What did you do last weekend?

We helped brand cows!  Saturday, up early to move cows at the Walton Ranch.  Beautiful morning.  First time on my trusty mule, Gus.  He was great and it was just one of those breath-takingly beautiful mornings.  Then, jump in the truck and head to Alpine to brand friend Benni's "herd".  Twelve moms and twelve babies.  More of a back yard setup, this work was a bit more complex.  Happily no one/no cow was hurt (beyond castration and branding) and we zoomed back to Hoback Junction to get in the shower so we could make the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet.  A nice fundraiser with oodles of people and prizes.  It went on a little long, ending at 10:30pm.  Home to sleep fast.

Up and at it on Sunday to be on our trusty steeds for the 8am move the cows at the Walton Ranch, which was again quite beautiful and fun.  Gus was a bit more wound up with 18 other riders working the cows, but we all did just fine.

Branding, castrating, shots, and ear growth hormones over and over again as we worked our way through close to 200 calves.  The cows get worked as well.  Finished up to an amazing lunch with BBQ ribs, giant dishes of beans, potatoes, salads, and wonderful desserts.  Put all that with a Mike's lemonade, and you are worthless the remainder of the afternoon.  We came home and passed out for about an hour!!

And just like that, the weekend is over!!