Landscapes

Thu, 21 May 2009 21:06:26 -0400

Beautiful views of the ranch.

Taking pairs to the Williams Place. It was beautiful out. I don't call it God's country for no reason. Taken 5/21/2009.
It definitely was a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Taken 8/16/2008.
The wild plums are finally blooming. It sure seems late for them but i guess they won't freeze this way. I could make a fortune if I could bottle the smell of these plums. My was it sweet. Taken 5/19/2008.
I guess we can get some moisture in this country. Snow on the second of May is a little ridiculous, but it is moisture. Taken 5/2/2008.
Brining some cows up to kick out to the spring pasture. it was a beautiful day for such a ride. Taken 4/14/2008.
Bringing pairs up to cut out into the spring pasture. They sure are mothering up real hard this year for some reason. The cows are real happy to be going out though. Fresh grass, always is attractive to them. Taken 4/7/2008.
The dry, brown landscape that has taken over this spring. It's really getting me down. Nice picture though. DISCLAIMER. My Darling Wife took this picture. I'm having a hard time taking any pictures of the dry landscape. I guess if I don't take pictures, it doesn't exist. Taken 4/6/2008.
Big sky, big clouds, big land.......Big Country. Taken 3/16/2008.
Boy it was a nice day yesterday. It's warming up and the ground is starting to thaw. I guess I will have to get the hired hand on fences so we can turn the cows out to the hills. Taken 3/15/2008.
Another shot of the moon as the sun was coming up recently. Taken 1/24/2008.
The moon setting in an early morning Montana sky. I sure wish I would have had My Darling Wife's good camera for this. It was really beautiful. Taken 1/24/2008.
The sun breaking through the clouds. We still have a little layer of snow on the ground. Not like the areas around us that have no snow at all. Up by Billings they even had a range fire it is so dry. Not a problem here. Taken 1/12/2008.
There was a heavy ice crystal layer over everything really causing a sparkle. it didn't come through in the picture well, damn the bad luck. Nice picture anyway though. Taken 12/11/2007.
It was one of those bright, clear, cold mornings yesterday. The temperature was 10 below and the sun was shining. It makes for a crystal clear look to the air. The cows were sure enjoying the sunshine. Taken 12/2/2007.
The view out the front of my house. Truth be told I don't know who took this picture. I just found it on the camera. I think it was my youngest daughter. She likes taking pictures. Taken 10/24/2007.
Now here is sight that in the middle of summer can really get a persons heart going. Hell, even in the fall as dry as it a sight like this makes you worry. The problem is it is not a fire. they are blasting at the Sarpy Mine. Whenever you see a black cloud in that direction in the summer you have to wait and see if it is a fire or the mine blasting. Usually you know it's the mine because of the time they blast but sometimes they change their schedule and take a person by surprise. Taken 11/2/2007.
The other day we trailed the cows out of the hills a little closer to home. Here you see them following the trail home. It was a beautiful day for doing it. Overall it's been beautiful for quite a while. Warm and dry, damn the bad luck. Taken 11/2/2007.
My Darling Wife got this picture the other day. It really struck me. It really tells you how different people see things. I looked at the same thing and never considered taking a picture. She sees it and snaps a wonderful shot. Taken 11/4/2007.
A very frosty sunrise. It was the coldest morning yet this fall. Lang johns and winter jacket sure felt good. Taken 10/31/2007.
It was just a beautiful day and seemed to me like a beautiful shot. The only way it would have looked better is if it had been raining. Taken 10/10/2007.
I took this a while ago. If you look real close you can see the cattle streaming down the road while cleaning out the Williams place. Taken 9/7/2007.
The way the line of clouds had formed across the sky really caught my attention. It was quite the sight, the picture doesn't do it justice. Taken 9/2/2007.
We cleaned out the windmill pasture the other day and this is all we could find. Everything else moved out to the better grass towards home on their own. Lucky or not is the question. We found 13 critters while gathering on the 13th of the month. I'm not worried but some people might be. Taken 9/13/2007.
We are gathering up the yearling replacement heifers to work them. My girls were holding up the yearlings in a corner when I rode up. The picture with the so big sky was really intriguing. Taken 8/22/2007.
