Apparently, when Waylon and Willie were singing "Mama, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys", they didn't get through to some mamas in Kern County. There are quite a few cattle ranchers up here. On our way to the DMV, earlier this week, we passed a bunch of cowboys branding calves and just had to steal a couple of minutes to take in the sights. The scene we saw was a rare treat for us. We see lots of cattle roaming the hills up here, but we have never run across a work day like the one we encountered that morning. There were half a dozen horse trailers parked off to the side and quite a good collection of riders along with those working on the ground.
It was fascinating to watch everyone work. No hotdogging, no drama, just getting the job done—roping, branding, castrating, vaccinating, all the jobs that have to be taken care of with each batch of new calves. The calves were squalling and their mamas were bawling—afraid for their babies. But, in the midst of the smoke, the dust, and the bawling the cowboys and cowgirls seemed to be in good spirits.
We parked across the road and watched the folks work for a bit before we had to scoot. We were hoping they might still be there when we came their way again. But, the crew was too efficient. By the time we got back the place was cleaned up, and you would never know that all those people and all those cattle had been there a couple of hours earlier.
Apparently, when Waylon and Willie were singing "Mama, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys", they didn't get through to some mamas in Kern County. There are quite a few cattle ranchers up here. On our way to the DMV, earlier this week, we passed a bunch of cowboys branding calves and just had to steal a couple of minutes to take in the sights. The scene we saw was a rare treat for us. We see lots of cattle roaming the hills up here, but we have never run across a work day like the one we encountered that morning. There were half a dozen horse trailers parked off to the side and quite a good collection of riders along with those working on the ground.
Wow, a wonderful opportunity, both for photography and to observe. I'm glad you stopped and got some photos to share with us. Often it's easy to forget these everyday Americana events still happen.
ReplyDeleteNicely photographed and told. I especially like the third photo -- the cowboy's facial expressions telling of the comradeliness are wonderful. Have a good weekend, Anita.
Earl - Thank you for your comment. I especially appreciate it because I was frustrated at having only my point and shoot as well as the limited time and access. You don't dare get really close to the fence when horses are working cattle. You can spook the horses and/or the calves, and then those smiles on the cowboys' faces would vanish.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, I relaxed and enjoyed the treat. Now, I'll be bugging The Husband to drive around hoping to spot another branding day.
What a treat - a fourfer! I agree with Earl, the third photo is a prize winner. It's nice that you had your camera to make the most of this opprotunity.
ReplyDeleteKen - The joys of the G7. If I had not started to play with this camera again, I would still be kicking myself for not having gotten any photos of this. I am enjoying this new thing of carrying a small camera. I guess I have to get to a camera store in LA for an upgrade.
ReplyDeleteAs a young city boy visiting my cousins in Oklahoma, I was able to partake of branding, dehorning and castrating a few calves. What an experience that was for me. Cowboys have it rough but they also have a wonderful life.
ReplyDeleteMonte - What a great adventure for a city boy. Plenty of stories to tell your friends, right? I know that these folks we watched were working hard, but they seemed to be good spirts.
ReplyDeleteWell, being a city boy, that sounds so ... brutal, but I suppose it needs to be done! :) Great shots of it.
ReplyDeletePaul - It probably is brutal work, but I do not think for a moment that those cowboys would trade it all in for a desk. Thanks for the kind words about the pictures. I certainly had fun.
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