We had a major move over the last mountain with the cattle. The
route is convoluted. It includes a blind corner and a steep grade. It’s a trick
to execute with a big herd, so we
determined to cut them in half. We were able to make a clean sweep and not separate any cows from their calves and got the first herd well along their way
before dropping three riders to gather the remaining bunch. When the first herd
topped the mountain, Anna and I fell back as well and left five riders to get
them the rest of the way.
We found Mark and his skeleton crew with the second herd gathered and just about to attempt a creek crossing. They were glad to have us
and our three border collies.
When the first cows crossed the creek, they immediately
headed for home instead of climbing the hill. It was hidden to us and being otherwise
occupied with the tail end, we didn’t see their escape. We had to gallop around
the lead and get them turned around before we could attempt the climb. After much
ado we got them lined out just in time to face two side-by-sides with flags
fluttering on each side of the machines. This caused an about-face with the
lead which we aggressively mauled back to face the right direction.
The last excitement for the day was doling out the stash of
yellow slickers we have stowed in the horse trailer just before the rain
started. The day ended well, but I suffered the last two hours thinking I could forego my biking shorts hidden under my jeans. I won’t
do that again.
Since then we’ve had the disappointing experience of a thief
in the mountains that not only stole from us, but left a gate open and let the
cows into a neighboring field. We hate to lock things up, but that’s our only
recourse.
At home we’re moving yearling heifers around, fighting weeds,
irrigating and more irrigating.
It’s lovely weather, we’ve received lots of rain and the
ranch is exploding with growth. We sup on the terrace every evening and make a
point to soak in the beauty that surrounds us. But we’re tired and behind
as usual. We have to bolster one another up to let some of it go and quit
worrying. I asked Mark what it was like to be him and he said with a smile, “I’m
not bored.”
I don’t have any cow pictures, just wildflower pictures from
a rare day of quiet on the range.
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| brodieae |
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| blue flax |
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| sticky geranium |
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| a type of arnica (I think) |
sorry I didn't get the cow pictures to you. Nice blog.
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