Nestled in the quaint countryside near Hygiene, Colorado, there lies a small cafe that holds more than just good food and warm hospitality – it holds the heart of a community.
For me, this cafe was more than just a place to grab a bite; it was a hub of connection, where I forged friendships with both the staff and fellow photographers who frequented its cozy confines.
It was during one of my regular visits to this cafe that I was presented with a unique opportunity – an invitation to document something truly special: the annual cattle drive. For over a decade, the local ranchers had been herding their cattle from the winter pasture to the summer pasture, a tradition that had never been documented before. As the waitress relayed the details to me, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of capturing such a timeless event.
On the designated morning, armed with my camera and a sense of anticipation, I joined the ranchers and their trusty steeds as they set out on their journey. The road, usually bustling with traffic, lay quiet and still in the early morning hours, the only sound the gentle hoofbeats of the cattle and the occasional lowing of the herd.
As the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the landscape, I was treated to a sight that took my breath away. The cattle, their coats gleaming in the soft light, moved in unison across the countryside, guided by the skilled hands of the ranchers. It was a scene straight out of a Western film, and I felt privileged to be able to capture it through my lens.
Despite the chill in the air, I was filled with a sense of warmth and gratitude as I snapped away, immortalizing this timeless tradition for generations to come. When the drive was finally complete, I returned to the cafe, my memory cards filled with images that spoke volumes about the beauty and resilience of rural life.
As I processed the photographs and presented them to the cafe owner and staff, they were overwhelmed with gratitude. For them, these images were more than just pictures; they were a testament to their way of life, a reminder of the importance of preserving the traditions that bind communities together.
In documenting the cattle drive near Hygiene, Colorado, I had the privilege of capturing not just a moment in time, but a piece of history. And for that, I will always be grateful
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