The grass burning merrily away. At this point the wind had dies down again and the flames weren't running. Just walking along consuming the grass. Taken 8/6/2007.
I finished baling the last of the alfalfa on the Sarpy side yesterday. Fifteen hundred and thirty four bales of hay. Just over 2 ton to the acre. I'm very happy about that. You can't really see it all well but there are bales all scattered through this picture as far as you can see. The Hired hand started cutting the grass hay yesterday. If anything it is heavier than any of the alfalfa was. Forge ahead. Taken 7/3/2007.
Can you say, "not haying weather?" That's definitely the case here. Cloudy, cool, and high humidity. I haven't been having much luck putting up hay. I think I am going to have to start using the diesel to turn the windrows to get them to dry. I am not looking forward to it but you have to do what is necessary to get things done. Taken 6/26/2007.
I was trying to take a picture of the moon and the way the morning light was reflecting off of the grass. It didn't work to well but the colors and light were intriguing to me. I was branding at a neighbors this day and the country is the Tullock Creek country. The open, treeless look is what a lot of the Tullock country is like as compared to the pine trees and Sarpy Country. Taken 6/3/2007.
A large patch of yellow sunflowers. My Darling Wife loves these flowers so this picture is for her. I don't think much of them. Taken 5/17/2007.
Ole very impatiently waiting for me. I was gathering some drys and they were in such rugged country it was unsafe to get a horse into it. I had to hike in and get them out a foot. I hobbled Ole up so I could do it. He was ready to get going again when I got back. Taken 5/27/2007.
Looking South across the place in the early morning the day of branding. It was a peaceful sight. The corral we brand in is towards the center of the picture but unless you know where it is, you can't see it. Taken 5/19/2007.
Green grass, blue sky, pine trees, and sandstone rock formations. Nothing says Sarpy Country better. Taken 5/11/2007.
Looking North down Sarpy Creek. Right at the very north edge of my place there is water in the creek sometimes. As wet as it is this year there is a lot of water there. I haven't seen this in quite a few years. Taken 5/15/2007.
Chasing cows across the green grass. It sure is a pretty sight out there. Taken 5/11/2007.
Nylon enjoying the early morning sun on a cool morning. Note the steam rising off the ponds. Taken 5/15/2007.
The cattle streaming in towards the corral during my branding on Saturday. It made for quite a beautiful sight. The only problem was that the 8 wrestlers I hired failed to show up so the crew was a little short. We got them done though. Taken 5/19/2007.
It is amazing how much more contented the cattle are this year than they were last year. All they did last year was wander around the pastures looking for better grass. This year the grass is just fine and they like it. Amazing what green grass can do. Taken 5/15/2007.
Pretty picture in and of itself, but if you really look in the grass in the middle of the picture you can see some Sharptail Grouse doing their mating dance. Taken 5/4/2007.
This really caught my eye the other day. The blue sky, billowing clouds and green grass really gave an idyllic scene. Taken 4/24/2007.
Beautiful day in Montana. If you look real close you can see some cows grazing to the right of the rock formation. Taken 4/17/2007.
East Fork of Tullock creek. I haven't seen it consistently flow such a stream in a lot of years. It's sure nice to see, how long it will last though is anybodies guess. Not long enough for sure. Taken 4/11/2007.
Here is a shot of the snow that won't leave. Yesterday we got a couple of more inches and I see there is more on the ground this morning with another inch of snow in the forecast for today. I am feeding in this area because it is very sandy and on a south facing slope. Out on the level there is at least 6 inches to a foot of snow that has water entrained in it that won't go away. Out away from this sandy area it is a muddy mess for all concerned. Taken 4/4/2007.
The Bighorn Mountains in the distance with the snow still on them really caught my eye. We might see some snow her closeup later in the week. Preliminary forecasts are predicting up to 2 feet of snow in the area. Taken 3/25/2007.
Geese coming in for a landing on a nearby field at sunset. I was lucky to catch them. Taken 3/10/2007.
