Several days ago, a group of cowboys and stock came for a night to stay as they moved the stock from a high elevation (and thus colder) ranch on the Main Salmon to a ranch on the Middle Fork for the winter. Seeing the horses and mules occupy the normally empty pasture was really beautiful; imagine these beautiful, graceful creatures peacefully grazing with the dramatic backdrop of mountains and the setting sun. I asked the cowboys if I could brush down the horses since they were tired and sweaty from a long day on the trail, and they happily obliged. I spent three hours brushing and talking with the stock, and it reminded me of some of my childhood daydreams of owning a horse. I think my time in the West has made me rediscover this dream, and I hope that one day, I can ride horses frequently!
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| Peaceful sunrise view on a ridge that served as a campsite. Can't get much better than learning, 360 degree views, and an amazing community of people, can it? |
It's hard to believe that it's already November, and several days ago marked two months of living at Taylor Ranch in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. In less than two weeks, I'll be flying out of here to continue classes for the remainder of the semester, along with a break at Thanksgiving. Thinking about leaving has been consuming some of my time, and the best way I can describe it is bittersweet. I have learned so much about living with a group and in my classes, and spending lots of time just wandering around--on and off trail--has taught me to appreciate even the smallest details in nature.
Ellen Meloy (one of my favorite authors--you should check out the book The Anthropology of Turquoise) wrote, “The streams and rivers ran with water so clear it pressed against my heart like a hand.” These mountains and rivers are within me, and I know that wherever I go, I will continue to think and write about my time in Idaho.
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