The ewes are now well accustomed to heading to the bed ground for the night. The only time they might still be out at nightfall and need incentive from a stock dog is when the weather is fine and warmish which it hasn’t been of late. Since I can expect them to be at the bed ground, most nights I walk out to them rather then starting a vehicle.
The walk is across a small paddock and winter winds have created a firm snow pack now. The walk is easy for now and not terribly far. The two youngest guardian dogs who are in the vicinity of the yard most days often meet up with me and run out in front.
At the far side of the small paddock I step cross a second fence line on a snow bank, skirt a rather enormous snow pile and drop down into the bed ground. It’s like a small, well protected coliseum and it’s not difficult to stay here for a few minutes and wait on guardian dogs to eat. Sheep mill nearby, some already lying down for the night. Feet are always tucked up underneath their wooly bodies and the ewes lie very close to each other on the colder nights. Dog houses are situated on the perimeter. Some dogs use them, some do not.
When I leave the ewes I head back the way I came but then continue past the yard and head up to the sheep building where the rams and our old Anatolian Shepherd are spending the winter. A short repeat here to feed the fellow and wish him a good night.
It’s a very basic evening chore routine, made more so this winter by the decision to walk. Even on the evenings when I feel annoyance about having to do chores in the cold doing a very basic activity shifts my thoughts and the walking settles the incidental worries of the day.