Christmas/Winter @ Piceance Creek HMA
January 19, 2016
Our first Christmas without my Mom. It just couldn’t be the same. We did our best to be festive (it was Mom’s favorite time of year and she would spend several days with us during the holidays), but Tom and I knew it would be tough. We decided to do something different and made plans to go to the Piceance Creek/East Douglas HMA for a few days while we had the time off.
Departure day was cold, overcast and the roads were not in the best of shape. The Jeep was loaded and we were packed and ready, so we thought we’d just see how it went. Once we got through Eisenhower Tunnel, the roads got better, but it was still slow going. The sun came out on Vail Pass and I took some pics through the windshield. I love how the snow looks on the trees when it’s so cold outside.
Our drive took about 2 hours longer than normal, so we knew we wouldn’t have much time in the range before we lost daylight. We drove straight there (via winding County Rd 5 off State Hwy 13 that follows Piceance Creek) instead of unloading things in Meeker first.
The scenery along Piceance Creek Road (County Rd 5) was beautiful too.
Piceance Creek Road.
We didn’t know how good the roads would be once inside the HMA, so we opted for the main road across Pinto Mesa first since it’s generally the most well traveled. The Piceance Creek/East Douglas HMA has a lot of oil and gas activity so we figured people would still be needing to get to the well pads and the roads would be passable. (Note: to travel dirt roads in the winter, they must be frozen!). We knew the temperatures were expected to be cold, but we got more than we bargained for in that respect.
We went over Pinto Mesa without a single horse sighting, so we headed for 24X Rd in hopes we might find some in the 84 Mesa location. Once on 24X, we decided to let the dogs out for a little play time. The snow was deep where the road wasn’t plowed, so they opted to run on the groomed road. 🙂
Little Sage sprinting towards me.
Malakai thinking twice about jumping into the drift.
Looking east in the 84 Mesa area.
We didn’t see any horses on 84 Mesa either. We decided to try another road – Duck Creek. The grader had not touched this road, but there were tracks to follow, so we figured we’d try it. (The snow is deeper than it looks).
Finally, we spot our first horses of the day.
We’ve seen this band before along Duck Creek, so we figured they’d be used to seeing us.
But they start to move away. I do my best not to make horses feel uneasy, especially in the winter when they need to conserve calories. I stood in place as they first go left (above), then turn around and head to the right.
I got back in the vehicle and we watched, then slowly drove down to where they settled down. We didn’t stay long before continuing down the road to Yellow Creek (also not plowed). We were losing light and we needed to start heading out of the HMA.
As we buck the snow and ruts down Yellow Creek, we come upon some deer making their own way through the snow.
And we watched this cute little guy nibbling on some branches alongside the road as the light was fading away.
We hadn’t seen as many horses as we’d hoped, but we’d only had a few hours. It felt really good to be outdoors enjoying the scenery and critters. This was definitely just what we’d needed and we knew the next day would be even better as we called it an evening.
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January 19, 2016 at 7:02 PM
Beautiful pictures! Nature – on its own – is so wonderful. Too bad so few horses, but I cant imagine there are a lot of bands left there. Looks like this one has been made very cautious about humans – with good reason. I’m glad you celebrated Christmas this way – your mom would be too.
January 20, 2016 at 4:20 AM
So sorry about the loss of your mom. Your pictures continue to be amazing. Blessings your way. bk
January 20, 2016 at 5:20 AM
Pam, i cant believe your new dog looks just like my Aussie Indy too!
Kathy Wharton❄️
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January 20, 2016 at 11:01 AM
Sorry about your Mom.
Your talent behind the lens shows me scenery of places I will never see in person; the wildlife is a close second to my favourite of your subjects, the Wildies.
January 20, 2016 at 3:02 PM
Pam, your pictures are beautiful, as always. Thank you so much for sending them.
I have never seen a dog like Malakai, what unusual coloring, he looks like someone painted him!
Always good hearing from you.
Max
January 20, 2016 at 4:07 PM
Lovely story and very festive looking pictures. Here’s to protecting this herd in 2016! Your mother is with you in spirit.
January 20, 2016 at 4:53 PM
What beautiful photos! Would love to spend Christmas experiencing the peace and amazement of something like that. So glad to receive your posts once again Pam! I sure have missed them.
January 20, 2016 at 11:35 PM
Hi Pam and Tom that is beautiful , we send LOL
January 21, 2016 at 3:33 PM
Thanks Maggie. There are horses out there. I just don’t know where they winter…yet. 😉 I hope to get out there more often to find out.
January 21, 2016 at 3:33 PM
Thank you so much barbarakski. 🙂
January 21, 2016 at 3:34 PM
I saw the picture of your Indy Kathy. We really do have look-alike pups in our lives. 🙂
January 21, 2016 at 3:35 PM
Thank you Mrs Shoes – I’m happy you like the images.
January 21, 2016 at 3:39 PM
I like that description Max – like someone painted him. He’s called a red merle and yes, it’s crazy coloring. 🙂 Always nice to hear from you too!!
January 21, 2016 at 3:39 PM
Thanks Ginger. Hoping 2016 is a good year for these guys and the rest of the wild horses!
January 21, 2016 at 3:40 PM
It was a great way to spend Christmas for sure Madelena. May just be a new tradition. 🙂 Glad you’re getting the posts again. Pet all the horses for me!
January 21, 2016 at 3:41 PM
Thanks Uncle Gerry! We miss you and love you!
January 25, 2016 at 5:22 PM
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