On a cow path!

    Cattle and bison are quite different. Cattle will 'yard up' around trees in shady draws stamping down the vegetation. Bison don't do that, they prefer standing on top of the hill. Cattle will walk the same path making a "cow path". Bison do not make path's which is more helpful ecologically.
    Today I took advantage of the cow paths in the native pasture as I pursued wild cedar trees and other pests. That's the pasture Steve uses for his cattle until July 4. The cattle graze back the invasive grasses allowing the summer native plants, such as big bluestem, to thrive. Gradually, over 20+ years, the native grasses are emerging.
    Norwegian, Torbjorn Ekelund, turned to walking after an epileptic seizure ended his ability to drive. In his book In Praise of Paths: Walking Through Time and Nature, he tells the story of his new life, a life of walking. He never says it in so many words but I suspect he'd not take up driving again even if he could. Walking has enriched his life in many dimensions. The book also includes much information about paths, walking and walkers. It was a very timely read just I've decided to walk more...very inspiring. Walking those cow paths this morning offered good opportunity to reflect on Ekelund's ideas. Yes, I recommend it.

Takk for alt,

Al

Sunset over my pond.

A bison rubbing rock in the prairie pasture. The rock stands where the glacier left it.

Musk thistle, my late brother suggested it would be better horror movie than birds.