Amber and I came down to Lovell on Sunday evening, September 2. The mountain top was pretty crowded with Labor Day people. We felt like we wanted to leave all the people, come down to Lovell and go check on the Dryhead horses.
I was sad leaving the mountain, knowing that this would probably be my last time to camp on top until next summer. I have spent some nights on the mountain in mid September over the last few years. Both were very cold. But I knew that I would not be back again this September and I knew that October would be much to cold to camp on top. If all went well for the adoption, I would have one maybe two new horses that would need my attention for several weeks. We know now, that it would be two new horses. You can read about them by clicking on Kootenai and Kiowa.
Amber had only been up the Dryhead one other time. We drove the length of the road, stopping to look through the binoculars. The only horse we saw that evening was Hawk and Issaquah, napping along the road. The glanced our way, but did not seem to care that we were watching them. It was the quietest I had ever seen these two. The hot temperatures that day probably helped lead to this behavior.
We stayed in the Dryhead for a while before heading into town.
The next morning we got up early and headed up the Dryhead one last time before heading west. Again, we drove the length of the road, stopping and searching along the way. Nothing.
As we were almost about to leave the range we saw 3 heads in the deep grass to our right. The Greeters! There was one greeter missing, Hickok. I had heard that this was not unusual. Hickok seems to come and go with this group. Today the Greeters consisted of: Seneca, Hightail and Jesse James.
Sometimes Jesse James likes to show himself to me, sometimes he likes to stay hidden. Today would be a hidden day.
There were several of us that were hoping Seneca would have a foal this year. We all hoped it would be in June or earlier so that it would be Admirals. But it was not to be. She looks good, they all do, but no foal was with them.
We left the range and headed for home.
The day before the adoption, I got up early and drove up the Dryhead.
Again I drove the length of the range. Again, I saw no one. I was headed back when I saw two horses walking down the road in front of me. It did not take me long to realize it was Jemez and Medicine Bow.
I have never seen these two together. It was good to see them both. However it always seems that Medicine Bow will never look at me for a photo! And if he does it is a brief look. Jemez on the other hand, seems to like me and the camera, and he always gives me a good shot. What a pair these two were!
I stayed and watched them for a while before I decided to leave. I wanted to get to Britton Springs early so I could spend some quiet time with the horses there.
As I was about to leave the range, I once more saw the Greeters. This time Hickok was back with them and this time it was Seneca who would not give me a good shot! Things are never the same in the Pryors and that is part of what draws me here.
As I left the range and worked my way towards Britton Springs, I thought about all my wonderful trips this year so far. I feel very fortunate to be able to visit the range so often.
I am looking forward to my next trip.
Sandy
