9/7/11

Today worked out just awesome. 

I got to drive by myself down to Zapata ranch (our sister ranch), and grab a radiator from another truck, for ours. It ended up being a fantastic time. 

I left headquarters at around 9, and made it to the MZ (guest lodge) by 11:30. On my way, I stopped to go pee, and ended up walking into the random little store which only sold knock off apparel, snow globes and fireworks (honestly it was the fireworks sign which drew me in initially). Anyways, I ended up buying a roll of firecrackers, and a nice new cowboy hat for myself. It was such a score, only 19 bucks for it all. 

So I went from there in a great mood, ready to be introduced to Zapata Ranch. I pulled into the guest quarters, which was beautiful. I wish I had taken some pics, but I always feel like a tourist if I immediately start snapping pictures. 

These are all I got. Some very nice scenery, and some massive bison.

Just seriously massive animals. 

David and Tess came right out of their office as I was pulling up, and greeted me at the car. It was great to see familiar faces after driving through the mountains and valleys for three hours. 

They gave me the full tour. The quarters are absolutely beautiful. Log cabin style buildings, a nice big lodge and eating room, hot tub, kitchen, interns quarters, conference room, office, and more. A big huge grassy lawn and fire pits, it was awesome. 

So I hung out with David and Tess for 20 minutes or so, then took of to the 50,000 Acre pasture where the truck was, along with thousands of bison. 

I found the truck just fine, and started to work. It took me a good hour to get the radiator out of the truck. I had to take off the grill, the fan and belts, and the fan mount just to ber able to slide it out once I undid all the hardware. 

I called Duke and told him the turkey was in the oven and mama bird was flying home. 

But I had to stop in at the MZ for a huge piece of lasagna Mike had cooked up. I sat with David outside on a huge deck, and ate lunch while talking about being an intern. It was nice. Absolutely beautiful out. About 55 degrees. 

I finished up, we said our goodbyes, [awkward handshake] and I flew on home without a hitch. 

Right after I got back, little Duke pulled up, and we took a look at the radiator. He said it was in great condition, and that it should work. We chatted with Michael for a bit about printers, and went out ways. 

On the way back into the bunk house I noticed something odd, and took a picture of it. 

A bunch of horses all gathered around a couple of cows. Just staring. Not moving

I've never seen this before, I wonder what they were thinking.

I grabbed some food and beer, and went to the leather shop to get started on a leather band for my new hat. I worked on it for about 2 hours. 

It looks sweet. Check the style.

You like those stamped initials and that tasseled draw band? AW YEA. 

Duke sr cruised in while I was working. He had just got done hunting for dove. It was nice to just sit and chat for a while. He still intimidates the shit outta me. Really really nice guy, just so masculine and powerful seeming. The guy sweats wisdom. 

Bedtime for now though, gonna get up early tomorrow and get the radiator installed by 7  with little Duke, so we can get to work on time. 

Hope you enjoyed.  

Goodnight.