A Drive Down Sodhouse Lane

All the snow and ice is gone and things are back to normal. We've been having highs in the upper 30's and lows in the mid 20's, but it's been cloudy.

I really feel for you folks that have all that snow. But, I would much rather have snow than ice.

January brings on the stack of cattle ag surveys that I do for the National Agricultural Statistic Service. One of the nice things about this job is that I get to see a lot of beautiful country. One of my visits this past week was to a ranch that is in the middle of the Malhuer Wildlife Refuge. It may have been a cloudy day, but it was still beautiful.

These photos were taken along Sodhouse Lane which is a 17 mile stretch of gravel road from Princeton to the Refuge headquarters. As usual, I never met another vehicle either coming or going that day.

The buildings on the horizon are part of

the Refuge's headquarters where they

have a visitor center and gift shop.

These cattle are grazing on private land

which adjoins the Refuge.

This two track leads off to a set of corrals

where they gather and brand calves.

This looks like a black and white photo, but

it's in full living color... courtesy of a

grey, cloudy day.

Even with the missing blade, this windmill

draws up plenty of water year around

for the rancher's cattle.

Thanks for comin' along for the drive. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!