We got up early enough to actually feel a chill in the air (though it didn't last.) Mitch advised us all to wear jeans because of the bugs. By 6 am we all loaded up
to head to the stampede. We
watched the sky change from the darkest blue to a brightening gold in layers on
the horizon until the brightest almost fuchsia neon pink sphere appeared. By the time we made it to North viewing area (almost two hours later because traffic was a slow long line in the park) it was daylight, not a cloud visible in the sky.
Before the event two different locals mentioned that we would actually feel the ground rumbling . When Mitch first saw the line of cars we
were joining, he joked “Is this a buffalo roundup or a car roundup?” We all had ideas of what we would see at this new to us occasion. We found a good spot to spread our picnic blanket and open Grandma and Grandpa’s chairs. Em quickly made friends with a 9 year old girl named Cici, also homeschooled.
Cici's Mom shared that they live near here,
and she also shared a little about what all is done today. She said only the
Mom and baby buffalo are in the round up, that there may be a few males in the
round up, but they are allowed to roam. The babies are temporarily separated and branded S1
this year, S for state and the last digit of this year. The lighter cinnamon
colored babies (look closely at some of the pictures) are two months old or less, their fur darkens quickly. There were two viewing areas; you can see part of the South side opposite us in the pictures.
We didn’t feel the ground shake, maybe
because we weren’t super close. They did run together at the end and even
damaged the gate they were being directed through. Unexpected to us were a lot of SUVs out
with the cowboys on horseback doing the round up.
Wow! Looks like y'all are having a really good time! I love all the photos too. :)
ReplyDeleteWOW how cool was that to see:) My two would have loved seeing that. Hope you consider linking up to the Field trip hop:) Seeing you photos are bringing back lovely memories when we were their. Are you at Custard State park?
ReplyDeleteWow, that is amazing!
ReplyDeleteHow neat! What an amazing day to share as a family.
ReplyDeleteThat would have been SO neat to see. What a blessing that you could! Thanks for sharing this with me. :)
ReplyDeleteKate