Rangeland

Originally Posted August 31, 2004 by Mags

Miles of grass nipped short by cattle. Cow turds and low sagebrush are the texture in the stretch of tan rangeland that enfolds black cows and barbed wire fence. The mountains and trees are behind us. The freezing dew on tents remains in the forest. Here it is dry and still. The land slopes and ascends but is constant with color and shape.

So this pretty much describes our descent from the Snowy Range into Laramie, Wyoming and our ride for the last two days. The land is interesting in a way but bleak. The cows have absolutely no shade – they are slowly baking out there as they fight off the flies. At noon we saw two adult deer with two fawns hunched up under a small bluff that was still in the shade. They just stared as we rode past. The only water comes from the windmills that pump water from wells into metal basins for the cows. The cows crowd around these oases and make mud pits. 

Original Comments: Rangeland

I've loved catching up to you via your prose. Having been around both of you a bit in the recent past helps me understand what you're saying and what you're not saying about the experience. As always I'm surprised how fast you move across the country.

Helping Glory and Logan with their children has been a big part of our recent activities. One of us has been at their home every (almost) afternoon and evening since Jadira and Chantel were born. On the week end we've taken the three older ones to Heber with us. The twins are progressing but very slowly. They still are not really grasping the swallowing technique they need to sustain themselves at home on their mom's milk. Logan and Glory love to be with the twins and find it hard to go home after being at the hospital several times a day.

It is really neat how some of the folks you've met have taken you in and been so sharing. It is really a treat to meet people who've done something like you're doing. The club you're now a member of is really kind of select.

Thanks again for the great Alaska and Wyoming experiences. This has been an unusual and very fun summer for us. But even after 40 years of marriage were still looking over the next horizon for a new adventure almost like you two are.

Love, Dad Harris


Posted by Carl at September 1, 2004 02:56 PM

 

Margaret, your voice sounded really good. I called the number you used at the library and the very friendly librarian said you two had left only 20 minutes ago. Too bad you missed us and I missed you. The librarian sounded like a member of the family. You two must have really charmed her. She knew your names and seemed to know Chad's mother's name too. The librarian suggested we call Shirley for the low down on where you are and where you are going.

Tomorrow we fly to Boise and drive to McCall, Idaho for several days with Mom's friends at one of the friend's great cabins. Mom has been there before and raves about it. We'll report later.

Love, Dad Carl

Posted by Carl Harris at September 2, 2004 09:36 AM