A friend invited me to go out to his ranch.

I spent 7 hours walking up and down steep hill sides, looking at huge herds of deer, We saw fawns, yearlings, and giant bucks. The does are in esterus, and the bucks are running around acting goofy! And of course the grunts and groans that go along with mating season!
We noticed trees where the bucks and bulls had torn away all the bark from young trees. One tree about 3-4 inches across; was stripped almost to the top. Which meant the bull straddled the tree and thrashed his head for 20 feet; ripping and tearing.

I walked up on one huge bull elk! He was georgous! I knew he was there because I could smell him for about five minutes before He bolted! We always walk into the wind, giving us a chance to get closer!!!!
There were beaver and muskrats swimming in the ponds and streams. But with so many beaver, they are cutting down trees that are hundreds of years old!!

We were able to release a racoon that was caught in a trap set for a cat! I took a forked stick and pushed his neck to the ground and Marty opened the trap so that he could go free. We did see a very large mountai lion track.

We got real close to several huge golden eagles!!! they are such impressibve birds. The swoosh of thier wings makes such an intriguing sound!!!!

Then there were the wild turkeys, about 70-80 who knows. They are such interesting birds!!! We saw several pair of blue, jay type birds; their color was so vivid and grand! With a bit lighter shade under their wings!!

Several sparrow hawks hunted along side of our hikes; as we scare up small sparrows, they get lunch!!

Of course there was the tuirkey buzzards and the black birds...

I did not fall once, I was able to go where my younger friend went, at a slower pace. It truely was a blessing

As we approach Thanks giving, may each of us reflect on what we have enjoyed and that we are loved!

Thanks for reading! ( we got 2 inches of snow!!!

I love this place!

Lon

Lon, that paints a beautiful picture in my head. Thanks for that.

Lon,

That is a lovely story! The best part of it is that you didn't get hurt and that you kept up with your friend. Thank you Lord for giving our dear friend this day!

Blessings,

Lon,
I'm glad you had anice time, I love the story you told, now i want to see what you described. I love taking walks with my dad, he is a hunter and we used to ride horses together for miles every weekend when I was a kid. I loved the pace of a horseback ride and looking all around at what God created. Once a rattlesnale was on the ground and he cut of its head in front of me,I felt like I was watching a western movie. Another time when I was 10 I got tired and fell off my horse, he came riding his horse so fast to me to see if I was ok, he was hero to me. He is still very special , but I remember thinking how cool he looked riding that fast.

Glad you had fun, you deserve it

Sounds like a good time. Did you take any pictures?

Brother Lon the mountains always bring peace to my soul.Thanks for sharring.we are just getting our first snows and i am alittle behind on fire wood.Agood freind showed up at the house with 3 cords.This heart problem has slowed me down.Last year i was given a 17 hand perchron mare 12 years old love being aroud horses again.some freind and i have a team and wagons we have fun with.I am on face book undre Brad tuttle.
Bradford

Glad you had such a wonderful time. It's nice to read about all the animals you saw (and helped!). Thanks for writing about the sights, sounds and smells---really brings the scene to life!!!! And glad you had no misadventures and were able to keep the pace of your friend. Awesome!!!

Hugs to you, Lon!!!

Hey brother!!
It's good to hear that you got back into your element and had a great day. And no accidents!! Sounds like a beautiful place!!
Thanks for sharing your day!!

Sounds like a beautiful, blessed day!

Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed the view also. I am so glad you went AND didn't fall! :o)

Possi

Erika
You are most welcome!
It was a wonderful day for me, thought I would share.

Pamela,

Yes, it was one of the best.
Thanks!

Valsmum,
Aren't those memories wonderful!

My dad showed me somany things aobut animals, life and getting the work done! The kids still laugh at things I used to do when they were home!!!

Orch,

My friend took a picture of "Devil's Tower" which is a national monument. We were hunting near that area. A storm was moving in and it was beautiful!!!

