Friday, November 2, Cattle drive, installment 5 – frustration, sheds and a driving name

How could you not want to get up to face the day with sunrises like these?  (Photo by Flounder.)

Ten hours in the saddle today. It's frustrating to have the cattle running from one side of the road to the other, to gather them, put them in line, and then have it happen again. Some folks do not understand the concept of driving.

Joe and Kale.  Two fine cowboys.  (Photo by Flounder.)

But on the bright side, I found my first shed, a big two-point. Then I found a small three-point with a tine missing, and a small spike. It was a good day for shed.

But still a lot of frustration. There was a lot of traffic which also scatters the herd, so we spent more time than we should have today gathering them up time-after-time.

But there are treasures in the weeds.  (Photo by Flounder.)

You only had to look at the scenery surrounding you to forget any of the frustrations that might be bothering you.  (Photo by Flounder.)

This might be the devil cow ... but what a sweet face!  (Photo by Flounder.)

Evaline and Marieke.  (Photo by Flounder.)

Yep, we're in the west.

Heinz and Hayden.  Horseplay.  (Photo by Flounder.)

This was a favorite photo of Arnold that I found in Flounder's albums.  (Photo by Flounder.)

I set such a fashion statement ... orange proper desert hat, red fleece vest.   Glad the fashion police were not in attendance.  (Photo by Flounder.)

Made it to Arizona.  (Photo on Flounder's camera.)

It was time for another cow photo.  (Photo by Flounder.)

This family had to put up with us ... Ruth, Harmony (with Elizabeth), Dustin (cow boss), Esther and Rachel, and Emma.  Emma is 4 years old, and on her own horse.  Rachel also has her own but others were riding it that day.  A lovely family, lovely children, and all so much fun to be around.  Thank you for helping make our time on the drive an adventure we'll never forget.  (Photo by Flounder.)

Once again, though, Chef Mel made it all better, lasagna. And sitting with the cowboys was a blast. I've now gained a cattle drive name – Coon Dog. Due to my racoon eyes from the sun glasses and filthy face, and the fact I was talking about visiting the coon dog cemetary in Alabama.

And yes, I did learn to put up a tent.  (Photo by Flounder.)

The Austrians pretty much keep to themselves although I've had some very nice conversations with a few of them. Flounder and I mostly sit and eat with Marieke and Evaline and the cowboys and the families. It's a greater experience for us because we are making new friends and learning of other people's lives and gaining so much through these friendships. Think I'd like to bring a few of these folks home. No names, please!!!