Internet in the Backcountry?...

Supper Time

 

 

 

      Now is a good time to catch everyone up on how things work around here.  As with any ranch operation, there are endless chores and tasks to be accomplished that would exceed many lifetimes and consume countless hours.  For the purpose of this story, we will focus on the winter aspect of the Ranch:  "What do we do here all winter long?"

 

     There are a handful of essential chores that are to be attended to, most on a daily basis, others depending upon the harsh hand mother nature can deal.  In general, the winter caretakers focus on these tasks: 

 

     (1)  Take care of the stock,

     (2)  Make sure the hydroelectricity plant is in operation,

     (3)  Make sure the Ranch does not burn down or freeze up!

 

Bucky the Mule!

     The Diamond D Ranch has 36 head of stock (30 horses/ 6 mules), some born and raised upon the premises.  There are currently 3 adorable babies that were born earlier this year (Josie, Bella and Dillon) that we'll talk about later.  The stock is fed hay (an average of 10 lbs a feeding, each animal) twice a day with a pick up truck.  Aside from feedings, we keep a close eye on their overall health and well-being, making sure there aren't any injuries or avoidable mishaps.  Luckily, Dana is an accomplished farrier and works part-time as a vet tech, so her equine skills are very handy.

 

Catching some winter sun and a salt lick.

 



     The other main focus is the operation of the hydroelectric plant.  The Ranch is powered by hydroelectricity, which is accomplished by water fed by a pipe from a manmade lake that then runs the hydro plant itself.  Overall, this machine is autopilot, just requiring scheduled greasing and routine checks. 

      The "lake" is continuously fed and refeeds a nearby creek system.  During the winter months, temperatures can drop to -20 deg F on a daily basis.  This can freeze the inlet (which is the channel between the creek and lake) that fills the lake.  In order to keep this water channel open, we have to manually chop and break up the ice in the inlet using sledge hammers and iron rods.  This last week we chopped the ice ~ 5.5 hours a day!?!  This is no job for weanies! :)  

We also have the option to "turn off the lake", meaning lower or raise a hydraulic gate that allows the waterlevel in the lake to rise.  When the lake is "off", that means the power is "off", as no water is then reaching the pipe to the hydroplant.  On average thus far, we would turn off the power for 5 hours in a day to let the lake level rise. 

Thanks to the option of electricity via the hydroplant, we can utilize ammenities such as satellite internet, tv and phone when needed. 



     The last task of not burning down or freezing up the place is pretty common sense!  I don't think any further explanation is needed in this department.


     Now that you have a basic understanding of our responsibilities, let the stories begin! 

Dana and I