Best of Feeder Camera Photos

Thought I would just post a collection of wildlife photos from this spring. Lots of free-range bacon out at the Rockin' P.

Long Time, No Post

Well, its been about four months since our last update, and in that time...not that much has been happening at the Rockin' P Ranch. We made it out a few times during the fall hunting season, and took a whitetail doe within the first five minutes of the opening of deer season (from which we are now enjoying smoked sausage).

This past weekend was the first trip of 2016 on just about the two year anniversary of taking over the property. It was a chance to do some exterior finishing work on the bathroom addition. Extra caulking around the seams and joints, and a coat of stain to protect the wood paneling.

While it looks sunny, it is still January on the Edwards Plateau, and a cold front brought some north winds and a low temperature of 21 degrees. A bit frosty to say the least.

Sunday was spent on the usual ranch chores -- filling up feeders, setting up the trail cameras, and putting away materials and equipment.

My assistant for this trip sported a recent purchase from the Tractor Supply feed store -- the latest girlie camo.

I think she pretties up the place real nice!

Ahhhtum

Well, it has been quite awhile since our last update -- Memorial Day weekend to be exact. Since the Texas floods of Spring 2015, everything dried out and the summer turned hot and dry. Our continuing goal has been to complete the bathroom and have the toilet, sink, and shower all operational and ready for the fall hunting season. And during out last trip on Labor Day weekend, we (pretty much) reached our goal.

As you can see, things are still a little rough around the edges, but everything is functional.

So we are ready to hunt! With the summer heat starting to break as we head into Autumn, it is becoming much more pleasant to spend time outside working and hunting. And we did a little dove hunting, bagging a few birds for some jalapeno-bacon dove poppers.

Bon appetit!

Texas Flood

Well, its been awhile since our last post, mainly because it has been since April that we've had a chance to get out to the ranch. This weekend was going to be focused on making more progress on the bathroom, including getting the electrical hooked up and the shower tiled. So we loaded up the truck with tools and materials and headed out Friday night.

Unfortunately, we were met with this:

The flood waters from the last two weeks of heavy rains across Central Texas washed out a couple of sections of the road leading out to our property. The first section we were able to crawl the truck across.

The second one not so much.

Of course it was about 10 pm when we got out there, and in the dark we couldn't really tell how deep the water was. So we cautiously waded across (the water wasn't moving so there was no danger of getting swept away), and then walked the last 1/4 mile up to the cabin. Everything was OK there, and since it was late, we decided we would just stay the night and check out the rest of the property in the morning. So we went back to the truck and gathered up some basic gear, floated the cooler across, and settled in. We got about four hours of sleep until the next storm came over with heavy thunder and lightening and wind, but not much rain.

In the morning, things were calm and sunny. With all the rain, the open clearing is starting to look like a real pasture.

The deer have found our sunflowers and eaten them down, so they are happy.

We surveyed the ranch for any storm-related damage, particularly in the low areas. Our feeder that sits in a dry wash was OK, it looks like the water came just below the feeder legs.

We weren't so lucky with the trail camera that had been aimed at this feeder. It was a few feet lower in the wash and we finally found it downstream.

Water-logged and probably fried. That was our only real loss though, so not bad. We'll replace it on our next trip, hopefully in a few weeks when the washes dry out and we can get our gear to the cabin to actually get some work done.

We were able to retrieve our other camera, and what we found made the trip worthwhile. Enjoy.

A Rockin' P Easter

A rainy Easter weekend finally dried out enough for an inaugural family gathering at the Rockin' P Ranch for an afternoon of loud fun.

Before our Easter brunch, brother Scott led us on a short hike to a collection of yucca plants in bloom that he found while turkey hunting the day before.

On the way back to the cabin we found a patch of bluebonnets, perfect for a true Texan wildflower photo.

Then our cozy table was set for a Honeybaked ham, cheesy grits, and cheddar bacon scones.

After lunch it was time to exercise our 2nd amendment rights.

Easter bunny beware...