Mexico is an absolutely beautiful country. We spent the day riding into the mountains with traditional Mexican cowboys (vaquero in Spanish). It was absolutely mind blowing. Filming it was a bit of hassle as there was no power supply. The day ended when the batteries died, which I think we were all glad of as the past few days have gone on until after sunset (in Mexico that is 9pm). It’s quite nice to be back at the hotel, have a shower, chill out with a beer and have a look through the footage....Continue reading

Fantastic day – got to drive a digger. Noah is going to be proud of his Dad. Massive yellow one as well. The circumstances of this adventure were not quite so fantastic though – in fact they were desperately sad. The farmer’s cow died overnight leaving the farmer in tears. Really choked me to see him so upset – a tough Mexican farmer brought to tears by the helplessness and plight of his situation. The other cow from yesterday was on its feet and looks much brighter, although other animals in the pen still look weak and on the edge....Continue reading

Agatha and her family are simply heroic. There is no respite for them as they are overseeing everything and it is a huge itinerary. Poor Alberto had to sort out a puncture first thing before meeting us at the hotel, together with Raul – the crazy Mexican Indiana Jones equivalent – and driving us four hours into a stunning reserve. Raul gave me a lesson in how to handle a deadly rattlesnake (he did all the grabbing as it was extremely angry – he had o let it go at one point as he couldn’t hold it anymore) but with skilful calm, he got things back under control and I had my ‘lesson’. On the vet side I treated a cow with a damaged leg and horse that had suffered a suspected snakebite....Continue reading

There was a big cause for celebration today as it was the first day of the trip that we managed to get lunch. It was delicious and we had a nice meal with Agatha and her family at the shelter – a chance to sample a tasty Mexican chocolate sauce which I know would have been a big hit back home if I had managed to sneak it into my suitcase. I had a great day because I had a bit of time to crack on with a few of the pets at the shelter that needed some help. Marc got stuck in with me and I also caught Scot on a mission to put some blue spray on a wound he spotted. This vet stuff must be infectious!
 

 
Couple of ops, a sad put to sleep on a little dog with a crushed pelvis, a sick puppy that needed a drip and a few other bits and bobs. Had a lot of fun jumping in the well at the shelter (part of a family tradition!) – very cold and I managed to get a leach on me in no time at all, but fantastic nevertheless....Continue reading

The working days are very long and we are on the go about 13-15 hours a day. Everyone has a cracking attitude and wants to get the job done, whatever it takes. Think we got really good stuff, but you never know until you get the footage on a timeline in the edit suite. Though I must say that the tape-less workflow we are using comes very handy as we can edit little clips at the end of the day back at the hotel… if time allows....Continue reading

Mexico is one hot country. The sun has been relentless on this trip and I’m sure the crew and myself have all suffered from heatstroke at some point along the way. We’re all burnt to a cinder and the dark skin on my arms is beginning to peel away – I’m a bit afraid that it will all come off by the time I get back to the UK and I’ll be as white as a ghost....Continue reading

Things took a turn for the surreal today as another cameraman and Jules (Executive Producer) flew out with a helicopter to do aerial shots. It was excellent driving along being buzzed from above. Very James Bond – except for the shorts, physique, fact I’m a vet and I was limited to going to 50km an hour in a not too special drak green hire truck. I did get a quick five minute ride in the helicopter with Lupe which was great fun and very nice of Jules and Marc to sortas we were incredibly tight on time; but I have to say the highlight of the day was a ride in Pablo’s Pontiac! What a great car! It’s definitely been a trip of new experiences this one!...Continue reading

Today was a tough one, but not in the way I expected. The helicopter delayed us all today and now we have to fit two days of filming into one… woopdeedoo…
 
...Continue reading

This trip is nearly over and my last words must go to Agetha, Alberto, Pablo and Daniela (the family who are behind the sanctuary). They have been absolutely tremendous hosts: helping us as much as is humanly possible and being as friendly as Casper the ghost. It has been a wonderful trip and that is due in large part to their efforts. So I would like to say a big Mexican thank you. Mucho mucho gracias!
 
...Continue reading

Last day and home!! Nailed 2 frantic hours taking general shots of me padding about the town, completed a few last minute interviews and then the epic 22 hour journey home!...Continue reading