Cows to the Forest

We weren't sure that we were going to be able to fit in the trip to the Forest with all the hours being put in getting the hay up and water back on.  But, on Friday we gathered them and vaccinated that evening so that everything could come together to take the cows out on Saturday morning.   Job well done!

And they're off!

Had to practice the roping skills on one that needed doctoring.  Good thing the in-laws came to assist Braden!

These 1st calf heifers weren't too sure about where they were being taken.

Home for the next couple of months.

Don't get lost in here!

Mothering up after the drive. 

Breakfast always tastes better in the mountains!

 It was a beautiful day for pushing the cows up and we appreciated the Kofford family joining in for the day.

Movin' Hay!

1st crop is underway and the bales are now coming into the stack.  It's going a little faster with the purchase of a semi and trailer.  We were afraid Ruel's good ol' gold truck couldn't make it one more year doing all that pulling.  It seems a little strange to be pulling the hay off before taking the cows out to the Forest permit, but we're rolling along with the season this year.

Raked hay ready to bale

Load 'em up and haul 'em out

Putting in the stack

Family & Traditions

 Being an adopted part of the Barker clan, the Ottley Crew lives here and works 24/7 in the Elba Valley.  We love this lifestyle, the heritage, and beautiful setting we get the opportunity to work in with our own family.

 Having family come home IS one of the best things ever, and Memorial Day Weekend has become a gathering of the Barker friends & family in Elba.  This past weekend was one of the largest gatherings and a testament to the saying "A Family That Plays Together...Stays Together".   It can be stressful however when rain storms dampen the plans and cause everything to move indoors. A quick headcount Sunday night  (give or take a few!) calculated to 72 people coming through the doors.  A beautiful rainbow was the reward for the "closeness" inside!

Front Porch Rainbow!

It wouldn't be a Memorial Day Weekend without a branding to do.  We may not hold the Guinness record for 15,000 worked in 4 1/2 hours, but it's possible we did have the largest family crew ever. Being a "cowboy" for the day is all part of the experience and Tom delights in the first "fling" over his shoulder when cutting the steers.  Uncle Ray commented he still loves the smell of the branding smoke, but probably not everyone concurs with that!

We pay tribute to those who have come before and look forward to our future!

Gathering in the backyard for the hot dog roast with all the fixin's and smores is a must!

We love these people and their families!  Thank you for everything you've done!