ROUND UP

20 – 24 October 2009:  ROUNDUP 

Headed over to the ranch to get the cows out of the high country and bring them down to the lower cow camp - the Mayberry.  Took Jack, Baylee, and Stryder for our mounts.  Had a great time and really enjoyed visiting with the Martinell kids.  When we first started helping at roundup in 92 the three of them were in grade and high school in Lima.  Now they have all graduated from college and are married and two of the three have children.  And what great people they are!

The first day we gathered the state ground - 14 sections so it was a busy day.  Kristin saw one wolf where she was gathering, and Connie saw wolf tracks when going up Horse Creek.  I rode the high country and opened gates so anything left behind could get out.  Also let down fences where the snow drifts will break them down if you don’t.  And all of us got to see the great visuals of the Centennial Valley.  The valley floor was covered in fog most of the day, but where we were it was clear.  The cows were really scattered and hard to get moving off the mountain.  They were very content where they were lots of grass still around to eat. 

The second day we brought them down to the Monte Kent Cowcamp where we were staying.  According to my count we might be missing a few cows though. 

The third and fourth days were spent moving them down the road to the Mayberry Cowcamp about 25 miles west of the Monte Kent.  The cows continued to be a little bit stubborn and would not string out.  Had to push them the whole way.  The wind came up the last day and it was pretty cool riding.  It was a great time as always and the food was just outstanding.  I gain weight every year when I go over there.  I think it might be the home made desserts!