Day One:
The temperature was in the teens, but the sun was shining, and the wind kept itself to a minimum. We started early so we could get the cows across the desert before the ground surface got greasy and hard to travel on.
Four new calves were born that night, so we had to cut them out and leave them behind. Many of the cows looked like they were ready to pop any moment! Today's trip is about 14 miles.
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| Starting out across the desert...the sage brush sea. |
The cows were moving out really good...they kept up a steady pace and stayed on track most of the time. Their internal GPS was pretty much on target!
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| Looking back at where we came...between the two buttes. |
There were spots of snow under the sage brush and ice covered the water holes. But by the time we reached the county road, the ground had started to thaw out and it was mucky.
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| Counting cows through the gate...the numbers are all recorded in the Red Book. |
I was bundled up from head to toe...including insulated bib overalls, wool railroad cap and hooded sweatshirt...I didn't look like much, but I stayed relatively warm. We started the cows out at about 8 AM and arrived at the half way point around 3 PM.
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| On the county road...we walked our horses to keep our ol' bones movin'! This is the view from Colt's eye. |
Rastus got to help some when a few cows would decide they needed to veer off track...and he did a very good job...I was proud of him since he's been off all winter with just a few practice days on our cows. When we got onto the county road, there's a fence on both sides, so there wasn't much need for his help. But Rastus was content to just be there.
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| The cows are lined out for over a mile. |
Rancher Dan's wife showed up with refreshments and food. Even though it was cold, the beer I had tasted pretty good! We waited for the sandwiches until we got to the destination...too cold to take my gloves off!
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| My two good boys. |
Everyone arrived safely and the cows went straight for the hay that had been laid out for them...except for one cow who went straight to the fence line, stopped in the corner and burst her water...the first of how many calves for that night?
Tomorrow...day two~
Participating in:
Rurality Blog Hop #4
If I say, I envy you the fact, that you do this, please dont take it the wrong way. But I do, it looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your interesting day!
ReplyDeleteA good days work with good workers.
ReplyDeleteA real Team effort. Makes our roundups and summer moving of cattle look mild in comparison. Great post and photos!
Janis In Vermont
www.tailgait.blogspot.com
Sounds like a good day but maybe a few days earlier woulda been a bit better, lol before any calves were born.
ReplyDeleteGlad everything went smoothly. Love the new header photo.
ReplyDeleteLove the new header!
ReplyDeleteEven a cold day moving cows is a good day when you can do it on the back of your bestest horse. At least you had sunshine!
Very fascinating! I love the photo showing the cows walking all the way up the road. It would be interesting to see this in person.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures you show ..... Wish you a good day / good weekend :) Hanne Bente
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteI of course agree with everyone else, love the new header! I especially agree with Cheyenne Jones!
ReplyDeleteAlways amazing photos of your life style ~ you work hard ~ love Rastus! ^_^
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments ~ slow to respond (had flu bug)
not a part of life many of us get to experience. love the hard-working pup.
ReplyDeleteand glad the calves and cows are doing well together (from today's post).
thanks for stopping in!
Ya'll put in a long day but it is good, honest work! I'll bet not many feel that way! ;)
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy seeing your pictures of the wide open spaces. It's different vegetation than ours.
Thank you for joining in 'Rurality Blog Hop #4' Hope to see you next Wednesday for #5... (PS I love your new header, it has that fabulous light that I fell in love with in your valley!)
ReplyDelete