El Rancho Chaa

Ranching: I cannot imagine a lifestyle which could be better suited to my nature. I must have said a very pure prayer at some point in my life. The sheer scale of it, with its huge spreads of land, big machinery and equipment, and large animals, thrills me. The myriad of skills which one must possess to be successful or even competent I find impressive. Then there is the nurturing of animals, the consistency of action and attention to detail. I am acutely aware of the sheer physicality required in ranching; it challenges me to my toes.

Whether or not I will get to engage in a ranching lifestyle remains unclear. That I am exposed to it through the graciousness of my ranch partners is something I am very grateful for. That I will live in proximity to it is evident.

The Chaa Ranch remains one of the true blessings of my life. Here are a few pictures of that amazing place. You see the approach, from the rugged drive up into the foothills of the Chinatis, a lazy late afternoon hanging out with our family of horses, Pilar returning from a 5-day backpacking trip into the wilderness, and Dane hauling water down to the garden trees.