On our neighbor’s property is this old abandoned sheep herder’s wagon. Now on the verge of falling apart, this wagon was once home to the herder who traversed the rugged mountain and prairie terrain, following and caring for his herd of sheep. This one is now home only to pack rats and the occasional curious bear or mountain lion. I often ride by this wagon, and try to imagine what it must have been like to have such a carefree, albeit lonely, life style.
What did he do to pass the time while the herd grazed? What problems did he encounter, and how did he solve them? How often did he have to protect his vulnerable charges from the alpha predator bears, lions, or wolves, or even a pack of coyotes? Did he have a dog, or perhaps several, to help? Who brought him supplies from town, a mere 35 to 40 miles away?
What must it all have been like? How interesting it would be to travel back in time just long enough to witness it all.