Mysterium & Kootenai

29 06 2012

Kootenai is less than two months from her due date.

And Mysterium is still nursing.

And the baby girl shows no sign of stopping – nor Kootenai of weaning her.

She looks healthy and glowing with good health, doesn’t she?

Am I biased, or is she really as stunning as I think she is? Maybe it’s her color (dun), maybe it’s their shared Sand Wash Basin heritage, but she and Winona (buckskin) remind me quite a bit of each other.

Tell me the little miss isn’t just exquisite! Such refined, pretty faces and kind eyes.

I love Skywalker’s funny little look at “auntie” Kootenai over his shoulder. Raven is grazing just in front of him.

I had the most peaceful visit with this colorful family at sunset. I went out and sat, and Raven calmly and surely grazed her way toward me, and then they were all around. Like a laidback introduction of baby to “society.” So sweet about it.

Grey/Traveler’s family also were in Wildcat Valley; they’ve been hanging out there for weeks now, with water in a rough triangle between the trickle (which is doing well after our work), Wildcat Spring and the main arroyo at the base of the east-west hill.

Kootenai’s due date is a surer thing than our next rain! How weird that is to contemplate.

Thank you to all who have expressed care and concern for those in Southwest Colorado who have been evacuated from their homes and/or are fighting the fires. Most of the smaller, lightning-strike fires have been stopped in their tracks, apparently. The Weber Fire just southeast of Mancos is now estimated at 9,279 acres with 45 percent containment. Unfortunately, a juvenile is a “person of interest” in connection with starting that fire.





Happy Father’s Day

17 06 2012

For all fathers who care for children of their blood or children of their hearts, you are blessed and loved.

Sundance greeting stepson Skywalker.

Happy Father’s Day to all you great dads!





More Skywalker

11 06 2012

From last light a week ago.

What a bonny big lad!

Walking into last light.

Walking with mama across the light from the setting sun.

Looking west at mama’s side.

ADORE this little guy!





Skywalker

3 06 2012

Raven’s colt has a name, thanks to long-time Spring Creek Basin advocates Pat and Frank Amthor!

Four Corners Skywalker

Pat and Frank have honcho’d the Four Corners Back Country Horsemen’s annual wild horse count in Spring Creek Basin for most of the last 13 years – including this year. That makes them among the longest of the horses’ advocates. Pat serves as the 4CBCH representative to Disappointment Wild Bunch Partners.

Notice the rings around his eyes. Pretty certain that although this handsome mister was born black like mama, he’s going to end up grey like daddy (Kreacher)!

Goodness no, we couldn’t miss your spot, just like one of mama’s!

Baby Skywalker cozy between mama Raven and stepdaddy Sundance. You can just see “auntie” Kootenai in the background, and big sister Mysterium also is still with the band.

Skywalker with mama Raven.

Is the cuteness overwhelming yet? It’s OK. Go ahead and admit it. I do!