After spending the week with the kids I headed for Yoder, Wy where I had reserved an Air BnB for the remainder of my Wyoming adventure.
This place was everything it should have been. It had been advertised as a bunkhouse and yes, it was. With every amenity needed and an outstanding host. When I pulled into the driveway around 1:00 “Cliff” was there to great me and, he wasn’t alone. There were three of the prettiest Black and Tan hounds with him. An ancient female, her daughter and a 6 mo old male puppy that was more legs and ears than anything else. They smothered me as I gave them the pettins they were seeking. My kind of people!
After the obligatory introductions, I stowed my suitcases and stuff as Cliff was going over the features of the place. Now, this was a working ranch and I was paying keen attention to the details being provided, while the whole time looking in every direction at the spectacular views presented from every point of the compass. One note I paid particular attention to was when I was told “this is snake country” and you may find one on the porch some morning (I didn’t). That statement along with, if you do, go ahead and shoot it if you don’t mind. LOL. I assured him that would not be a problem………
Another item of interest to me was that on the covered porch/patio was a shooting bench on wheels. I asked Cliff about it and he told me the painful story of one of his favorite dogs that was more family than pet (a large male B and T) that had been lured out a few hundred yards from the homestead by a coyote and was subsequently brutally killed by the pack. It’s my understanding that the coyote population is way out of control in the area and they are devastating pets as well as livestock. Cliff had declared war on ‘yotes.
The rolling bench could be maneuvered into position to cover a large prairie dog town. Cliff would then dispatch multiple prairie dogs and leave them lay as bait for his enemies. Then it’s just a matter of patience. Cliff has been exacting his revenge for months and has no plans to let up, killing as many as 6 to 8 in a day.
I’ve always been extremely captivated by the settlement of our country from coast to coast. The High Plains of Eastern Wyoming hold significant history in the development of the Western regions.
From the plains Indians and the American Bison that they were so dependent upon for sustenance and virtually life itself. From the first Frontiersman to explore the pristine areas that had not yet been defiled by “progress” and greed that accompanies civilization and settlement. Next were the cattlemen that discovered the abundance of grazing opportunities for vast herds of cattle. The struggles with Indians, the land, and the extreme weather conditions of the area
The culture and society that evolved bred independence due to the nature of the region remains intact today. The “cowboy” influence remains embedded in day to day life and is frequently celebrated. Rodeos. Feed lots. Ranches. Merchants. All thrive as a way of life.
At risk of sounding maudlin, this was a near spiritual experience. It felt very akin to a homecoming to me. To see it and put hands on it was very humbling. There remains much left to explore and experience. Hmmmm, perhaps another road trip…….
With all this, I actually did make it to the Goshen County Gun Club in Torrance that afternoon. We’ll take a look back at the details of that part of this little adventure next
See you next time wherever it is. Travel Safe! Dan