Wyoming Wind

Last Sunday, Ian Welles hit me up to ride the following Saturday morning. Don't tempt me with a good time! I waited in joyful anticipation all week, and I was not disappointed.

The forecast for Saturday was wind, and they were right! The mission: move two different bunches of freshly weaned mother cows out to winter grazing. 

This time around, I just borrowed one of Ian's horses. Buddy was the brute assigned to me. 

Good guy. Friendly fellow. 

Before we rode out, BJ wanted to warm his steed up in the corral. If you think your horse might unleash, a good technique is to grab the back of your cantle, if you have a Cheyenne roll, and hang tough if need be. Not always stylish, but definitely effective. 

Our first chore was to move a few head out to meet up with the big bunch we were to push to pasture. 

Right outside the corrals lies Crazy Woman Creek. Flowing good for this time of year. 

Then we all met up and headed out. Today's posse: BJ, Ian, Colter, Austin, Coy, and Buddy and I.

The Welles ranch was at the heart of the House Draw Fire last summer. Ian and crew fought hard to save the ranch, but about 100 miles of fence was destroyed. With a lot of hard work, they are back up and running. The new fences look real good. 

We probably gathered up 150 head or so and pushed them south of the home place. 

Cool views of the Bighorns out here. 

We all split off and converged at the first gate.

New Traditionalists. 

Cowboying takes all kinds. Colter ain't about to get cold. He also rides with a war bridle. Ranchy. 

Once through the gate, we pushed on. Wind to our back, thankfully. 

The last two miles was up against a fence. Easy. 

Through the gate they go. Round 1. 

So we fast trotted back to the other boys who were gathering up the next bunch. Wind to our face. Cold.

Stopping for a drink in the Crazy along the way. 

Ian and BJ had picked up the next batch.

Jumping in behind, we helped finish the drive.

Mission accomplished.

Good work, pal. 

Hot cup of coffee and a sandwich never tasted so good!

After living in Great Falls, Montana for a few years, I finally figured out why God made the wind. It's so you can appreciate a day when it doesn't blow. Wind will make a man out of you. Once forged, you are better suited to enjoy the beauty of a calm day. Life will do the same. Tested by fire and trials, we can appreciate and give thanks to God for times of peace and tranquility. We call this the school of hard knocks. Not always the cheapest education. But often the most valuable. That's ranching in the 307.