Scenic Drives, Wildfires & Caramel Popcorn

This week, we were given the opportunity to take a day trip. A short scenic tour, offering a change of pace for a few hours. We had promised the little cowboys, once we had accomplished some of our fall work, we would go to the mountains. There was a break in the schedule on Thursday. We promptly packed a large snack bag, extra clothes, and we were off. The little cowboys were giddy with excitement. Our elevation at the ranch is between 4100-4300 feet altitude. The nearby mountains manage to raise above the valley floor, yet fall short of alpine distinction. None the less, it had been several years since I had been there. The fall weather was exceptionally warm, requiring only a light jacket. We drove mile upon mile of dirt road, admiring the ranch headquarters scattered along the way. Each looked so picturesque in it’s autumn glory. The cattle spread out over the faded pastures, utilizing the last taste of summer’s grasses. Each stack of carefully preserved hay, prepared for the upcoming cattle feeding season. The brightly colored quaken aspen groves tucked in along the draws, surrounded by the evergreen juniper and pine trees. The air was pungent with the smell of crisp fall weather, a hint of moisture along with the strong presence of juniper. We bounced along, windows down, snacks at ready, scanning the surroundings for wildlife.

Our first destination seemed to arrive sooner than anticipated, so we opted to take a different fork in the dirt road. This would take us farther into a remote area. A friend’s family ranch was located near the end, approximately 45 miles after venturing off the paved road. The ranch is mainly used as a summer pasture operation now, allowing for the current families to reside closer to town. Thus allowing the kids to attend a public school and different occupational opportunities. Much to our surprise, the family happened to be at the ranch that day. They were busily trying to accomplish fall projects. Fixing broken water lines, preparing cattle water troughs for freezing weather. All activities halted, as they surveyed our unknown vehicle pulling down the long remote driveway. Their questioning expressions quickly changed, upon recognizing our familiar faces. We spent a few hours sharing stories, catching up with each other’s summer adventures. The little cowboys expended their energy, playing in the nearby creek, making mud pies and gathering ice from a ditch. We were sorry for delaying their progress, but were so thankful for the opportunity to share each other’s company. With the sunlight beginning to fade into the late evening, we said our goodbyes. We arrived home after dark, exchanging stories about the day’s adventures. Sometimes even a slight change of scenery, along with good company, can really lift your spirits.

We have had a rather long time period without the usual rain storms. Along with a long warm “Indian Summer” overshadowing fall, the local area has started to really show signs of lack of moisture. In past years, the late summer heat is usually broken up with passing thunder clouds and rain showers. Though we are thankful for the lower risk of fires that lightning brings, the fall grass regrowth has been almost nonexistent. The dry conditions became more obvious on Friday, as a rangeland wildfire erupted. That day, we thankfully had came in late for lunch. Just as we finished up, Nate received the call from a neighboring volunteer fireman. There had been a range fire reported nearby, they were requesting help from the local rancher’s fire protection group. Nate hurried out the door, joining along in the all terrain fire truck. He was gone for 8 hours, arriving home near midnight. The wildfire had started near a dirt road, in the exact same area we had enjoyed the scenery in, just the day before. The fire quickly spread, racing across dry yellow grasses, exploding upon reaching brush and trees. State government fire fighting agencies arrived, working along side the local ranchers responding. The wind howled from all directions, increasing speed to the already racing flames. With the hillside terrain, air currents changed quickly, the fire creating it’s own drafts. The fire fighters were able to start back burns, creating barriers along narrow roads. On other sides, they managed to extinguish the encroaching flames. A couple ranches along with a local mine crew, were evacuated. Thankfully the cooler night air managed to help slow the fire’s progress. When Nate returned home, only the occasional ember was burning. There were some crews left in place to monitor any fire activity that surfaced. In a few hours, several thousand acres were blackened and burned. Thankfully no structures were lost in it’s path. The livestock and wildlife had managed to escape to farther fields, protected by the fire suppressing efforts. Nate came home drenched in heavy smoke, his eyes bloodshot from the toxic air. He was exhausted, yet his spirits were high. They had accomplished what they had set out to do. Along with saving nearby ranch structures, they had managed to limit the amount of fire spread. The camaraderie of the rancher’s fire protection members had made the load lighter. Some faces were familiar, other’s new acquaintances. All shared a common goal that day. Amongst the chaos of the immediate task at hand, they managed to swap stories. Helping to nudge each other on in the midst of the unusual circumstances. I hope the next wildfire won’t happen anytime soon. I am thankful for the small mismatched group of area ranchers that come together to support one another in their time of need.

We decided to forgo the usual tradition of Halloween trick or treating. Houses are few and far between, making for long trips for candy. Instead we made “Cowboy Caramel Corn”. The little cowboys were excited at the sight of huge trays of popcorn. They arrived ready with apples in hand, upon the caramel sauce finishing. Big W announced happily, “This is like trick or treating without having to dress up.” Mr. C took some convincing, eating only the plain kernels at first. He would very carefully remove all the caramel before enjoying the white fluff. We managed to stay up late, hoping to wear off the “sugar high”, brought on by eating your weight in caramel corn. Next year, maybe we will try costumes…….