Branding 2013 - Sorting

After the cows and calves are in the corral, the cowboys separate mother cows from their calves.  The sorting takes some time, so spectators watch, have snacks, and visit with each other.  When the sorting is done, the younger cowboys rope calves on foot.  Its fun to watch! 

Branding 2013 - Getting to the Corral

After gathering the cattle and driving them down the mountain and past our house, they moved on down to the Rock House corral.  That last push is rather steep and the cattle took their time.

Branding 2013 - The Big Roundup

Cowboys started arriving at Colter's barn before 5:30 on Saturday, July 20.  They were driving up the last half mile of our road by 6 a.m.  After getting their horses saddled and having morning muffins, they rode up the mountain to gather cattle in the Branding Roundup.   By 8 over 400 cows and calves were in several bunches and starting down the mountain.  It was breathtaking!

Branding 2013, a Teaser

Such a good day and so many photos to edit, but just a few photos of the day...

Late Afternoon during Monsoon Season

Picking Peaches

I went to Apple Annie's for peaches this morning.  I picked almost 30 pounds and they are sweet and yummy.  I'm making peach cobbler for the branding lunch dessert.  A scoop of vanilla Blue Bell ice cream on top sounds perfect!

Roundup Begins

Papa was up at 3 to feed the horses and drive the horse trailer to Colter's barn by 5:30.  Along with several of Colter's extended family and friends, twelve cowboys drove to the west end of Winchester Ranch and began summer roundup.  Meanwhile, I cooked lunch, rigatoni bolognese, tomatoes and mozzarella drizzled with olive oil, homemade bread, and lemon bars.  Its a beautiful day, with highs in the mid 70's.  Perfect temperature for roundup!

Ten of the guys came back to our house for lunch around 1, after gathering all the cattle on the ranch.  Success!  They pushed all the ranch's cattle to the pasture nearest our house.  Two cowboys stayed behind to search for a lost jacket.  All the guys and their horses were really tired, with one horse laying down and unable to continue until it received first aid.