Fall back
Fall is upon us. Our last snowfall was June 11th, so it seems that this season has come before we are ready. Still, the seasons roll on, whether we are ready or not. We are fully occupied with our fall work of trailing the sheep and cows off the forest, working them, and preparing to ship the calves and lambs. We are also full into elk and deer hunting season, which is an additional business on our operation.
Last week we had a photographer, Melissa Farlow, here from National Geographic magazine. Wyoming writer Alexandra Fuller has written an article on wild horses for an upcoming issue. Our adopted wild horse, Dot, had performed heroically when he led one of our sheepherders through a Red Desert blizzard and back to his sheep camp in the winter of 2006-07. Melissa came to capture Dot's image for the magazine.
Our long-time sheepherder Oscar Payano returned to Peru in early October. He has worked for us longer than any other of the scores of Peruvian sheepherders who have husbanded our sheep over the years. His father, the legendary Santiago, worked here almost as long as Oscar. We plan, and hope, that Oscar returns to us in the spring.
Ready to leave the forest
Jose on Lakota
Little Red Park, Routt National Forest
photo by Sharon O'Toole
Dr. Knight, Meghan & Maeve
September 15, 2008
Buck testing, Home Ranch
photo by Sharon O'Toole
Waiting for the vets
Buck testing, Home Ranch
photo by Sharon O'Toole
George on water barrel
Routt National Forest
photo by Pat O'Toole
Aspens on Dudley Creek
Routt National Forest
photo by Pat O'Toole
Oscar, ready to leave for Peru
Upper Big Gulch, Medicine Bow National Forest
photo by Sharon O'Toole
Edgar and Dot, posing for National Geographic
Upper Big Gulch, Medicine Bow National Forest
photo by Sharon O'Toole
Cows and calves
Upper Smylie Place
photo by Sharon O'Toole
Ready for winter
Home Ranch
photo by Sharon O'Toole
Suzie in the ditch
Home Ranch
photo by Sharon O'Toole
Weaning the lambs
Home Ranch
photo by Sharon O'Toole
Comments
I love reading your blog and it is so exciting for me when you post a new entry. It is so interesting to read the life of your family and the animals. Thanks and keep posting.
Posted by: ellie k | October 27, 2008 1:15 AM
I can see now why your cousin Mary was so taken with the grandeur of your ranch - it is truly stunning. And a LOT of work! With my Scots background, I wish I could see those Scottish cattle, especially in that magnificent setting. It was nice to meet you both and now to have some sense of what it takes to keep the western heritage alive. I look forward to reading about winter on the range. Stay warm, be well.
Posted by: judith | November 13, 2008 4:52 PM