With the last of the snow melting off in the warm temperatures I thought it appropriate to post another snow scene. Taken 2/17/2007.
I think this is the most snow we have gotten all winter. It sure looks pretty with the sunshine, even though the mud as it melts is a pain. Taken 2/14/2007.
A cold, snowy, Montana morning. You will note the cattle bunched up in a tight huddle for warmth on the left side of the picture. Taken 2/10/2007.
This was taken back when we were bringing the heifers home. The hired hand was bringing up a slow heifer to the rest of the bunch. I titled the picture lonely because it had a very open, lonely feeling to it. Taken 1/29/2007.
My Darling Wife took this picture while she was waiting for the bus. The cloud bank in the distance really looked threatening and gives a great contrast between sky and land. Taken 1/5/2007.
The clouds taking on their color in the early morning. Taken 1/10/2007.
Beautiful early morning colors seen the other day. They are so intriguing. Taken 1/29/2006.
Cows soaking up the morning sun after a cold night. Taken 1/22/2006.
Try to take a picture and what happens, Lucky gets in the way. Taken 12/5/2006.
The yearlings, coming two-year olds, trudging in to their feed. Trudging is the word to use to. They walk all over the pasture waiting for their feed and by the time we bring it they are trudging. Note the lack of snow when this picture was taken. Taken 12/19/2006.
A bleak, brown Christmas. Kind of depressing. Taken 12/24/2006.
Another fairly straight fence line against the natural lines of nature. Yes, that's Lucky quite a ways out there. Taken 12/05/2006.
Nothing special, just looking down the East Fork of Tullock Creek. This one's for you JT. Taken 12/16/2006.
There be a Christmas tree up there, it's just up to me and my daughter to find one. We did, but we walked a lot of country to do it. I don't ever remember there not being some snow on the ground when we got our tree. Damn this weather is weird. Taken 12/14/2006.
Nylon was wondering what the hell I was doing. I was just walking the dog and taking pictures. Nylon wasn't to sure about it. Taken 12/05/2006.
The way fence lines break up scenery is interesting to me. Taken 11/17/2006.
We had our first cloudless, sunny day in I don't know how long yesterday. It made everything beautiful for a change. The moon in the blue sky was just awesome. Taken 12/07/2006.
Do you know how hard it is to get a picture that says cold? This was my attempt. It was below zero when this was taken. Taken 11/29/2006.
A fence line stretching off into the distance. It was an intriguing sight. I do not claim responsibility for the grazing pattern you see here. This was taken on a neighbors place. Taken 11/17/2006.
Here's a picture from a while ago. If you look real close you will see cows scattered across the flat grazing. It was a beautiful sight to me. Taken 10/13/2006.
A frosty, colorful morning. Taken 11/16/2006.
Just another spectacular Montana view. I take such things for granted sometimes and know I shouldn't. Enjoy. Taken 11/02/2006.
A little white again after our recent rain/snow. It's a little wet around here. Quite a change from this summer. Taken 10/22/2006.
A last look at the fall colors this year. Most of the leaves are gone now and another possibility of snow is on the way. Taken 10/02/2006.
The light snowfall we got the other day. They are talking about another system moving in this week. I'm glad I've weaned and done. I can sit and enjoy the moisture. Taken 10/11/2006.
The fog lifting off the hills after a light rain storm. It's sure been wet this fall as compared to how dry it was all summer. No complaints from me though. I'm sure the beet farmers are complaining. This kind of weather makes it tough to pull beets. Taken 10/10/2006.
Fall is definitely in the air with the associated color changes and the change in the way the air feels. I know, a little esoteric, but the truth. The early morning light helps accentuate the colors here. Taken 10/02/2006.
Another beautiful morning in the Big Sky Country. If you look closely at the big sand rock in the center (larger view might be necessary) you will note that it is still wet form the rain. It takes a lot of moisture for the sand rocks in this area to hold moisture like that. Quite a change from the months of dry weather. Taken 9/24/2006.
It's funny how much better things look after a rain storm. This is why I call it God's Country. Beautiful. Taken 9/19/2006.
