While the James Greet Reminiscing series comes to an end, cowboying in the present continues. On day two of the Badlands Gather, I was in charge of babysitting Reagan at home and bringing the chuckwagon when requested. Throughout the morning, I received updates from Megan (when she had service) of where they were and how it was going. Finally, she announced they were on the Sorting Grounds and Reagan and I began packing lunch. Then Tess texted and said she and her kids were leaving Wire Corral with cows to the Richie Pasture… I told her I’d make a loop and try to catch them.
Well, I should have went Tess’ way first, but I didn’t. I went to where the majority of cowboys were on the Sorting Grounds. I also didn’t realize that they were just beginning to sort the cattle… until I arrived on scene. It takes a while to sort, but when I looked to the north where Tess and Jaxon and Lacee would have been, here comes our pickup and horse trailer. So I wait. By the time it arrives, it’s only Daniel aboard… and he tells me his crew was probably close to the gate, and they’d only be a mile or so from home. Whoops. No lunch or drinks from the chuckwagon for those cowboys! As Daniel said later… kind of like the Old Days when he was a kid!
All the cowboys continue to sort, I visit with a neighbor, and begin to watch my grandkids. Waylon and Matthew are there, and Lorelei is as well, Quinlan being away at football camp. Until you begin to get older and have good control of your horse, sorting is usually boring for kids. Your job is to hold the cattle in a loose circle, while more experienced cowboys cut out matching pairs (mom and calf) and take them through the gate. Calves and cows both try to leave the bunch, so you have to pay attention. But you’ve been riding for six hours. You’re getting hungry because you ate all your snacks. Your water bottle is warm. You’re beginning to get hot. Your horse may not be listening as well. You’re a kid… and maintaining concentration on what’s happening can be difficult. Quitting is not an option.
Honestly, your butt is sore.
Your knees are tired.
Your mind wanders… for just a bit…
Did I mention that you’re sore?
I was just a smidge late on the “hug your horse around his neck” pose…
I will be the first to raise my hand to say that I strike all these poses myself when I ride… but it’s cuter to pick on Lorelei.
All of the kids really are learning the ropes and it’s fun to watch. Our next generation is coming along quite nicely!
Find me here!
Kudos to the grandkids learning all the ropes and doing “their part.” And
the quickness of communicating with modern technology would no doubt,
be very interesting to James Greet of yore!
Learning the best way, from parents and grandparents.