April 21, 2009

Navajo Sheepherder


N is for Native American.
This man is Navaho and lives in New Mexico, but in summer he herds sheep in the Utah Uinta Mountains for a rancher from Nevada.
Note his nimble, noble steed, the color of a gold nugget.
He lives the life of a nomad, with the natural world for a neighbor, and nebula or nova for nightlights.
He resides in a trailer with the bare necessities. His two border collies help him nurture the sheep and nudge away their nemesis, the coyote.
Neither here nor there news: We met this Navaho gentleman last July in the mountains north of Strawberry Reservoir. He asked if he could take our photograph with his disposable camera. We agreed, and asked to take his photo in exchange. Do you see the black sheep behind him? We helped herd the sheep up a nearby mountain, then bid our new friend adieu.
For more N words from Denise Nesbitt's ABC Wednesday, click here.

30 comments:

  1. great photo of him...and yes, i see the black sheep :)

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  2. I like this picture a lot. A very noble looking gentleman. So many Ns!

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  3. Lovely story. Navajo is a great choice for N.

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  4. Such a wonderful choice for "N". And your eyes are drawn right through the photo.

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  5. A great picture of a Noble gentleman and I loved all the 'n' references!

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  6. Sweeet. Ranchers would have fewer problems with coyotes and wolves if there were more herders or cowboys riding range like this old boy.

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  7. What a wonderful encounter! Great photo. It would be interesting to see the photo he made of you. And bravo for helping him herd his sheep to greener pastures.

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  8. Interesting post and very nice photo.

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  9. Great photo of him and he must have been an interesting person to meet...the photo is even better enlarged...with that flock of sheep in the background..

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  10. A nice chance meeting. The photo request seems unusual. Your capture is a marvelous symbol of the SW.

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  11. July and there was still snow. It's a good story.

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  12. I'm a city girl and have only riden a horse a few times. But in the smaller version I noticed the saddle. Looks like it's a much smaller lightweight saddle than most of us are accustomed to. When I enlarged it I was fascinated by the stitching on the blanket underneath the saddle. I'm guessing he did it himself? I love the heart brand, i guess its a brand? (I said I was a city girl!) And I guess that there's a black sheep in every family! Wonderful and very interesting photo. Nice chance encounter.

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  13. Very nice shot. The wagging tail of the horse looks nice.

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  14. What a serendipitous meeting. And you have captured him very well - I feel that a sense of his personality really comes across.
    And what an enviably simple lifestyle (even if it's one that I know that I'm not capable of living, lol!).

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  15. This is a terrific photo! It makes me feel like I am there on the mountainside with him.

    Good job on including all the "N" words!

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  16. What a neat 'N' post and what a neat man. I'm glad you met him and were able to help him herd his sheep up the mountain.

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  17. Terrific post. The sheepherder has so much character. I love the whole feel of this. Fun use of all the N's too.

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  18. The picture and the N-story is beautifully put together. He looks a dignified gentleman on his beautiful steed. Also love the flock of sheep with the black spot!

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  19. Hi Janie, We're home!!!! Love your story about the Navajo. I'm sure he is a very interesting man...Oh--for the simpler life!!!!

    We are glad to be home.. It was a wonderful trip --just getting to see my son and family. BUT--the weather was horrible. Oh Well!!!!

    I'm going to check through some of your older blog posts.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  20. That's a nice story and a great picture! I envy him his outdoor life in nice weather. Though I think it might get too hot for me in Utah.

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  21. Oh, what a delightful experience that must have been. Great post!

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  22. Beautiful shot of the area and I enjoyed the story of how you met this interesting nomad friend.

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  23. Interesting story of him to see he still live a life so close to the land. thanks for sharing.

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  24. Very NEAT! And such a beautiful part of the country!

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  25. His horse is so beautiful, a palamino isn't it? Ha, and is that Daisy standing in the horse's shade?

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  26. Wow! what a picture, what a person, what a life!

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  27. Janie, what a wonderful post and fine tribute to a man and way of life. Beautifully written and a great photograph.
    Smiles

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  28. Beautiful horse he is riding, The indian shows a lot of history that he could share.

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