The low to the SW is moving slowly NE'wards, with the promise of some heavy rain and strong winds later tonight for Beenham. Conditions at 12z (1PM BST): Thickness, 552dam, temperature 19C (dewpoint 8C). Wind from the south, 15 MPH. Today's high, 20C, last night's low 12C (source: MetO, the 12z GFS and NOAA).

Today dawned cloudy here in Kent, and by the time I left at just before eight it was still overcast. It felt cool, with air temperatures struggling to break 12C.

However, the Autumnal feeling eased as I forged westwards across the countryside, and by the time I pulled up at the Trust the temperature had risen to 15C and the skies were half clear. I was able to take a good look at the sky, as the front gate was shut and padlocked! Rather than disturb a senior handler, I decided to explore the local area:

The footpath lead to a farm, and on my way back the wolves started howling, echoing over the otherwise silent countryside. After a while two more volunteers appeared, the latter being Dominic in his trademark red Mini. It didn't take him long to zoom back up the drive and grab a master key from John (a senior who lives just around the corner from the Trust). It turned out the wolves had decided not to go to bed last night, preferring to sleep outdoors instead.

After parking up, I said hello to the Euros, extending a fist as I've done so many times before for them to sniff. Alba came over then wandered away, leaving Lunca alone in the corner. This time she did something unusual, in that she wagged her tail at me - unusual, because I've never even stroked her before.

Although there was no cleaning today, there's always something to be done. This time the tasks were hauling some old masonry around, plus painting. The Trust's wooden buildings are gradually turning a deep shade of green, and they look quite attractive as a result.

The Sun may only be as high now as it is in mid April, but it still has a fair amount of heat in its rays. However, I didn't get to experience that much of it due to the building cumulus, with a veil of cirrus heralding the arrival later today of the deep low to the SW.

Next up was a training walk around the fields - it was decided to do it earlier than usual today. Dakota gave me a sniff and a glance, but Duma went to town again. She nuzzled and licked my proferred fist, leant on me (and I involuntarily took a step backwards after a bit to better support myself, she can really push!) and after that she gave me a slobbery lick over my chin as I bent down.

The walk itself was great fun, and it seems the ideal is to keep the wolf as far away from you as possible, anticipating the wolf's movements so that you have to pick up the slack as infrequently as possible. Of course, the best way to attune yourself with a wolf is to spend time with them, so I've many a training session yet ahead of me! . Kodiak and Kenai were their usual snarling selves, and Duma made it clear she'd love nothing more than to accept their challenges! Duma also dragged me into the stream, but today I was wearing boots and didn't mind the dunking.

All too soon it was time for the wolves to go back to their enclosures, ahead of the member's walk. However, while we were being briefed the Euros decided to howl again, looking magnificent in the late summer sunshine:

When we got to the woods (with the North Americans, Duma and Dakota), I was on car watch duty again. The skies were still interesting, with cirrus and cumulus persisting:

By now, the temperature had risen to around 19C, and there were some quite strong gusts of wind rustling through the trees. An hour later the other car watchers arrived and I was free to zoom through the woods in search of wolves. I found them at the "stump", which is where the senior of the day delivers a talk to the public. As usual, I "checked in" with Duma and Dakota, although neither were that interested.

Not sure what they'd spotted here, but as you can see wolves don't mind muddy puddles in the slightest!

A few minutes later, Duma was heading in my direction - I snapped a couple of quick shots, then realised that she wasn't going to stop! So, hiding the camera behind my back, I bent down for her and gave her a quick tummy rub - and yes, I got a licked nose for my results (and the guests who tried taking a picture just got a photo of Duma sticking her tongue out at me instead!). However, due to a quirk of nature it looks for all the world like Duma was winking at me as she approached!

Eventually, we came to the water, one of the nicest parts of the walk. Duma led the way....

...before the sisters had a good paddle around.

Of course, wolves shake themselves dry like dogs do, (or technically it's the other way around!) And if you get in the way - well, you'll get pretty wet yourself. Here we see Duma drying herself off a bit later:

Finally, it was time to head for the Trust again, and this time I was learning how to handle the merchandise side of things, including the Card Swipe Machine from Hell! Hopefully it'll stand me in good stead next month, as one of the things volunteers like myself do at shows is help sell things.

After the guests had left, it was time to head for home, with the setting sun shining through increasingly thick high level cloud. It stayed dry all the way home, though, and it's still dry now.

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