Back in the Saddle

The day finally came for me to get literally back in the saddle. I have hardly ridden a horse this summer. New responsibilities have played a part, but not having the opportunity has been the biggest factor. Well, the call came in from Dave Belus to help him and his crew round up for fall shipping. On it.

The particular area we were working on is off of 4 Mile Creek, southeast of Buffalo. Day break is when the fun began. 

When working in 1000+ acre pastures, proper coordinating is crucial. Dave sent us to particular areas to flush the cattle out. 

As Chief and I rode out, Hank showed up to lend a hand. 

Cool rock formations around here. 

The reservoir on the south edge was our point of destination. 

Here we kicked out our first couple pairs. 

As we headed down the creek we stumbled on what looked like a road. It was actually the eastern fire line of the recent House Draw Fire. 

The Belus Ranch was probably the hardest hit in the largest wildfire in Wyoming history; loosing some 50k acres of pasture grass and about 100 miles of fence. Fanned by a driving summer wind, the House Draw Fire burned up 150,000 acres over night and around 175,000 in total. But, by the grace of God, no human lives were lost, cattle damage was considerably minimal, and no homes were burned. Thanks to the effort of local and federal fire fighters, including Dave himself, the fire was stopped from its eastward expansion at this point. 

We have also been blessed with a beautiful fall. Dry, but the warm weather has made for some amazing colors. 

Big ranches like this once relied on windmills to pump water out of wells. Windmills work good when the wind blows. But summer can be still, leaving the cows high and dry. Most windmills in this area have been converted to solar pumps. As long as the sun is out, they pump water. At a slow rate, though. Like four gallons a minute. Therefore, you want to have a large watering tank that can fill up when the cows aren't around. 

Chief and I did pretty well together, though he started to get tender footed on me. Not sure if it is sore ligaments or his hooves need better tended too. 

But the drive must go on!

As I was pushing down the creek, Wade and Adam kept bringing me more. 

Porcupine nibbling on bark. 

Eventually, we met up with the rest of the riders and combined all our cows into one big bunch. 

And pushed them through the gate into the shipping pasture. Here they'll graze until Friday when they load on the trucks. 

Beer for my horses. 

Once done, we gathered back at the cabin to warm up. 

Alls well that ends well. We gathered another bunch of cows in similar fashion so I switched horses. Ranching can look ideal at one moment and dismal in the next. When the sun is out and the cows are traveling, it's great. When the sky is covered with a cold wind blowing in your face and five miles of drive to go, it's hard. That's why cowboys are tough. They know how to ride out the ups and downs of life. 

Today was a good day. I'm thankful to get out and about, and log a few miles in the saddle. I won't lie, I'm saddle sore. But cowboys take the good with the bad. A little pain is a small cost for such a good time. Special thanks to Dave and crew for letting me tag along. Keep up the perseverance, boys. America benefits from your example.