"Ranching Uncanceled" Series On Ranchers and Government Overreach

Above, cattle corralled near Cibola National Forest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many Americans have only experienced government overreach and outright tyranny just recently.

According to an article in the Piñon Post, ranchers have been experienced it for years. Fortunately, people can be made aware of this in a new series called "Ranching Uncanceled".

The article begins with:

A new series done by Ben Luna of Lexit called features the stories of ranchers fighting the government from being “canceled” by overreach aiming at snagging the land that they’ve been ranching on for generations. 

The series called “Ranching Uncanceled” showcases stories of ranchers, such as that of Mike and Kelly Goss, owners of the Sacramento Grazing Allotment (SGA) in the Lincoln National Forest. The Goss family is successor to cattle operations that have existed in the Sacramento Mountains since the 1880s.

They have been battling the government for years against attacks on their grazing rights, including severe limits to the number of cattle and other drastic measures. Their story is featured in the first episode of the project.

To read more, go here. 

Thunder In The Pines

Above, some of the "locals" keeping a watchful eye on me. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This afternoon, I decided to take a drive up to the McGaffey Recreation Area in the Cibola National Forest. It had been a few months since I was last there in the Jeep. This time, I took the main roads over in the Mustang.

Above, some old ranch buildings. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

McGaffey Lake is more like a pond (about 2-3 feet deep at best) now. It'll be replenished once we get some snow storms.

Above, another cattle ranch in the Zuni Mountains. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I headed out of the recreation area to the east. I went part way there in the Jeep a few months ago. I went in a few miles further. It was a mix of national forest land, cattle ranches and open range. While there, I received a few rain sprinkles and heard one rumble of thunder. It is a beautiful area.

Above, this ranch building looks like it's been around awhile. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The cattle ranch I saw a few months ago that's for sale is still for sale. If I had the money and were a few years younger...

Above, the first guest ranch sign I saw. It was next to the ranch that's for sale. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I took a side road next to that ranch and saw a sign for a guest ranch that was four and a half miles away (at that point) and another one a half mile down the road. It is called the "Z Lazy B" Guest Ranch. I didn't go to it, but I looked online and they do have a website. 

Above, the second guest ranch sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to their website:

Get away from the busyness of life, and relax in your own personal cabin under the cool pine trees in the mountains of New Mexico. 3 Bed/1 Bath cabins are available for nightly, weekly, and monthly rental! 

We are hidden away in the mountains outside Gallup. If you would like to find us, here's a map and our approximate address. Please also keep in mind there's little to no service up here, so please download your map/directions in advance.  

 Four Corners Geotourism Stewardship Council posted:

Z Lazy B Mountain Retreat and Guest Ranch centered in the heart of the pristine Zuni Mountains offers a visitor experience like no where else in the Four Corners. The Ranch offers spacious cabins with downhome country cooking. You can hunt, fish, ride horse, mountain bike, hike or just enjoy the great out doors. Our facilities can be used for corporate, social, group and social events. Come enjoy delicious food with an incredible back drop.

 

Above, a windmill in an open range area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After driving around for about an hour and a half, I headed back home for dinner (just in case the dark clouds decide to really open up). It was an enjoyable drive.

Wanna Buy A Cattle Ranch?

Above, the ranch house and outbuildings. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I took a "Sunday drive" up to McGaffey Lake in the Cibola National Forest in New Mexico. While there, I decided to do some exploring in places I hadn't been to before.

I drove north of McGaffey Recreational Area on McGaffey road. Along the way, I passed cattle out grazing in grassy meadows.

Above, approaching the ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

About a mile or so out of the recreational area, I left the Cibola National Forest. A little ways ahead, I spotted a ranch house with outbuildings and grazing cattle in the distance.

At the ranch's gate, there was a "for sale" sign. There was no indication on the asking price, but it did have a phone number.

Above, another view of the ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It wasn't exactly Southfork Ranch of Dallas, but it seemed to be a nice enough place with lots of potential. It was in a beautiful area with pine-covered hills and grassy fields.

Above, the "for sale" sign with the house and outbuildings in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So I snapped a few photos of the ranch and headed back to McGaffey.

After getting home, I checked Zillow and one other real estate website but found no listings for this ranch. Maybe it is up for sale by the owner.

Above, the "for sale" sign and more of the ranch field. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you're interested, you have the phone number.