Tuesday August 25th, Town Campground, Harlowton, MT

We meet some wonderful people on our travels, and have such great opportunities. We really enjoyed our evening chatting with Kathy and Karl Jensen last night, and as we were leaving they offered to take us around their ranch. We were delighted.

Walked around to their home at 8 this morning, and we set off in their truck, first stop at the ranch to meet with their son and daughter before heading out on the range.

We just could not comprehend the size of their property….over 30,000 acres. It seemed to go as far as the eye can see. They carry 600 breeding cows and sell calves as weaners as well as making quite a lot of hay off the irrigated flats.

We drove through areas where the remains of the first homesteaders properties can be seen, including the stone edge of a grave which is over 100 years old.

Water supply is a major issue, they only get about 10” a year and there is little natual water, most supply comes from deep wells. Karl spends a lot of his time ensuring that water is kept up to the animals.

We were very aware of the rattlesnakes and stepped very carefully, but unfortunately didn’t spot one! Karl has seen and killed many over his lifetime including a den which contained over 30 snakes.

Lunchstop was at a roadside bar and café in Broadview…with a welcome cold beer. Drove through more of the ranch before arriving back at the house mid afternoon. The day was a real highlight and so good to find out about farming in this part of Montana.

We set off west, the afternoon had turned quite hot. Found a really nice campground in Harlowton and decided to break for the night.