Fencing at Twilight

A cool breeze blows through the Aspen stand and up over the saddle where two cowboys cut and remove winter fence, in preparation for the coming summer months. Twilight has descended in the quiet valley that plays home to our beloved ranch, allowing the boys to fence without breaking a sweat. The smell of snow lingers on the breeze, as patches of white are ever present on the surrounding hillsides- but not here; here, the sage brush is exposed and the mud has begun to dry out, as if knowing that soon it will play host to our herd of 200 horses once again. It is difficult to remember to breath, sitting in the quiet serenity of this scene, knowing we get to call it home.

The cowboys stop for a moment to chuckle and review their work, also sneaking a peak at the Divide, glowing purple,pink and yellow with the setting sun; but a large gust of wind sends the winter fence flapping against its barbed wire base, bring the cowboys focus back onto the task at hand. As the temperature cools, that once gentle breeze begins to grow in strength, setting the Aspen trees into a frenzy of "clacking" as the knock against one another- if the song would have a name, it would simply be called, "The West". There is something in the air on spring nights such as this, a magic, that so often we forget about after growing up; but it's difficult to miss out here, because it is all encompassing; it has the ability to calm the most turbulent spirit, relax the most occupied of minds.

I count myself lucky to get to live and work at the C Lazy U Ranch, as do the boys that are with me; but we are equally fortunate to get to share this place, and all it's magic, all it's awe inspiring wonder, with our guest, old and new, each year.

See you at the ranch!