Hot August Sun
The summer is still alive and kicking. I was reminded of that yesterday while out scouting some property. When you are on a place that is thousands of acres it feels like there is always something new to see no matter how many times you are lucky enough to be on it. The roads get filled with tracks from everything from aoudad to oryx. Nothing is interested in anything but the cover from thick cedars and tall old oaks. Right now the watering holes are the “in” place to be seen. You can practically put a bucket of water out and like ol Robby Keen says…. “Wait for the Presbyterians.” Then it happens.
Cruising to the backside of the property slowly to get into a place to glass and he’s standing in a group of does. That one giant blackbuck you haven’t seen in months glances up to see what is coming into his territory. He’s dark and thick horned. It looks like his horns just might be long enough to scratch that itch when he gets one of those pesky summer flies on his rear end. It’s in that moment before he pushes his harem off into the safety of the thick cover the property provides that the amazement of nature hits you. He’s a magnificent representation of the species.
The summer months are extra hard on these animals. Grass dies off. The water dries up. The new mothers are skinny and careful not to let the little ones get left alone with the danger of predators who are just as desperate for a decent meal as they are. Yet there he was. Alive and strong. The summer is hard and things change. Changes are inevitable. Just like in nature some have moved on to what they hope is greener and more fruitful pastures. I keep moving in order to thrive in harsh conditions. This is hard. I choose to live my life with certain morals and values. I choose to have principles and practice those principles in everything I do. Everything. Not just when someone is watching. I think of others more than myself. I take responsibility for things when I am wrong. I believe that is a strong quality in people. The ability to look at yourself and your actions isn’t easy. Admitting fault is even harder. But endurance throughout the hard things and strength will come. Knowledge will come. Better situations and opportunities will come.
I have meetings scheduled with some very large and reputable ranches in the Central Texas and Edwards Plateau regions. I have no expectations and will simply handle what gets put in front of me. I do this because it is my absolute passion. I love this. I don’t have to do any of this. I choose to do it. Anytime something begins to tarnish that passion or diminish it in any way it is time to move onward. Professionalism isn’t an option. Safety isn’t an option. Enjoyment and experiences aren’t an option. They all need to be there and create something that is special. Special like a big old greasy plate of enchiladas.
Tomorrow starts the meetings with what I hope are like minded people. People who want to spread happiness and enjoy what nature provides. People who are in this industry for the same reasons I am. Alive and strong. Blessed. Tomorrow I will get lost. Tomorrow I will get found.