If you look really close, you will see a couple of cows on the hillside working in towards home for shipping. The storm had drove a bunch into this hole back here and these were the last ones to work out. Taken 9/19/2006.
The last of the fog burning off the tops of the hills. Taken 3/16/2006.
Looking down Sarpy creek. We were out gathering the last pasture in this area bringing the cattle home for shipping. I had opened the gates a while ago and there were only a few left in here. Taken 9/14/2006.
The cattle out grazing early in the morning. You can see the smoke from the Derby Fire in the background of the sky. It isn't reaching here so we are lucky. Taken 9/6/2006.
Brown, dry landscape. That's all there is to take a picture of so I guess I will. Sad. Taken 8/28/2006.
I might not have gotten the rain from the last storm but I did get the fog. It was a little weird to see fog at this time of year. Taken 8/18/2006.
One of the many slash piles burning late in the afternoon. Most of the smoke still visible was from these sources. They were letting them burn out. Taken 8/1/2006.
Threatening clouds. It's been a while since I saw this. I even got a little scared. Water drops fell from the sky and hit me. I thought the sky was falling. Then I remembered this thing called rain and decided that was what was happening. Got a good 1 inch rain out of it. You know what I mean, one drop every inch. Better than nothing I guess. Taken 7/25/2006.
The Big Blue Sky of Montana. I always love these pictures with that deep blue sky in it. The moon as a counter point adds something. Taken 7/13/2006.
The closest thing we can come to rain cloud in the area. I liked the pattern the clouds made but sure wish they were rain clouds. Taken 7/12/2006.
Looking for the yearlings so I could pull the bulls off them. I am sure glad there were none over there, it's a tough ride to try to get to them. Taken 6/29/2006.
The last time I seen any rain in the area and it slid way south of us. Damn the bad luck. Taken 6/20/2006.
Lots of Green Grass. Not much water for the cattle to drink, a common problem in this area, but lots of grass. Taken 4/22/2006.
One of the many sandstone formations scattered around the area. They are always interesting to look at and study. Taken 6/2/2006.
I've been getting a lot of low, heavy clouds lately but no rain. Some rain would sure be nice. Maybe I should put in an order for some. Taken 5/23/2006.
The Williams Place looking west. Fantastic sight. When I say I am taking cattle into my high country this is it. Taken 4/22/2006.
The previous picture I was looking west, into Tullock creek country. This picture I turned around 180 degrees and am now looking east into the Rosebud river country. To see Sarpy Creek I would have to turn to my north since this is the very head of the Sarpy Creek which then runs to the north from here. Taken 5/3/2006.
Putting Bulls out the other day I got this picture from the mountain looking west towards home. If you look real close at the center of the picture and slightly to the left you will see some little dots that are home to me. Taken 5/3/2006.
I know this is an alfalfa field but it really struck me how green and pretty it was out and about. Taken 5/1/2006.
Had the Hired man helping me check fences today before he left. I let him fix the fence while I checked it. If you look real hard you can see the fence run down through the country. Taken 4/22/2006.
A little snow in the higher country from the latest storm to hit the area. At least we are luckier than the far eastern part of the state where they received a regular blizzard and had 5-6 foot drifts to cope with. I hate to wish bad weather on anyone but I am glad it was them and not me. Taken 4/19/2006.
The hired man trailing in cows to the corner. We had brought plenty to the corner, more than was easy to handle, but we won in the long run. Got most of thewm sorted and out the gate. Taken 4/11/2006.
Clouds hanging on the top of the Wolf Mountains. My Darling Wife got this picture on her way to the bus. Taken 4/3/2006.
Low lying fog after a spring rain. Taken 3/31/2006.
Fog burning off early in the morning. Taken 3/31/2006.
A hazy, foggy morning after a good shot of rain. It stayed hazy most of the day with all of the moisture in the air. Taken 3/31/2006.
Blue Skies, no snow, spring is definitely here. The feel in the air and the sounds of nature all change and feel more alive now than they did earlier in the winter. It's great, a new year in Montana, The Last Best Place. Taken 3/28/2006.
Last light of the day after a beautiful day. Taken 3/10/2006.
Billowing white clouds floating over the sparse Montana winter landscape. Taken 1/19/2006.
