Our Annual Traffic Jam at the Sand Dunes

Each year about this time, the Heaton Family from up in Alton drive their cattle south to the Arizona Strip to their winter grazing area. It is quite the deal--a genuine "ride-the-horses-and-camp-every-night" cattle drive! They pass right by our driveway--it's quite a sight to see.

Their entire family usually comes along--even down to the youngest grandchild. It's cute to see the little kids riding along with the adults, herding the cattle like pros. I've heard that they sometimes take greenhorns along who want to experience the cowboy lifestyle for a week.

This little girl (on the back of the saddle) had her own horse, but must have started to fall asleep in the saddle and hitched a ride with her mom so she could nap without falling off the horse! After I took this picture, I watched her start to tip over sideways--she was probably tuckered out!

Naturally, the cattle are kind enough to leave behind their 'calling cards' that we get to dodge when we drive down to Hancock Road. Happy trails!