Our lifestyle seems a little crazy to most people. It’s not always easy to move around as much as we do, or to stay and get attached somewhere only to pick up and leave. To be honest, we’ve left little pieces of our hearts everywhere we’ve been. Sometimes this is even harder when animals are involved, for all they know, one day you’re present and the next you’re not. We did decide to stay in the country this past year and found work at a ranch and home in the small town of Clark, Colorado for much of it. Like most small towns we’ve lived in, it was complete with a general store, post office and pub. John worked mostly in the kitchen helping to prepare fabulous meals, and since we were able to pack along most of his tools, he also contributed to many building projects around the ranch.
As natural herds have been my focus, I was excited to see how sustainable a herd of 100 could be. As it turns out, it’s a full time job just keeping a herd this size in good health. There are many advantages to natural herd management, but there are also pitfalls. And with a herd this size, many watchful eyes are needed. I was blessed to work with a passionate crew of folks, and enjoyed getting to know others that came through for visits. It would be far too long to introduce every member of the herd, but they all held their place in the hierarchy. Without a stallion or true lead mare, it was interesting to see the friendships formed and which horses filled those roles. There are many things to be learned from every experience if you are open to it. It was a busy season, but we appreciate hard work and at the end of each day, we felt the reward.
Probably one of the highlights to our job as wranglers, is wrangling in the herd in the early morning as the sun rises (and many times the moon sets). The video is a bit bouncy, Lakota is like a little pogo stick, but it gives glimpses of the feeling. Thanks Brit for the use of the goPro and Mark for putting it together. :)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2pp6pu38wlf4uwc/Brooke_Wrangle.mov?dl=0
the barn
the first release to the lower hay meadow
upper pasture
Jackie and Catalonia (1 day old)
John’s 1st time fly fishing
full time wrangler crew
morning wrangle with Chief
silks with sista in the barn loft :)
view from Home Mountain
first time driving a 7 horse trailer :)
Routt National Forest views
chicken coop framing
almost finished coop to accommodate up to 100 chickens
some of John’s finished details
hatches for egg collection and winter outdoor area
new resident near coop
clearing trails day
first fall snow
pig pen
favorite pig :)
I heart Stetson
sun rise over the Zirkles
moon set
2 year old, first ride
main paddock
Goliath
Columbine, Colorado’s state flower
Si
hay day
bringing in the herd
2 year old from round pen to arena
outdoor BBQ area
The bar John built with local beetle kill pine
live edge finished top, rough sawn base and steel panels
along with 2 trestle style serving tables
through tenons and steel pins
Catalonia (5 days old)
Pancho leads the way to pasture
staff ride :)
sunset
dad’s first time fly fishing
the beauty of fall
Pancho
Amigo’s trek through the barn
weanling week
Frisco, the night he collicked and survived :)
new guys: Ace, Mojito and Dash
new bridle from wrangler crew :)
love it, thanks guys!
all day ride
the end of the day
Auger :)
It has been over a year since we’ve posted to the blog, and it is a little astonishing. I just went back and read every post we’ve ever made, reliving those miles traveled, some with a tear, but most with a smile. Life gets heavy sometimes. Many moments you’re open to share and some, not so much. It is not out of a willingness to disengage or get out of touch. To the contrary, beyond social media or written word, the folks we care about are on our minds daily. Although we may not know where our next step will lead us, we always like updates on yours. Please keep in touch, even if we’re not being so good at it, and know our door is always open wherever we are. (be it tent, yurt, cabin or car :) Our travels have been based on a path of openess. Integrity comes to mind, as it often does when working for others. If we stay true to ourselves and remain open, there are endless possibilities ahead. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, you can never be over appreciated or thankful. So, thank you. We really do appreciate all of you.
Take good care and keep in touch.
xx