Morning Light. Taken 2/20/2006.
If you look real close you can see the wind blowing the fresh snow on the hills. Taken 2/14/2006.
Fresh snow on Valentines Day with more snow and cold weather to come. It's going to be miserable. Taken 2/14/2006.
The sun just breaking over the hills casting sunlight on the hills. Taken 01/18/2006.
The two-year olds streaming onto the hat being fed. The full moon was beautiful this morning but with the camera I was carrying I was never able to get a good shot of it. You can see it a little here. Taken 1/14/2005.
The fresh covering of snow the storm on the 8th left us. It's all gone now and doesn't look as fresh and nice. Mud's a better word now. Taken 1/10/2006.
I was taking Lucky out for our after lunch/dinner constitutional when the colors struck me with the clouds in the background. Taken 1/1/2006.
The moon in the Big Blue Sky and over the snowy Montana plains. Taken 12/19/2005.
Somewhere here there is a Christmas Tree. Taken 12/16/2005.
Looking for a Christmas tree. Taken 12/16/2005.
My dad used to have a hog pen around this rock formation. Now it's good shelter for the cattle. Taken 12/10/2005.
Looking down the East Fork of Tullock Creek on a cloudy fall day. Taken 11/2/2005.
A blustery fall day out fixing fence. The sun pierced the clouds occasionally. Taken 11/2/2005.
The road on the way home. This is about 2 miles in looking north towards home with another 8 miles to go. Taken 10/25/2005.
fall10182005
clouds10182005
The fog is finally lifting out. The day turned out to be real nice and is fianlly starting to settle the mud. Taken 10/10/2005.
They claim that there will be moisture of some kind 90 days after a fog event. We will have to wait and see. Taken 10/10/2005
Less than a week ago I was talking about the beautiful fall colors and now look at the winter colors. Hopefully this will all melt off. I don't know though, it's pretty deep. Taken 10/06/2005.
Sandstone and snow. Taken 10/06/2005.
Fall colors in Eastern Montana. Taken 10/1/2005.
Fall is in the air and pretty colors abound. Taken 10/1/2005.
Oh what a beautiful morning. Taken 9/28/2005.
A beautiful September day. Taken 9/26/2005
The tall grass swaying in the breeze. I found out today the cows are scared to walk in the tall grass. I never knew that. It really made them hard to move. Taken 9/23/2005.
You can sure tell fall is in the air. The trees are changing colors. It's kind of pretty. Taken 9/23/2005.
Out for the morning walk. If you look real close the two kids who stay home for school are walking in the bottom right corner. Best seen in the 1200x900 size. Taken 9/6/2005.
Peeking over a hill to view more Montana landscape. I've always called these simply The Rocks. Taken 9/7/2005.
This lone dead tree standing here with all the trees around it really struck me. This is the Chimney Rock pasture. Taken 9/5/2005
I finished cleaning the Williams place out today. The last of the cows coming in. Taken 8/31/2005
The promise of rain in the clouds that fails to come. Taken 8/23/2005.
Clouds that look like they promise rain but it never comes. Rain would sure be nice. Taken 8/23/2005.
waterw3
waterw2
waterw1
waterw
water04202005
water
windy2
grasslodge06282005
feed03152005
creek06282005
snow05132005
oldcar05182005
blue9282004
OT
sunrise2
sunrise1
rocks04202005
rainbow9142004
trail
pollution
Kicking pairs out into the spring pasture on 4/12/2005. We sort them horseback one pair at a time.
aug305
burn9142004
burnthillside05182005
burnthillside105182005
burnttree05182005
calfnow1
Cattle grazing in the tall grass of a Montana range. Taken 7/25/2005.
clouds
clouds08062005
clouds1
clouds992004
country05182005
country08062005
country105182005
country205182005
cowboy1pump
cows9212004
dry02182005
fair
flatland9142004
hill
sat225
silly2
silly4
skulls4
sky
sky1
skybands
smoke7312004
snow05012005
snow05122005
leaves9212004
lunch05212005

Sarpy Sam's Ranch Pictures

Landscapes