It was hot enough to feel like July in the basin this week. Many horses were close to the roads, and I took advantage of the Jeep’s shade. In fact, I waited for about an hour when I first arrived for Boreas, Rio and Two Boots to give up their claim to a certain stretch of road by Filly Peak. Chrome, Jif and Hayden were up on the flanks of Filly Peak, browsing among the boulders. When Boreas laid down, Rio dutifully stood guard over little brother, just like Whisper has been watching over little sister Aurora. I can’t tell you how much I love watching that kind of simple, beautiful interaction between siblings.
But before I saw them, I saw these seldom-seen ponies:
David’s family! I was looking deep into the herd area from the Disappointment Road, looking for tell-tale spots (that hold my heart) and was a little startled to see these guys so close – just inside the fence across a deep arroyo.
Sweet little Coal. I didn’t even step into the basin to take these photos – just took ’em right from the fence while the horses grazed without a care in the world. Love the rich bays and deep blacks of these ponies.
As an aside, when that wind quits blowing (the wind quits blowing??), the gnats are now out in force. I just had a conversation about this with a friend … I do use bug spray – and haven’t found it very effective – but the thing I’ve found that works best by far is a simple net over my head. Friends have nets that incorporate a thin, flexible metal band that keeps the net held out a bit from your head. I couldn’t find one like that, so mine just drapes. The visor I always wear keeps it away from my face, but it can get a little stifling when the wind does pause for a bit, and it makes your view darker, of course. But it’s better than being driven insane or devoured! It doesn’t help with the biting flies that go for any exposed skin, but the gnats seem to like faces. If you spend a lot of time out-a-doors, I’d heartily recommend the small investment.
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
I also put vaseline on my ears and around my eyes. Feels yucky, but they can’t seem to bite through that goop.
Vaseline! Who knew?! Do they get stuck in it? Do they still buzz around you? That’s what drives me so crazy – the unending sound of them – though the little buggers bite, too.
Unfortunately, they still buzz! and they do get stuck sometimes, but it sure beats getting eaten alive. Plus I react to them and swell up a bit, not as much as I do with mosquitos, but still more than most. So, I will do almost anything to keep them from biting.
Get a net. Best $10 (or whatever it was) I ever spent. 🙂
People in Farmington are shocked it’s been 100+ so many times in June – even those who deny climate change!
Great tip about the Vaseline. Gnats do a job on me. I swell up in big, red bumps that itch like hell and last for days! When they bite behind my ears, the swelling goes all the way down my neck!
Still haven’t found anything natural to combat mosquitoes. Taking “stinky” garlic helps a bit. I’ve heard they’re attracted to CO2, but not exhaling isn’t an option. Maybe I need a beekeeper’s suit!
I have actually contemplated trying to find a net shirt to cover my arms … Maybe you’re not far off on your bee-suit idea! 🙂 I read on a forum where a guy was grumbling over having only cloudy days – “is it sunny anywhere in Colorado?” Why yes, yes it is!!! We haven’t had rain in more than a month. Day after day of sunshine wears on you … oddly enough. We need rain BADLY.
Don’t eat bananas, I hear the noseeums love you more if you eat them. Another said to take B complex daily. They love me especially under the band on my hat. I had a net hat with net that came down to the neck with a drawstring and that worked! Looked like an alien but worked so get one!!
Ditto that!
I think this is the answer! 🙂 I want one!