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! 

Back in the Bitterroot

I promise I will start blogging in the traditional blogging way of the latest on the top. It just seems upside down somehow.


10 Apr 05: Spring is starting to really be seen here. There are buds on our lilac trees and some of the grass is green. CJ is talking about getting the lawn mower out and running it around the lawn. The blue birds are here and looking for a place to nest I guess. We had a little snow flurry go through yesterday. Sun – snow. You know the spring routine.

Brought in all the horses yesterday and gave them some grain, cleaned their feet, and brushed them. Saddled up the last two and went for a ride. First ride of the season. Got to get back in saddle shape and get the horses back in physical shape. Will be headed over to the ranch next month to help AI the yearling heifers. Spend long days in the saddle doing that. But it is only for a week and is really good for the young horses. Will take a four and a five year old over there this year. Of course CJ will take the buckskin wonder horse Baylee. She does like to ride that horse.

Spent a lot of the day inside doing bookwork. Got the taxes done!!! Will be paying more than one would like, but taxes are taxes. I don’t mind paying my share, but I don’t want to pay more than my share. Also got all the mail gone through paid a few bills that I can’t do over the Internet, and got the piles of paper on the desk down to just a few. One of the hardest things you have to do after being gone for a couple of months. And had time for a nice walk in the woods with the dog followed by a cup of good tea.



8 Apr 05: We are back in our barn/home in the Bitterroot. Good to be back, but I already miss the warm sun of the desert. And the spring things that need to be done around here are almost overwhelming. Makes one wish he could clone himself.

We had a good visit in Salt Lake City. Spent some great times with the nieces and nephews. What a bunch. They are all going in different directions and have grown up to be nice men and women. And Auntie Jane is doing well. In fact, she looks better now than she did the last time we saw her.