Some images, thoughts, and observations from a 4.5 hour walk I took today with the donkeys and Skookum.
A couple— mallards winging with the brisk wind fly past my head – flying so low they thread the pines — like a deadly weaving Cooper’s Hawk hot on the chase.
Predator and prey pass the same way.
April’s roaring sharp wind penetrates like the red-tailed hawk’s scream.
The fuzzy new lupine—so many small hands reach toward the sun —emerged from the gnarled, gray decay of last year’s expression.
Why is this so beautiful?
How does one live fearlessly?
The beauty of a Bumbleburr is to be able to change plans. We didn’t spend much time on the ridge. The fierce cold wind drove me off, and the donkeys found their favorite grass scarce up there. They cantered down the ridge path and waited for me at the crossroad.
Beautiful observations, Sher. I would think seeing all the growth would be a special joy this year after the past winter.
“Beautiful observations, Sher. I would think seeing all the growth would be a special joy this year after the past winter.”
Thank you Mary. Turns out all the wildflowers are so much more robust, and I am seeing wild flowers I have never seen here before –could it be that these flowers need so much cold and so much snow to show themselves? It is still so green here- though Bruce says it will dry anyway, but I’m enjoying the cool and windy spring.
So glad to see your blog on the farm come to life again, Sher! Thanks you.
“So glad to see your blog on the farm come to life again, Sher!” Thank you Paula– even a little is good. Lots of snippets happening here; I hope to begin again.
thank you for sharing this beautiful blustery journey. pooh and eeyore Christopher Robin and piglet seemed to be climbing with you in my mind’s eye. such a wonderful homestead.
“thank you for sharing this beautiful blustery journey. pooh and eeyore Christopher Robin and piglet seemed to be climbing with you in my mind’s eye. such a wonderful homestead.”
Thank you. It was a wonderful time with the donkeys. Someone asked me yesterday why I keep donkeys. My first thought – I just love them. Today was perfect – we were gone all day, and the donkeys love a slow Bumbleburr where we take time for grazing, sitting, scratches, caresses– no hurry in the world. And two creek crossings!
Beautiful view of your place! Love the lupine! Whats your elevation? Is the white on the donkey part of a harness?
“Beautiful view of your place! Love the lupine! Whats your elevation? Is the white on the donkey part of a harness?”
Hi Perry — yes that view is Mule Springs Farm from Razorback Ridge. At the house elevation is 1,000 feet –onto of the ridge I have never taken a GPS measurement. The white is the sheepskin on the donkeys’ muzzle, so halter doesn’t rub their noses. We have so much grass, that in springtime it is dangerous to allow total free eating, so the grazing restricts the amount of grass they can take in. Donkeys are desert animals, so they can’t handle the rich lush grass. And, little donkeys are easy keepers, meaning they don’t need much food to keep their weight. Hence many overweight donkeys in North America. Thanks for looking at the entry.
Photos are stunning. Showing your new property in all it’s glory.
“Photos are stunning. Showing your new property in all it’s glory.”
Thank you!
Love that last photo with the view over the fields and pond/lake, and up into the hills
Thanks for looking Denzil – it is nice to hear from you!