A Real Working Cowgirl

We've taken Jilly to Nevada's San Jacinto Ranch a few times this summer, and she learned so much more than just more riding.

She learned to really appreciate the Beauty, where ever you see it.

She learned that it is incredibly hot, and the job still needs to be done.  We had to haul water a few times..... and she and our pups LOVE the water troughs!

I doubt that they love it more than these younguns though!  What's not to love about a baby face? of any creature?

Jilly asks Grandpa Wayne lots of questions, and learns the answers.  This is an education that will last a lifetime.  Learning to work hard for other beings, who depend on you, and to value their life, while making your own life/job enjoyable.  Everyone should love what they do, so as to never 'work' a day in your life.

Jilly learned to value shade, wherever it can be found, and a simple bologna sammich, and a cold gatorade as truly valuable commodities. 

She was able to spend 6-8 hours in the saddle, several days in a row.  I was a bit worried the first time we took her, that it might be too much.  It's a lot, no matter how you look at it.  She never once complained, and sprung out of bed every morning, bright and shiny.  Speaking of that, we get up at 5:00 AM, breakfast is at 6:00, (if you miss it, too bad)  work all day, get in to dinner by 6:00 PM, (if you miss it, so sorry) And then, there isn't much to do, but shower, and go to bed.  No TV, No other kids, ...and she loved every minute of it.  She got some personalized roping lessons from Kelly Dennis,...and that is pretty awesome. 

This is what she came for.  Miles and miles of ups and downs...and she couldn't have done a bit better.

Our dogs work hard too, and they don't miss a chance to take a quick cooling bath.

One of the cowboys that live/work there.

Jilly learned to really 'trust' her horse. And Marshmallow has only become more Gold to me.

Yes, these are our dogs...or are they seals?  Who knows.... they love wet anything!

I wish this was a better, more clear photo.  But this is part of what Jilly learned 'working dogs' do.  These were errant calves, and the dogs were kind enough to reclimb that hill and go get them.  THAT is priceless.  Specially, when you've just come down that same hill.  And this is why they love wet anything they find, and it's well deserved.

We stop mid day for that Bologna Sammich...and find a bit of tree type shade if possible.  Lots of times, it's the trailer for shade, so it's pretty special to find an actual tree.  So, hit the ground and enjoy the cuisine.

Note the Blue Gatorade Lips?  Does this not look like  a Child having the experience of a Lifetime?

Speaking of Lifetimes.... how many of you have carved your name or initials in a tree, to be seen by generations to come?  Naturally, Jilly wanted to do this.  Who were we to not fulfill this wish?

This is something that is pretty much permanent.  She can bring HER Grandchildren here, and it will still be there to show them.  Maybe she'll even have them on a little Palomino Filly of their own.

Not to be outdone, we had to have our own.  Any guess what this brand is? 

This is the youthful energy of a 7 year old.  She is yelling at us

"Come up!  You are old enough to do it!"  What she didn't realize, was that, that was the problem..... we were old enough to know better.

She enjoyed the wild life, and unfortunately, I didn't get photos of everything, but here are some.

She can't wait to go again. 

Suppose she'll remember these trips?