They're bigger than they look
Finally, my long promised roundup review.
What an adventure! We arrive in Wolf Point, MT. after 24 hours on the Empire Builder, that’s a long train ride. Gear loaded into trucks, vans and cars, we head out even further into the beautifully stark plains to our final destination. Culbertson, MT. is a tiny little town in the far NE corner of Montana; population 600 – except for the weekend we arrived and took it to 660! We’re here to “help” with spring branding at the Helmer Ranch.
Go here to see my roadtrip slide show for trip highlights.
In reality, pictures can’t begin to capture the experience. The dust, the cows lowing for their calves; the calves bleating in confusion and chaos. Smoke, fire, shouting, strength, brute force and animal strength. There was nothing citified about the day. I’d like to think we held our own. I got to inoculate and even do a little branding; there’s an art to it. My husband and son got down in the dirt and up close with the 150# animals, helping to rope, wrestle and bind the calves for branding. Believe me – I had the easy part.
I can’t even imagine how 40-some city folk, ranging in age from 10 to 70 must appear to these practiced, real-life cowboys. I know we kept them amused even though I’m sure we added considerably to an already demanding task. It was a fascinating look, however brief, into the life of a relatively small family ranch and the daily challenges they face.
We ended the day with a brief but meaningful memorial service for Big Dave before laying his ashes beneath his headstone in the family cemetery. On a scrubby hill overlooking the corral, 50 or so of us gathered in the gusting wind, under darkening skies to once again celebrate the man who taught us so much about being a family and a friend.
We got rained out on the second day but we were assured that the crops needed the water more than the remaining 200 calves needed branding. I’m sure that was a polite way of saying they could handle the matter much more efficiently once we were back on the train and safely out of the picture.
It was a rich experience I won’t ever forget. Many, many thanks for the generousity and hospitality of the Helmers and other fine folks of Culbertson, MT. Yipee ki Ay!
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