Last week the cowboys moved some cows a few miles, and of course, I wanted to take some photos. 🙂 They were moving the cattle along a rural dirt road, so it was easy to drive out and snap away! A cattle drive always makes for some fun photos.
The guys (and Jenni!) were working in high winds - the dust was terrible for those ridin' drag. The wind wanted to blow their hats off, too! Anyways, it was cloudy and you could see a storm was brewing off to the west. Thankfully, the cowboys were nearly finished before it started spitting snow and rain.
When the cattle come to a cattle guard, someone has to ride ahead and open the wire gate beside the cattle guard. (Cows can't walk across cattle guards, their feet will go through.)
Cowdogs are a useful addition to the crew. A good dog can do the work of 2-3 cowboys! Of course, a disobedient or untrained dog can cause a lot of trouble, too. 😉 It is interesting to watch a good dog work cows.
They guys are used to me sticking my camera in their faces, but that doesn't stop them from chuckling at me! 😀 I am sure I make a silly image, at times - all my weird contortions and crazy positions just to get that perfect photo!
Cowgirls are the best, aren't they?? My Jenni sure enjoys working cattle, and I sure enjoy watching her.
The wind was so crazy up on this ridge! Even the horses kept their eyes half-closed against the dust and wind. The sky darkened and after awhile it spit some rain... then some snow. By morning we had an inch of snow sprinkled over the ground. But for this cattle drive, there was just clouds and wind.
Sometimes, cowboy work looks glamorous. The clouds give it a romantic feel. But riding along on that ridge against the driving wind and dust - there is nothing glamorous about that! It is just hard work.
But the views are awesome. 🙂
When is this drive and from where to stop?
On county road 101 in Wyoming. It happened in 2018.