Bradford,
there were two of those big horses, black and beautiful. One of the grandsons shows them. they are still used for sledding hay ....
I sure hope that you get to feeling better.
we have had two nice snows... we need the moisture, but rain would be better!!!
I will look up that info. get better, my friend!

rumble,
thanks. I should make it clear, that I was behind my friend some times. but when it came to spotting the elk...He was all mine

it was a blessing!

Lon

What a wonderful day you must have had. What an adventure. seven hours?!!!..you sure don't shy away and live life to it's fullest. You are an inspiration to many of us here. We have had warmth but lots of rain. No hiking this weekend. Still hope to get out soon. My walking stick looks lonely standing in the corner.

Chris,

so do you have any Fall stories????

It was a hoot! But I do miss not having a tent camp...

Jamie,
It was just wonderful.....

Are you an outdoor person?

How is it where you live?

Possi,

I did almost strangle myself opening a barb wire fence....
does that count???

thanks

Jeff

thank you..
tell me about your walking sticks

one of my favorites, used to be an osage orange, five foot smooth stick, with one sharp end

where do you walk?

It sounds so poetic when you describe what I see everyday from my deck. I must quit complaining about not being able to get out and hike about it all and just enjoy it from my deck. The bucks really do act goofy. The musky girls suck away all the buck brains. Our turkey are just comming back into large groups for the winter. All of our little fawns have lost their spots and now blend in with all the others, but they still jump, run, and play, you can't help but laugh at them.
Snow???? I'm leaving that behind and heading south to Florida with hubby and dog next week.

Anyways dear friend, I so glad you enjoyed the great outdoors with all it's simple splendor.

Cindy

Gosh Lon,

that sounds like like a great adventure. I love reading about Lewis and Clark's expedition and all your descriptiveness of the animals reminded me much of what they encountered... minus the grizzly bears (better for your sake).

Take care and thank God for all the beautiful scenary.

Tim

The Black Hills has been one of my favorite places to visit. Have a great day. Small amount of snow over the week end.

Cindy,
you are right about the goofy bucks..
and the turkeys are in fglocks of 30-40 they look like big black rocks..untill they spread thier wings...

We will be in Penn. Thursday night...you will be in warm weather??? good for you...

Tim,
I have seen only one Grizz, that was many years ago.... I was hunting black bear one spring, and I looked up high on the ridgte and I saw a huge bear standing on His back legs looking down at me...... gulp...

I am a blessed / thankful man.....

Smed,
more snow here, light and fluffy but turned ot ice because the streets were still above freezing.

did you till your garden soil?

I must plant more onions next year... wow they were good, so sweet....

Hi Lon

I have 2 walking sticks made out of Diamond Willow branches. Pearl white with stripes of a reddish hue running through them. Refinished to bring out the different colors. I live in Wisconsin, the edge of town is part of the New York Escarpment, where the Glacier receded. We go hiking in State Parks that were formed or part of the glaciers. My wife wants to snow shoe this winter. I will stay home and make hot chocolate for her and her sister when they return. I know my limits so I am OK with that.

Started snowing here today, light flakes, no accumulation.

That's sounds like such an awesome day!

I'd have loved to have been there with you, but nice to be an armchair traveler just listening to your stories as well.

So glad you had this day!

Jeff,
if we had consistent snow, I would try cross country skiing again. but to do it once, would be tough on my hips...

I think I will get out my osage orange and see if I get a good stick...

your area sounds great. we have more antelope, than people here in wyoming

thanks for the communication

Lon

Sue,
I do cross the parking lot with you; I also walk, down the lane, it seems we identify with our loved ones here at KA.
I seem to just now be going into a depression---having lost my job, not working... but like everyone else, and everyother time, I will dig deep and look for the hope that is available to me.

It is such a stark reality to go from almost desert - 10 inches of rain to the Black Hill, where there are trees and running water and such wild life.

