Thanks for the feedback, folks :-)

Mary:

To step my mast, I put one end into the ball, the other lies directly aft on a small step ladder. Gotta get the end of the mast supported above the rear beam. Cat is trailered with with tramp 3+ ft above ground. I put another small step ladder right behind the rear beam. Mast has one forestay that's now loose, and the 2 shrouds in place. Put mast on shoulder, walk up 3 steps of 4-step stepladder to get onto tramp.

Like I say, it was much easier in my yard for some reason. Definately doesn't feel as safe as I'd like.

I tried the gin pole thing and didn't work very well. Got a pulley system (take a look at the thread and pic of mine about stepping(?)) that runs from the main halyard to trailer mast support and back through jib cleat. I can take up the slack as I go, but need to put in something for side stabilization. Trap wires to front beam might do.

Ciao,
Danno