Horse Whisper

What a treat to see Buck Brannaman a real-life "Horse Whisper".  Our friend Scottie was there for the 3 day clinic with Buck.  Didn't know what to expect.  We were spectators at the arena to see the skills of roping cattle.  I always feel sorry for the little cows when they are tied up.  Haven't given much thought to why this was necessary, but now I realize you have to be able to control your herds for reasons like branding, vaccines, separation of the mamas and babies and all this is done by how you control your horse and understand your horse.  Quite amazing to see Buck and all the other ranchers in the practice.



Buck - one of the most respected cowboys in the country!

 I don't know the whole story, but from what I've read, when he was young he was abused by his father and he found away throught this with his horses.  He said it saved his life.  He has devoted his life to making things better for the horses.  He was also a consultant for actor Robert Redford in the movie "The Horse Whisper".

Lazy Day at Ranch









Sweetwater Bison Ranch - near Jeremy's Place

Little Mule Deer in Jeremy's front yard

Hundreds of Humming Birds at the Sweetwater Restaurant
Great place for Dining!

Don't know where the day goes......Great dinner at Jeremy's place tonight and ended up just staying over.

The ole shine came out for awhile when a couple of friends dropped by......I decided I just needed to stay away from that Mountain Brew.

Up, Up early for a hide into Avon and Edwards.  Checked out Jamie's Saloon....Wow....totally cool.  Might even have my hair done while I'm around.  Bought me a nice summer dress and a new pair of cowboy boots...

Ready now to head over to Stretch's for an evening cookout.  He is the Manager of Adam's Rib Ranch just outside of Eagle.

A nice evening....didn't know the whole town of cowboys would be there....jk....but it seemed like it.

Nothing like hanging out with some sexy cowboys!



Our chef's - Jeremy and Stretch

Great Elk Burgers with all the fixins....but an early evening for us....tomorrow we are going to see Buck Brannaman - a real life Horse Whisperer".



What will today bring.....

Sleep in a bit and had Jeremy over for breakfast.  Decided to ride up to the ranch in Sweetwater to see the damage the rain caused from a few weeks back.  Very devastating to see what a flood can cause in the mountains.  Luckily, no land slides at his house but endless slides just before you reach his place.


This was a pasture....now it's just full of rocks.  I can't imagine how many years it took to get it to a pasture
 and now how long it will take to get it back.

Another area where the rain washed the boulders down.  The road was completely covered for aleast 6 miles.



View from Jeremys porch...Love it!

and the little girls hunting a rabbit in their back yard!

Now back down to camp to change and get ready for the rodeo at Four Eagles Ranch.  But first a stop at the local saloon for a cold one.



This rodeo was one of the best ones I've seen as far...lots and lots of activities going on.  No only was it a good rodeo but they had plenty to do for everyone.....so much food, cold beers, horseback riding, wagon rides, horseshoes, live music, marshmellow roast and more....A great time we all had.




Our friend Scottie.....he's a great wrangler.

Having a Great Time!

He's not wanting anyone to ride him

Scottie recognizing Santa is in the stands!



Made it to Colorado

What a long haul we had through Kansas to Gypsum, CO.  Knowing we would be settled in by late afternoon made it worth all the miles.  Actually when you get to the other side of Denver is when the awe sets in.  The mountain ranges are so beautiful.  I found an app on my Droid that gives me the altitude and I've heard there is one that will identify the mountains by just pointing the phone to it.....incredible.  I'm going to check that out.  So right now we are at an elevation of 6000 ft.  No breathing problems or nose bleeds yet....that will come when we head to the ranch.  Much higher elevation and sagebrush to deal with.

This is about all you see coming through Kansas....wind turbines and cattle.  Oh yes,  the trains.  It always amazes me to see the entire train at one time....don't see that in the south.

Arrived in Gysum, CO late afternoon.....and quickly set up camp.  Dinner with Jeremy and Jamie at a new restaurant in Eagle called "Kentucky Bourdon".  Thinking of Ellie while I'm asking the waiter for Papa Van Winkle Bourdon.  Of course, that didn't have it but the restaurant is on the waiting list for a shipment.  Bed now is all I can think about. 



2nd day - 4 states

To tired last night to update this blog....didn't stop until 9pm, but made it to Kansas. Stopped at the Sundowner RV Park.  It's just a big pasture but had full hookups which helped cause I needed a shower.   Rushed to get dinner going (left over ribs), lima beans and baby red potatoes.  I was actually to hot and exalted to eat....just a nice glass of wine.  Our travels took us from Clarksville, TN to Saline, KA - 693 miles.  No bad weather....just heat.  It was 101 when we came through St. Louis. 

Picture not good....had to take them thru the window.....  Always a wonder to see the arch.

Not a lot of scenery driving so I decided to just read awhile.  Seven hours later I'm half way thru my book "50 shades of Gray"....couldn't put in down.  Well, only briefly when I would get "Over Heated" lol

I'm anxious to see the out come for Sir and Ana.



 A well deserved rest!



On the trail to Colorado - 1st day, August 5, 2012

Why is it that when I'm on vacation I am up before the chickens.  Guess I'm just anxious to hit the road or don't won't to miss anything.  After a few more last minute details and clothing items I forgot (always better to have more), we headed out for our road trip to Colorado.

Weather started out rather foggy but cleared as soon as we reach Asheville.  Thank goodness...I was so not looking forward to travel West on I-40 with fog.  I decided to get out my Carolina Wild Flower Guide Book and was reading some of them to Buddy when I realized all I had to do was look out the window in the road side ditches and saw flowers I had seen before but did not know what they were.  Just thought they were weeds.   So what I found on the side of I-40 was, I think, Queen Anne Lace and Water Hemlock.  However, it is hard to identify them exactly when your traveling 60 mph.  Can you believe Buddy would not pull off on to the shoulder so I could get a better look.  lol   Well, here is what I decided to do....take a picture of what I think they are from my book....How cleaver of me!



Queen Anne's Lace


Also know as Wild Carrot.  This plant can be confused with the other flower I identified, "Water Hemlock".  You can't tell in this picture, but it has a central purple floret (in most variety's) and in it's first year, the roots are soft enough to eat.  It's been known that its long taproot can be roasted and ground to use as a coffee substitue.  I don't think I'll try that.
 The Black Swallowtail butterfly love them.

Water Hemock
Stay away from....all parts of this one is highly toxic to the nervous system of humans and animals.  It is considered the most poisonous plant in America.  My new guide book also confirms that both flowers are found on the roadside ditches, ponds, creeks, etc.  This was fun for awhile until we crossed into Tennessee....didn't have a guide book for that area.  lol

Well by now, it's Mimoisa time and a fuel stop.  Look at this funny thing I found at our stop.  An ultra light?????  Would be interesting to see fly.

Lunch time is nearing, but now a stop at the Tennessee Welcome Center for a good stretch and RV check.  Well maybe a little rocking chair time also.





We are making pretty good time until we hit a thunderstorm and then, of couse a wreck.  Lost about an hour.  Our designation for tonight, is Clarksville - just on the TN/KY line. 

Rolled in and set up to find the levelers where not coming down....ended up there was an RV Teck on site and he came by to give us a hand.  Still no luck so I guess we want be stabalized for the next month.  Add this to our list of kinks we need Camping World to look at.

Wow.....another storm hits us....hard, hard, rain, wind like I haven't seen in awhile and then the lightning comes and last and last and last.  Glad I had pre-cooked the ribs and I just re-heated them in the oven.  Dinner served during a storm. What fun.