West of us is true also...the BIGHORNS.... are a beauty..much taller and wetter..

thanks
Lon

I did turn the soil by shovel, added 4 bags of Clay buster and two 50lbs bags of sand then mixed them in by shovel. Still have yellow bell and red cherry tomatoes growing in the garage under lights. Also have strawberrys growing in pots. I get a couple of them ever day or so.

I remember that from geography classes in high school. We often went to High Cliff State Park that is also part of the Niagra Escarpment.

Take care,

Tim

Lonnie, I think that's the best story ever. Thank you for telling us about that day. A balm to the soul if there ever was one.

I'm so jealous over the golden eagles. You are one lucky guy, my friend.

Love and hugs,

Hi Tim,

The Parks around here are close and beautiful. It is always neat to visit the same parks through all the seasons and see all the changes. I hope you and your family are doing well

Take Care!!!

Smed, did I ask you to toot your horn????

no, I don't think so..

You make me feel like a wanna be gardener...sheesh

my garage has been down to 20 degrees....I guess I could plug a feww holes.... and turn on a light

You are the man!!

Kat,
yep my blessing continue

for an old bump that sees 5 of everything, I do get a lot of enjoyment out of life!!!!

You are a blessing..

Jeff,

Yes, the changes of season are so neat. My yard is not as cool as the yard in Oregon, but is a blessing.
we are doing well

the kids in PENN. are glad to have electricity and a drty basement...

I hope to help him get into a generator, so this does not happen again. thenb once a year, when I visit I will start the generator and use it for a bit....

Sounds like you had a great time Im so glad! you deserve it!

Hope Miss Lin is doing ok!

Hugs!

Lisa,
Hi there!
She is bone tired. but is so glad that I am not working for a church. We have enjoyed visiting our friends in ministry, and what they do and how they worship!!!

Tell me, what is up with you?

I love the Black Hills! Have they finished that Crazy Horse statue yet???

Amazing Lon, no way do I have a 7 hour trek in these legs. Sounds beautiful.

One silly city boy question, how do you get home if you walk downwind the whole time? And if you can smell them them who is behind you sniffin you out as a tasty morsel

Dow,

Crazy Horse is not done...

still looking for funding.....

but I admit, I do not drive by there.

my idea of the Black hills, is off road, elk, bear, deer lion track in the dirt...

but Mt. Rushmore is really great!!!!

Steve,
I did not walk for a full seven hours, walk, ride, walk ride,, so the day was 11 our long... I agree, that much walking without a rest would do me in..
but when able... I have that ability to hunt for a while...shoping in the store on cement, is like drivng nails up my heels....

those reading... being able to walk when I needed to...with the kind of job I have..has been a blessing...maybe kept AS from advancing???? what do you think?

walking has been my fundamental exercise all my life....

how are the girls?

Years ago, I did a walking tour completely on foot, starting from all the way from my home in New York on Interstate 90 to South Dakota and the Black Hills one summer, and then all the way back....WHAT you don't believe me????

here is the undeniable photographic evidence!!!

Walking Tour With Dow In South Dakota

Dow,

I am commencing to believe that you, DOW, should walk me thought this next stage of my life.......

good stuff !!!

We drove through that area a few years ago. We took the girls back to DesMoins to see my brother. On the way back we took the senic route and saw Crazy Hourse, Mr Rushmore and Yellostone. The girls,15 &16, loved the trip. They took lots of pictures. That is such beautiful country, some of God's best work.

Our local deer have been very restless lately, the neighbors have been working in the olive orchards that the deer like to hang out in. The deer have been staying in our yard. We have a seasonal creek cutting across our front yard that the critters like to use as a short cut. They give us a lot of joy. Some of the deer and red fox are part of our family.

Donna,
Your neighborhood sounds great....

The bucks in Wyoming started rut two weeks ago....so they are acting quite funny!!!!

I did see deer and lots of brids and squirls while in S>E> PA.

thanks for the note.....