmmm!

Then we have the swallows in residence again, I'm quite keen on them as FH says that they eat all the pesky midges so they can stay!  Here they are having a little rest....

Then it was time for them to leave and catch more pests - carry on friends I say!

Finally can you believe what I saw over the hedge???  Yes Muleteers that's right some pesky critters trying to muscle in on my FH..... now this I am not amused by.  Those silly bleating things called lambs, all I can hear at the moment is their calls saying - feed me, feed me, most annoying when a Mini is trying to sleep.

Well Muleteers as Summer is finally here it is time to master the art of eating in the rain.  It involves putting one's butt in to the rain, reversing one's ears so that no water gets in them and doing the very British thing of carrying on as normal.  

The British Marines have a saying, "There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing" - this Mini is fully prepared, maybe I could be a Commando Mule? Til next time muleteers I am off to dodge the rain again!