Bald Ridge Hike

Papa and I left home at 9:30 yesterday, to hike up Bald Ridge.  We drove the Ranger to a spot uphill of Bear Creek, and set off on our hike.  It was our fourth time to go on top of Bald Ridge since we've been on the ranch, in 12.5 years.  Hiking up Bald Ridge is not for the feint of heart.  The spot where we came down into the canyon, was near an old dam, with a marker dated 1917.  People have been in these canyons and mountains for a long time! 

The hike up took about two and a half hours.  Most of our cows have been on top of Bald Ridge since our Winter Roundup and we saw several dozen.  We have about 1000 acres of grassland on top of Bald Ridge, with a dirt tank full of water.  It is still wet on top from the snow we had three weeks ago.  The views are spectacular in every direction.  The hike down took much longer than going up.  We hiked about 7.5 miles and got home after dark. 

Back at the Ranch

After a few days in San Diego with Whitney, we are back on the ranch and we love hearing the sound of running water.  We had a big snow three weeks ago and our creeks are still running.  Cows and horses are happy! 

USS Midway Museum

We've enjoyed time with Whitney over the past few days.  She attended a conference 

all day Monday.  Papa and I drove to downtown San Diego to the USS Midway Museum.  It was an impressive aircraft carrier, with retired Navy docents, anxious to talk about their experiences.

Beautiful Days in San Diego

Papa and I are spending a few days in San Diego with Whitney.  She is attending 

a conference and invited us to meet her before the conference begins.  We've walked 

on the beach and boardwalks.  The weather is perfect.  Having a great time!

Winter Roundup, Third Day

Weighing and sorting calves.  

Winter Roundup, Second Day

All the cows were preg checked, teeth checked, and disposition checked.

Winter Roundup, First Day

The roundup took about five hours, with cattle coming from different directions.  After getting them into the corral, the cowboys and cowgirls took a lunch break.  They were soon back in the corral, sorting calves from their mothers.  The calves were then driven in trailers to Warbonnet's corral. 

Snow Is Hanging On

Day by day, more of the big snow is melting.  Our road is a mess, so we haven't been going in and out much.  The weight of the snow cracked the 2x12 beam holding up the roof of the barn, so Papa did a repair job.  We've had more moisture in January 2016 than Arizona has had in many years. 

Hike in the Snow

We got up yesterday morning as the sun was peaking over the mountain.  The light on the snow was beautiful!  By 10, I set off on an uphill hike.  The 8+" snowfall near our house became deeper as I hiked up the hill.  Trees were heavy with snow and icicles had formed on trees and fences.  Deer and birds had left tracks in the snow.  Temperatures rose to the mid 30's as I was hiking, so snow melt was in progress.   Two hours later, I was tired from the exertion!  Hiking in snow is hard!