Pepe trailing over Farwell Mountain
In the summer, Pepe trails his sheep from the north side of Farwell Mountain to the south side. He does this over a period of about six weeks, hitting the high country when the plants are at their most succulent and the weather is at its most benign. Bear in mind that this summer pasture, in the Routt National Forest, is the site of the Routt Blowdown, the Hinman Fire and the September 2006 storm chronicled in this blog. It borders the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, and much of it lies above 10,000 feet. It is a land of thunderstorms and out-of-season blizzards.
In the fall, he reverses the migration, making the same trek with his sheep, dogs, and horses in about three days. He spends the last days of summer--if you are going by the calendar--in the big meadows of Big Red Park. Here are some photos of Pepe setting out from the headwaters of the Elk River to go up and over to Silver City Creek.
Pepe loading his packhorse for the trail over the top
Upper Elk River, Routt National Forest
photo by Jim Roberts
Pepe loaded and ready to go
Upper Elk River, Routt National Forest
photo by Jim Roberts
Pepe heading out, with Dunkin and a Border collie bringing up the rear
Upper Elk River, Routt National Forest
photo by Jim Roberts
