Snow Clouds at Sunset

Snow storms were happening all around us yesterday evening and these wild clouds helped to create light that changed colors within minutes.

I knew that just around this hill I would see what these clouds were all about.

The light changed from yellow to pink and purple just as I approached the windmill. I like how that strip of cloud through the center acts kind of like a reflection of itself. We didn’t get any of the snow but we sure do have the cold temps.

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Remembering Spring

The river is thawing and this dried bouquet on the bank helps me remember spring. We are only entering into February and this winter is already taking it’s toll. Even though I am very thankful for these spurts of warmth in the middle of winter, it makes my desire for spring that much stronger.

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Winter Tones

Snow has blown away and ice is melting into small ponds around the meadows. I enjoyed a nice walk yesterday while the wind had some downtime and was happy to stumble upon this scene. The gray and gold really does work together here. I like the limb patterns against the overcast winter sky and a smooth reflection is always appreciated.
Have a great day my friends!

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Deer Crossing

“Umpteen thousand acres and they have to run in the middle of the road!” says every rancher in Wyoming. 😉

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Watering Holes

I finally got to walk on water.

Well, actually, we walked across the frozen river. Patrick went to crank up the tractor and while it was warming up, we walked over to the river. Notice the deer tracks on the frost on top of the ice.

I mentioned in Below Zero about the deer having to break ice to get a chilly sip. Well by golly, they busted through and have a hole to drink from.

At a different part of the river where the horses and some cattle are grazing, Patrick had to drive over the river a couple times with the tractor to get it busted out. It didn’t break close enough to the edge and I watched while the younger horses tried to walk on the ice to that hole. It was a funny sight watching them slip and slide but they finally gave up and waited for the tractor to go over it again. Rat found a little hole to sip out of in the meantime.

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Big Happy Family

During the holidays on a trip into the hills delivering tubs and salt to the cows, Patrick glassed the hills to see if any cows were in the wrong pastures. Through the binoculars, he spotted this herd of Big Horn Sheep. I dream about these majestic creatures. I just love to watch them. It’s rare that we see a herd this large but it is mating season for them so they stay close to one another during this time.

The ewe in charge spotted me right away so I laid on my belly and stayed as still as I could.

Many ewes and lambs went down for a nap but one ram watched me for a while.

They grazed and napped…

…and watched and listened to my shutter. Snap.Click.Snap.Click.

They got sick of me after a while and got up to move to the next location.

They are so incredible to watch and even though I slithered on my belly like a snake through deer poop and cactus, it was well worth it to get a glimpse into their afternoon together as a family.

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Below Zero

I wanted to share a few images with you of this past weekend. It is VERY cold, like 10 (or so) below zero cold, and I haven’t been out much. But I did step out at sunset to grab these peaceful scenes.

It’s a solid blanket of white and glitter except for the footsteps of deer trailing down to the river.

The river is totally frozen over so I’m sure they have to break the ice with their hooves to get a chilly sip.

I posted this image on my facebook page this weekend after a few email requests to show what below zero looks like. About 2 inches of snow fell on the ground Friday night and a light skiff last night. The ground is frozen underneath and with these low temps, it isn’t going to go anywhere anytime soon. Brrrr.

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All Brushed Up

During calving time, we say “uh oh she’s all brushed up, she’s up to something, better go check it out”. This means she’s hiding in the brush most likely giving birth, about to give birth or has already given birth and doesn’t want to be bothered. Well, I’ve been “all brushed up” for over a week now. NOT giving birth, let’s keep that straight, but working on restyling leahyetter.com, archiving last years work on a new harddrive, processing images for my bestie and getting nervous about an old harddrive that is knocking on heaven’s door as I type this. It’s been very cold outside so it’s a good time to hide indoors, feed logs to the fire and work work work. I did go out for a hike when it warmed up to about 30 degrees and saw this doe all brushed up.
Anyway, I’ll be back here soon with some beauties I photographed before the new year. Patrick and I went for a hike in the hills and stumbled upon a herd that I dream about. Stay tuned. xoxo

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In With a Kick

Live…

…like someone left the gate wide open.

I hope you are running through the gate this New Years Day without fear or hesitation. Kick up your heels, laugh out loud and move forward with purpose and your own personal vision. I love it when a new door, er um gate, opens up. I look forward to see what 2013 has in store.

Yeehaw Y’all!

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