10/09/2026
I met Donkey on the Big Island at a developing farm and animal sanctuary. Along with maybe a dozen cows and a few horses.
My partner was attending an aircrete workshop and I was just hanging out, basking in the tropical storm that was going on. The morning the storm broke the owner was headed up the mountain to feed the animals and asked if I'd like to join, and duh. So I hopped in the back of the rusty island truck, filled with hay and up we went through the eucalyptus.
The cows and horses came a runnen, eager for breakfast and were not shy about sticking their slobbery faces up in our faces to be the first ones fed. I love cows and I was very glad to be in the back of a truck. We were surrounded by their giant faces with just enough room for our cloths to not accidentally become part of breakfast as the frame on the truck bed limited their reach. The horses, apparently the bosses in the herd, eventually claimed the feeding grounds which included giving little Donkey a chance to eat. Donkey, a fraction of the size of the cows, definitely needed the horses help. He was sweet as could be, still sopping wet from the rain. He let me get as close as I was comfortable to give him hay, take photos and even pet his soft velvety snout. We hung out for some time just enjoying the peace of the mountain top jungle. He knew the routine. The horses will keep the cows away and he could take his time. So we did.
I have to say, Donkey ( his name is Donkey ) was my favorite part of this trip and I love that have this memory in painting form to remind me of the magical trip to feed the herd up the mountain.