Mountain Summer

     High in the mountains of Owyhee County, the summer is coming to an end. While some flowers still bloom and the grass grows, Autumn comes fast. These are the last days for grazing the slopes and meadows.

     The cattle, such as these five, (yes five, one is hiding) have been enjoying themselves eating whatever they like. This bare patch used to be some leafy plants. Apparently, once they dry out, they become the most delicious thing ever. They grow back a little thicker every year, so the vicious eating they get can't hurt them too badly.

     The locals will eat many of the same things as the cattle, but there's plenty of plants for everyone. Besides, this elk was far more interested in his harem than anything else.

     The ranchers of the high meadows have gotten almost all the hay they're going to get and have already started to bring some cattle back in to graze. Pretty soon they'll all be back in the meadows getting ready for winter.
     The greater majority of the area of Owyhee County is the home and workplace of our ranchers. And while there aren't many of them, I wish to once again stress how important they are. May their lands and lives continue to be fruitful.