Firebreaks on Rich Ranch

The winter set in with a vengeance last weekend and with a leadership group here that we can take our hats off to, it was real tough. 

Jimmy and William

It must have been the coldest day ever since we have been living on the farm. An icy wind was howling in from the south and there was no way we were going to do any water activities. I think hypothermia would have been the order of the day for all of us if we had braved the water.

Even though the cold had set in the work must continue. 

One of our greatest fears are the veld fires that we have at this time of the year. The grass is dry and the slightest spark into can erupt into a ravaging fire within minutes if the wind comes up. So - this entire week has been tending to our fire breaks. First we ploughed a border round the farm and then round each section where fire can cause destruction. Next week we will actually burn the fire breaks (the sections that were ploughed) just to make sure the grazing fields are safe.

 

The cattle are looking good and they get special protein and condition licks at this time of the year because they have to feed their calves and be in good shape when the bulls come to visit again. There are still some calves to be born and we diligently watch now when new calves arrive in this icy cold weather. They might just need a helping hand. Will keep you updated.


This week I discovered more about the very interesting Mr Gouws (see previous post) Now not only is a an experienced Big Game Hunter, Budding Author and Successful Entrepreneur, but also does off road excursions on four wheelers. It must be his love for the outdoors that takes him into the bush on every available occasion. He has tickled our interest and we are definitely going to accompany him on his next trip. This weekend they are doing a trip to Swaziland and Mozambique - how awesome that must be. Who says my life is not interesting and that I don't meet the most extraordinary people.