Today's Idaho State Journal includes a want-ad for "Shepherders." Not a really high-paying job ($750/month + room and board). Position requires on-call status 24/7. "Room and Board" is to be translated as a small wagon (think 'gypsy wagon' from any novel you've ever read). Also requires a real sense of serenity. . . the only "folks" to talk to are the sheep and the border collies.
Last Sunday, July 6, the kids and we went out to gather firewood. Since the kids do not own a woodlot, Josh gets wood permits for the nearby forest, Caribou National. We left the house about 6:00 a.m. and drove up Inman Rd. to the pass through the forest. Ultimately, we did find a huge, dead pine that, coupled with two small poplars, filled the back of the pick up.
En route, however, we had to stop in the road and wait for five-ten minutes. We encountered said shepherder bringing his flock down the road. Lots of "open range" out here. . . which means farmers can lease areas of national/public lands for grazing of farm animals. Not unusual to occasionally encounter a cow. However, Sunday morning we encountered SHEEP!
One shepherder, two border collies and (literally) at least 1,000 sheep. Not kidding. And, boy, when you've driven through an area where sheep have grazed, you can't help but recall all of the old western movies where the cattle-ranchers were at odds with the sheep-ranchers!
I think I'll stick with retirement. It pays better and it's not so lonely.
No comments:
Post a Comment