This past week my grandson Lincoln and I happened to notice the buffalo grazing and watering down by the river. He loves buffalo, and when I asked him if he wanted to go and see them his 21 month old legs took off running for his coat.
We approached the herd very slowly and occasionally called out "Come Buffers, Come Buffers", while drumming the side of the vehicle.
Lincoln caught on quickly and once we were stopped he started tapping the 4-wheeler and softly muttered "Buffah, Buffah".
The buffalo circled around us and we listened to their soft grunts and spoke back to them in the same manner. Lincoln watched them closely and occasionally let out squeals of joy!
We noticed the expecting mother buffalo, heavy with their calves.
Even with their extra weight they looked content (How do they do that?).
Lincoln only lost his focus when I left the vehicle, which he then thought gave him the go-ahead to be the driver! (Emergency brake was fully engaged and I was within feet.)
He pursed his lips together and made his best tractor/vehicle noise.
We stayed for a couple of hours, until the last of the buffalo were ready to cross.
We said our goodbyes and thanked the buffalo for allowing us to be among them. I tucked Lincoln close to me and we buckled up and headed back to the house. His eyes were shut within minutes. I relished in his warmth as we slowly made our way home.
33 comments
What a treat, for me, to see my great-grandson Lincoln. He surely has grown, since I was there, last May.
Great photos, as always, Jill. Thank you.
I so enjoy your stories on here about life on ranch and all animals and the wide open prairie!
From East Iowa. Used to live on a farm.
And this is why your Buffalo are the best. Raised with the same love you show your Grandson.
Wow, Give Lincoln big hug from the Joneses in NE!!!
Reminds me of an experience I had in Cody Nat’l Park 25+ years ago.
Love this! What a privilege, for Lincoln to be able to grow up amidst such beauty and joy.
Oh to have been raised under an endless sky, among the buffalo. What a lucky boy!
I fell in love with Dan’s idea thru his books before Jill and daughter came on the scene! Now to catch up with another generation is wonderful. Thankfully, we can get your ground bison here in Tucson and company loves my favorite casserole made from it.
What a touching and very moving story, full of beauty, deep emotion, a loving relationship, and a love of nature, not to mention the photos that enhance it all. Almost moved me to tears. So many mini experiences in a small period of time. Lucky little boy, lucky grandpa. Thanks so much for sharing it all.
What a wonderful way for you to teach your grandson to appreciated nature and to love the land. God isn’t makin anymore dirt, and the human race is destroying the rest. I wish I had been riding in the 4 wheeler with ya’ll. I miss being on the farm and with my cows. I enjoyed the pics of the Buffalo and the baby. Thanks so much for sharing.
what a great life! Your’e very lucky.
A beautiful grandson surrounded by amazingly beautiful buffalo in absolutely gorgeous country. God has truly blessed you with so much love. Blessings to all.
Boy, he’s cute!! And I can just hear him make his favorite truck sounds!! The buffalo are beautiful—-I don’t blame you for wanting to get outside & visit with them.
We are on calf watch here, too, albeit among staid British Whites like scattered clouds on our soft green hills. We love your country and live in it through you.
Thank you for sharing your blessed time with Lincoln
Thanks for sharing!