Things are never simple.
I drove up to the Mesa Pasture to check the water for the cows. Someone must do this every day. I had Quinlan and Lorelei at the time. We pull up to the three water tanks at the top of 500′ Otter Creek Canyon. No water in the first tank, 1/3 full in the second, 1/4 in the third. Great.
Lower down the slope is an old metal storage tank, pitted by time and wind blown dirt. I ran my hand along its rough surface. The metal was cool down at its bottom and as I slowly slid my hand upward, the metal remained cool. Finally, a bare six inches from the top of the tank, the metal turned from cool to warm. Ah. The cool creek water had filled the storage tank, and sure enough, the water trough attached to the storage tank was full. The cows would have water for a while.
A lactating cow in hot weather can drink 40-50 gallons in one day. They might drink less. They might drink more. Cool weather was on our side. Nevertheless, the kids and I blew down the road, anxious to tell Vernon the bad news.
Quinlan asked why I just didn’t fix it. WELL. Good Question. I had no idea where to start. I just ran for the expert!
After hours of fiddling with the generator and pump, the experts came to the grand conclusion… we’d have to move our cows ahead of schedule to the next pasture where they DID have water. That would give the guys the time to troubleshoot the water problem.
That found us on horseback again this morning… with three little cousins as cowboys. Victoria had brought Waylon over… I believe they enjoyed themselves.
As usual, I’m up trying to slow down the lead cows… and far away from the action at the back of the herd.
Megan joined us at the end with the “chuckwagon” carrying drinks, brownies, apples, and three excited little girls.
Lorelei and Lacee went straight to catching grasshoppers…
While Reagan enjoyed her aunt’s brownies…
You never know how a simple thing like water will alter your day! (remember, things are never simple!)
Find me here!
Reagan has the right idea. That brownie looks delicious.
Now the experts know why you didn’t just fix it!
Seems like there is a good reason to check so often! Hope to hear what the fix was. The photos were delightful.
Never ending work but it’s always better when you grand help.
Amen.
and us town folks simply turn on the faucet and get all the water we want! Ranching is serious business, well done!