Down the Dirt Road

My friend Celeste has one of the coolest domain names around -- RoadLessTraveled. I know, it's a poem. But, she got there first. :-)
Today's adventure reminded me of that poem. I followed a road yesterday that I've always wondered about. I got lost in a maze of country roads that finally dumped me back onto State Highway 71. I wasn't sure that I could retrace my steps but had seen a place that I was sure would make a great photo ... if the light was right. By my calculation that had to be really early in the morning. I was on the road before sunrise. As a matter of fact, I found my focal point before sunrise. I was right. This old ranch building is fantastic with the morning sun reflecting off its weathered exterior. The old windmill was nice too. It still pumps water into a tank. I used the tank to capture the windmill reflection in the picture on the right. I was disappointed that the cattle that surrounded the building yesterday were gone. They did, however, leave evidence of their visit in the yard. :-)
It was a fun morning, serving more than one purpose. I'm still breaking in that new diesel engine. The economical 14.7 MPG was from my light foot and some very slow going along a bumpy dirt road.

Wildlife was abundant. Deer were thicker'n fleas on a dog's back. I saw turkey as well. One old Tom was even strutting for the ladies but I wasn't close enough for a decent picture. A jack rabbit nearly commited suicide under my new diesel truck. He was just quick enough to escape before I got a picture or assisted in his suicide.
There were far fewer surprises than I had hoped for. I did accomplish the primary mission but really expected more. I finished off the excursion by snapping a few quick pics of the neighbor's peach tree. Kim, the blooms are fantastic. I'm looking forward to stealing your peaches. :-) Here's hoping the blooms are still here for your visit.
Now, I have a long list of tasks. Jane is working and I am in charge. I'm in charge of mowing the lawn and getting my office cleaned up before Dillon gets here for Easter.
As usual, click the thumbnail image to see a larger version.



l8r