The old homestead at Lower Clover

Yesterday was kind of a neat day. I spent about half the day down at Lower Clover, watching the baby (3 months- ish) so Ricarda could do some irrigating in the meadows. I started with a walk out to an old homestead not far from the barns. I didn't even know this one was there until yesterday, but did get a few photos.

We know the ranch originally started in the late 1800's but I don't know if this homestead dates back to that point or not. One of the things that is characteristic of the homesteads,

old and new, is the tall hardwoods. For example, when we are coming down the valley from squaw to lower clover, we can see lower clover from at least 10-12 miles away because of the large trees, and it would be even further if the hills weren't in the way. Most of the vegetation here is sagebrush and grass, and most of the homes have trees planted all around them. In other words, if you see a clump of trees, from however far away, chances are good there is a home, or old homestead, somewhere in the midst of it. I suppose its like that a lot of places where the land and vegetation is pretty flat, its just so different from the Willamette Valley.

On our way back to the house we walked near the field where a few horses were hanging out,

and they were very curious about the stroller and the little guy inside! After a walk down the driveway ( I am guessing about 1 mile each way), I watched a little TV.....it had been over a month since watching any television....nothing new really.

Brian had a long day yesterday, getting home about 7:30 last night (started at 6:00am). He and Jesse were way up in the mountains trying to finish fixing and putting up the snow fence. It sounds like they've done all they are going to do for now.

Today we made a run into town to get the rest of the supplies needed to finish the well/watering trough project. It was kind of fun when we were in the loading yard picking up the bags of concrete, and off to the side I noticed big stacks of lumber labeled Seneca Saw Mill, Eugene Oregon...all the way out here in Winnemucca.