Last week, Pete Debe called and asked if I'd want to help with a round up on the Clear Creek, northeast of Buffalo. As providence would have it, all worked out for me to join.
No rush. I had time to celebrate Mass and pray the Office before gathering the horses and heading out.
The Watt Ranch is where we were riding. This place has remained in the family since its homesteading in the late 1800s.
The riders trailered to the backside of the pasture to gather and push.
Pete and his pup have helped on this place for years. Prior to that, he had the hunting rights leased and guided on this prairie.
Landmarks of the old times still remain.
Bernie has helped for years to. Deets and him came to work, as well as enjoy the ride in the process.
Good country for sheds.
Beautiful shots of the Bighorns too.
Pete is an old mountain man. So hillsiding slopes is no problem for him. Mollie and I were less excited, but followed the lead.
This country was once the bed of an ocean. Wild to think about, but the levelness of the horizon makes it more believable.
This is big country, so Jeff and other 4-wheeler riders were helping on the long gather.
We got all the cows pushed up to the gate.
And then kicked them into the neighbors.
Over the hill and through the woods.
A few good dogs really helped the herd move along.
It was about a seven mile drive in total.
Once at the final gate, they counted them as they entered the calving pasture.
Mission accomplished.
Us on horseback road back to the ranch, crossing US 16.
To find waiting us a hot bowl of beef stew. Good stuff.
Oats for my horses. Good work, sweetheart. Yes, I did brush her down.
Fun time. I love a good round up. Even better when it's with good folks. New country I saw today. Not your typical January in Wyoming, but we'll take what the Good Lord gives us. Special thanks to the Watt family for letting me tag along, and to Pete for thinking to call me. Thanks also for Mollie toting me around. Life just looks better from the back of a horse. Ranch on.
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