Zoe"s Maritime Adventure Part 2

I toured the bustling port of Halifax and they put me to work on the docks. See the huge loader I rode on. And look at the Burns statue I discovered- made me feel right at home. I also relaxed in my new friend Tony’s hot tub.
Next it was Chester- the nicest natural harbour and dozens of sail boats. I toured the Zoe Valle Library and put my hoof print in their guest book. David said he would love to have a cottage near Chester and I could come visit and we could sail together.

Zoe"s Maritime Adventure Part 1

Dear Sue
I have returned from the most amazing exploration of the east coast of Canada. I had no idea this country is so large.
I’ve been to Northern New Brunswick, the capital Fredericton on the St John’s river. I dropped by UNB and it’s beautiful hillside campus. I even went to the Lord Beaverbrook art gallery. Just when I was ready to graze off we would go.
Next it was Prince Edward Island and my oh my I was reminded of Ireland and the hills back home.
I met the greeters at the old Court House, ate salad while Tricia and David got all messy eating lobsters- the things some people will put in their stomachs! Then we were off to foggy Peggy’s Cove a UN Heritage Site.

Lance the Piper in Washington DC

Dear Sue,

We have had lots of fun with Lance the Piper here in DC. Our friends Kerry and Gideon sent Lance to us from North Carolina and now we are ready to send him on again. Our daughter, Ella, has really enjoyed taking Lance with us and talking with him (she's even been teaching him a few words in Chinese since she started at her Chinese immersion school in September!).

Thanks for sharing him with us!
Sarah, Dean and Ella Harris

Last day in Arran

So, after two exhausting days we had some retail therapy, shorter walks and cycle rides.

I must say that our cottage was wonderful, very relaxing and snug.

You can see that i teamed up with a Scottish sheep-she seemed very familiar to me, reminded me of my Mum, very strong and solid and smelt and felt good to nuzzle into. Baaahhhh, it has been a lovely week up here and now our time is up to return back to Chester-le-Street.

I overheard Gill saying it was time to return to school on Monday. It has certainly been a busy and exciting time doing all this travelling - I feel worn out!!

I wonder what else The Hermitage Academy has instore for me? I shall certainly keep you all posted!

Love

Hermie

xx

Hermie on the Isle of Arran

Hermie lands on the Isle of Arran

Well folks I made it back home safely. I may look a bit worse for wear and my horns are very wobbly and fragile, but i'm ready for my next adventure!

I think I heard the school's October half term is coming up soon and Gill and her husband Barry are heading up to the Isle of Arran and taking me with them! How lucky am !!

I'm getting to be quite a seasoned traveller.

More news soon

Love Hermie xxx

High ropes and mountain biking

From here we travelled inland to the resort of Segries where we enjoyed a two day descent down the Ardeche river and then high ropes and mountain biking with a final session in the pool.

I decided no more water for me so stayed at the helm of the canoes to get a birds eye view of everything. It had certainly been quite an ordeal!

You can see the teachers provided me with liquid refreshments to keep my temperature down

and I even tried smoking-talk about leading me astray!! Yak, it smelt disgusting and it was highly dangerous as my wooly coat nearly caught fire!

This was certainly a high cry from my home pastures in Northumberland.

Homeward bound, as I know I have another exciting journey

soon.

Hermie goes on a water sports residential

A week after my adventures in India I was whisked off with The Hermitage Academy students for a water sports residential to the twin campsites of Mimosa and Segries in the South of France.

A group of 32 students and five teachers made the long journey by coach to enjoy a range of watersports activities, such as pico sailing, catamarans, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling and banana boats in Mimosa on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

My only worry was that I wasn't sure if I could swim and also my wooly coat may get so heavy with the water I may sink! H-E-L-P!*!*!

The weather was red hot and the students were really enjoying the outdoor life. Compared to the summer weather in Chester-le-Street this felt like heaven- it was a fantastic opportunity for all involved!

You will see that I managed to hitch a ride on the banana boat and just about survived this experience. I was

strapped into the lifejacket.

However, my coat was drenched through and the red from my horns ran into my coat, giving me a sunkissed look! Oh dear, Sue I'm so sorry my horns became loose and fell off into the sand.

My new friends dried me off and looked after me, as i was in a state of shock! My horns were attached again but they are very wobbly.