I drove Sam's old Cadillac right up the highway, right up until he got a call on his cell phone. We'll have to head back the way, ma'am, he'd said. Some cattle escaped out of my brother's ranch. Oh my goodness, I'd thought. It's like life imitating art: a herd of buffalo caught in the current at White Rapid Falls! No ma'am, said Sam. Just some cows escaped from their field. Somebody left a gate open, I suspect.
At the ranch, Sam saddled up a pair of horses and I'd had to come right out and admit I wasn't a real cowboy. I just like the footwear, I'd said, sheepishly. Sam didn't seem overly surprised. Just squeeze with your heels, ma'am, that'll make her go.
There were three other ranchers out there, about to drive the cows back along the side of the road. Keep them off the highway! Hae, hae, hae, let's go! I clung to my horse, stayed near the back, wishing to God I'd asked for some kind of protective riding hat.
When we were done, Jenny showed up in the truck with a crate full of beer. And there we sat, up on top of our horses, swigging from the bottles, old Blue the dog panting in the late-season sun.
More pics here.
Fab pictures and stories, Annie. If travel does broaden the mind yours must be the width of the mid-west by now.
ReplyDeleteWow, you not only learnt to drive but you learnt to ride a hoss! Is there no end to your unsuspected talents?
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Chicago. I was there in July, it's got a great feel to it. Make sure you don't miss Cloud Gate. And the El.
Blimey, you've only been in the Colonies a couple of weeks and you're already calling your mobile a 'cell-phone'.
ReplyDelete;)
FYI: Cloud Gate = "The Bean"
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed that total strangers just take you in to their world like that. You must truly be an exceptional individual.