Yaks In A Blizzard

According to Wikipedia, this is the definition of a blizzard:

"A blizzard is a severe storm condition characterized by low temperatures, strong winds, and can include heavy snow. By definition, the difference between blizzard and a snowstorm is the strength of the wind. To be a blizzard, a snow storm must have winds in excess of 35 miles per hour (56 km/h). Additionally, blizzards must reduce visibility to 400 metres (1,300 ft) or less and must last for a prolonged period of time — typically three hours or more."

Yes indeed, that's what we experienced last week.

How does severe weather like this affect the critters? Well, the Yaks and Yak-crosses carry on like it's an ordinary day. The layer of fat which lies just under their skin, combined with their hairy coats, protect them from the cold and wind. This is how they survive in their native Tibet.

I wasn't able to get out in this particular blizzard to get photos of the yaks, so I thought I'd share some from previous years.

The photo below is my all time favorite post-blizzard shot, back in the days before I owned a digital camera.

I also found this great video of yaks in a blizzard:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5hZxrhJfD8

Yak Steak

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If that's true, then I don't need to say much about the smile on this hombre's face as he sat down to enjoy a Springridge Ranch Yak-Cross Beef Steak!

Now thats what you call filling your plate.

The Great Yak Round Up...Sort Of!

Recently we went to round up our yearlings and bring them home from their summer pasture. We thought it was going to be the "great yak round-up". When we arrived, this is what we saw.

ALL of them, standing at the gate, as if they were waiting for their ride home! It was a little disappointing as we anticipated a nice afternoon ride to exercise our horses and enjoy the warm weather while it lasted.
We went for a ride anyway.

A black bear sighting added a little excitement to the day!

The "kids" sure have grown the last couple of months. Some of them have the most interesting horns, each set is unique.

And some don't have any horns at all.

Heading home after a great afternoon.

Next to come home are the cows...which won't be for a few more weeks yet.