Snow in the Mountains
A winter storm rolled through Johnson County, Tennessee. The start of the storm was gentle snow that just didn’t seem to want to stop, with over 12 inches in some areas and more on the way. The early snow was mainly large, wet, fluffy stuff that accumulated quickly. Then the weather warmed ever so slightly overnight and the snow turned to a drizzle for a short time before the temperature started to drop, turning the soft fluffy snow into a hard, crunchy snow. As the temperature dropped, the drizzle turned to a fine, grainy snow. While the snow made travel difficult, it was the plunging temperatures that became the biggest concern. It is interesting to consider how this weather affects people differently.
Those who work a typical job are inconvenienced by the snow and the cold. Traveling to work is more difficult, and the cold unwelcome, but overall, there is little change to their daily routine. Those who work from home are less inconvenienced. As long as the power and internet remain operational, they can continue to work, perhaps drinking a little more coffee or hot chocolate as they gaze at the winter wonderland outside their window. For the most part those who are retired are affected the least. They simply cancel any plans until the winter clears, choosing to stay home, close to the fire, watching TV or reading a good book. Farmers and ranchers, however, are those most affected by weather; and cold, snowy weather can be very difficult. With temperatures dropping near 0 degrees, and wind chills reaching 20 below zero, there were concerns that the water pipes in some people’s houses might freeze and others might need warming shelters.
Here at Peace Mountain Ranch the horses and cattle are pastured throughout the winter. When a winter storm comes rolling through, Harvey can’t simply decide to stay inside and wait it out. The horses and cattle don’t just have to be fed; they need more food so their bodies can generate enough warmth to keep them healthy. Their water tanks will freeze, sometime even with a heating element in them. Their shelters can become very messy as the snow gets trampled into the ground making mud, and here in Tennessee the ground has a lot of clay making the mud thick and sticky.
Chores take longer in the cold and snow. Not only does the snow slow Harvey down, but every animal must be inspected to ensure they are effectively dealing with the cold and snow. Are they eating? Are they responsive? Or do they need special attention? Occasionally, one of the horses might need to be moved into the barn for added shelter and special attention, but space is limited so they cannot all be brought in at the same time.
Here at Peace Mountain Ranch the horses and cattle are pastured throughout the winter. When a winter storm comes rolling through, Harvey can’t simply decide to stay inside and wait it out. The horses and cattle don’t just have to be fed; they need more food so their bodies can generate enough warmth to keep them healthy. Their water tanks will freeze, sometime even with a heating element in them. Their shelters can become very messy as the snow gets trampled into the ground making mud, and here in Tennessee the ground has a lot of clay making the mud thick and sticky.
Chores take longer in the cold and snow. Not only does the snow slow Harvey down, but every animal must be inspected to ensure they are effectively dealing with the cold and snow. Are they eating? Are they responsive? Or do they need special attention? Occasionally, one of the horses might need to be moved into the barn for added shelter and special attention, but space is limited so they cannot all be brought in at the same time.
Winter in the mountains can be beautiful, but beneath that beauty can hide many dangers. Winter storms affects everyone differently. And while snow and cold is part of living in the mountains of Tennessee, it does make life more challenging. For Harvey and Peace Mountain Ranch, it also makes it more expensive. The cattle need more, higher quality hay so their bodies will produce more warmth. The horses need more feed and hay for the same reason. More feed, more expense, fewer funds for the Veterans these animals are destined to help. Consider sponsoring one of our horses. For more information on supporting PMR, please email us at peacemtnranch@gmail.com or go to our donation page at https://www.peacemtnranch.org/?page_id=2415.
