4R's Family Vacation, Day 7

The Garden of the gods was right across from last night's motel and it was free! So of course we went there this morning.

It is a city park based around unusual sandstone rocks.

Balance Rock may be the most famous. A photographer in the early 1900's set his camera up there and took tourist photos.  We did some hiking around the park and saw a couple of groups touring on horse back.  I still think that would be a great summer job for V next year if she could get one.

We then started on our journey back east.  Eastern Colorado has been in a drought for several years.  Then landscape is pretty depressing.

We had some postcards to mail so we stopped here in Yoder for that errand.  Hope they get to where they are going.

With the drought conditions it makes you wonder what these cattle are eating.  Some of the pastures are in really rough shape due to overgrazing.

And here was J's favorite stop, PCC.  J has gotten four bulls here over the last few years.  The owner, Kit Pharo, was gracious enough to give us a tour of his ranch and cattle.  He has a low input philosophy which has served him well during this extended drought.  The group of cattle that he showed us were fat and had made it though the winter with no fed other than the managed pasture.

That helps explain this sign in front of his office.  Quit following the "bigger is better" herd and develop a low input sustainable herd.  Spending the night in Hayes Kansas.