non stop cows

Driving home behind a camper van travelling at 30mph I tried to be canny and took a back road, thinking even I would easily be able to come back onto the main road ahead of them. 

I hadn't reckoned on it being milking time... The field gate was open half across the road and a never ending procession of cows was on its way to the farm. Nothing for it but to switch the engine off and enjoy watching them all as they passed. 

Such variety in their build, their markings and their characters. Some trundling along peaceably, not in a hurry, but happy to keep moving. Others were jostling and jumping and looking around to see if 'an alternative route' could be taken. Some looked uncomfortably ready to be milked, others as if they might not have much to offer this afternoon. 

Finally, following the last stragglers, came a cheery farm worker on a quad bike. With a smile and a wave to the waiting cars he closed the gate and we were all able to continue on our way.

I headed back onto the main road, camper van forgotten.