wild burros

I am pretty sure we weren't suppose to be hiking up the wash when we crossed between rails of the fence and slid down the sandy bank to the bottom of the wash and started scrambling up over the gentle alluvial streams which ended as quickly as they started. Each one contained it own species of tadpoles and other strange spidery creatures, occasionally Sara's foot would slip into one of these clear pools and she would let out a scream. We continued up and through the wash until we were well above the ranch and its surveillance, where a large gathering of Bristlecone Pine and the Single-leaf Pine were waiting to greet us. We sat under the shade for moment before we scramble up the side of the wash to discover the remnants of several fallen bunk houses with only square concrete slabs remaining and wooden slats scattered across the buckwheat, which was also sticking to our socks and shoes. There was a rusty bed frame sitting squarely on one of the slabs as if untouched by the wind which had tossed the walls and roof far from its concrete ring. I sat down on the slab and Sara sat at the edge of bed frame. I pulled from my pack a tuna sandwich and ate while we listened to the buzz of bees in the surrounding trees. Over the small bank we could hear large hoofs galloping, it sounded like chased outlaws. In few seconds they are gone like an invisible train passing. After we finished eating we climbed up the hill hoping to find a better trail for our return trip but the ground was blanketed with rocks and cactus and the galloping trail we were searching for seemed no where in site. We hiked to edge of small ridge but before we could catch our balance, galloping straight towards us came two wild burros at full speed, at the last minute they bee-lined down the bank and into the gully below. I quickly assured Sara that they were harmless but this was only after they were far out of sight. Then they circled back and we quickly scrambled over the lose rocks and cactus trying to find a place to avoid their path. They ran straight up the hill and turn back and ran down and around and then they were gone. We sat on the edge waiting for a sign to know of if it was safe to continue. After several minutes of silence we waved good-bye to the wild burros and continued on our way.


spring mt. ranch