Saturday, September 19, 2015

Cattle Drive in Oklahoma

 
We never knew there was land as rough as this in our own state.  You can drive through flat farm land and then at once you're in rolling hills and canyons.  These pictures don't show the real texture of the place, it was much more rough.
 
 
Wednesday night through Friday had a feel of old fashioned days and a museum.  We spent two nights in a cabin with no electricity and water.  We used an old outhouse, antique cots as beds, and lanterns and flash lights.  We also had to ignore the fact that mice were staying in the cabin...  But it was such a joy.  It inspired me to get on the ball and write.  The cabin and everything was so quaint, but served its purpose well.
       
This is a gigantic sunflower we came across.
 
We got up in the dark each morning and after a large breakfast, headed out with three other riders to gather the cattle.  The pastures were big and most of the time fences, pumps, houses, high-line poles, etc. were out of sight.  In many ways it was as if we went back in time and were riding the range just as the old cowboys use to. 
 
That's what we were doing really.
 
Riding the range, picking up any cattle we saw with the right brand and heading them to the gate.  Only the wind in the grass and occasionally the whistle or hum of a cowboy was heard.  Thunder rumbled in the sky at one point in the day.  The cattle never ceased to moo and there was the cracking of branches as they broke their way through brush.  The cowboys hollered and whistled them forward.    
  
 
When we weren't on the horses or working with the cattle, we were in the house.  Stories were told across the dining table and laughter was a common sound. 
 
We had to leave on Friday afternoon and getting away was tricky.  It was hard to break a conversation, but it finally happened.  We got home safe and sound.  Most likely, we'll be doing this again. 
 
Happy Early Fall!  : )
 
 
 
 
 

 

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