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We packed up and mounted again, heading for the hut.
In just under an hour, the bush opened up. On a small plateau, was the shepherd’s hut with views to the higher peaks, and high country hills.
“Spectacular,” Rosie breathed.
“Huh, check it out.” I pointed to a small stand of distinctive gum trees, their bark shedding down in vibrant colours. “More snow gums.”
“Amazing,” Rosie smiled, dazzled by the scenery. “No witch’s spells up here though, I promise.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “They’re younger than the snow gum Dad planted. Must have been birds. Or seed pods carried in wallaby fur.”
I forced myself to think about practical matters as we continued towards the hut. Its fenced yard, and a roofed pen were in good shape from our position. Perhaps I wouldn’t need to do any repairs and could focus on just sheep.
“There’s little in the way of sheltered spots at the hut.” On the plateau, a mix of native and introduced grasses grew around the hut, and with the recent frosts, had mostly died off but there would be green shoots at the base. “There might be better camp spots around here on the tree line, against a boulder. Winds pick up after sunset.”
Rosie gave the area a cursory glance, her attention on a couple of large boulders nearby. “Good idea. The muster first and then figure out a campsite.”
She left her large backpack with her tent and sleeping bag near the boulders and together we rode our horses to the simple structure that acted as a stable between the hut and the holding pen. We unpacked our supplies in companionable silence, working well together to get everything off the horses. I found the tank full with no leaks and go water into a trough in the stable, as well as in the holding pen as a welcome drink for future sheep.
The hut had a small stack of firewood but I’d need to cut more while I was here. With the horses resting before we scouted out sheep, I made quick work of collecting fallen timber along the treeline for firewood, noting several big trees.
Rosie kept to herself, also collecting firewood, playing with the dogs, getting their water bowls filled.
How long could we go without addressing the pink elephant we’d brought to the hut?
“It’s after one,” she said, rubbing her bare hands for warmth. “Still keen to ride out for these sheep?”
We’d seen many on our slow ride up here. Rusty and Ruby jumped up from in front of the fire as if they’d perfectly understood Rosie’s question.
“Absolutely. Two hours max, or you’re losing daylight and time against those clouds to set up camp.”
We saddled our mounts from the morning and as a precaution took my rifle. We went easy on our horses, taking them into the bush with Rusty and Ruby darting through the scrub, noses to the ground and eyes keen.
Tomorrow’s work would be with the other pair of stock horses, well rested, fed and with fresh legs.
By three o’clock, we had twenty-one sheep rounded up in the holding yard. Four others escaped us, determined not to be corralled. And I had more drone footage of other sheep playing hide and seek up in the surrounding hills.
And I was exhausted.
Thank god Mum had insisted on making stew and storing it in another Thermos container so it was still piping hot. And biscuits. Once I’d stoked the fire, I’d have boiling water for tea, too.
Before I could ask Rosie if she wanted some tea to take to her campsite, she excused herself immediately after we’d rubbed down our horses and put on their blankets.
I put my rifle on the fireplace mantle and threw more logs on the glowing coals. Should I check for any wild dogs? Rosie could be at risk.
There was no evidence of wild dogs. I didn’t even find a dead sheep today. You just want an excuse to talk to her.
Rusty and Ruby curled up together on a dog blanket.
“My dog is having better luck with the ladies than I,” I muttered, fetching the billy.
I fetched the billy as there was a sickening crack, like lightning, followed by a boom that shook the hut. Dust fell from the rafters.
“That wasn’t lightning.”
I dropped the empty billy, grabbed my rifle and ran out the door, the dogs on my tail.
A massive gum tree had fallen right beside the two boulders where Rosie had left her backpack.
