The Gathering

I was going to take a week off from my blog since my philosophical bent seemed to have broken. However, I realized there might be some friends back east who have never heard of the “Gathering.”

Most everyone in Elko County, Nevada knows about the Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering held each year at the end of January. It’s a time for cowboy poets, musicians, and artisans, e.g., saddle-makers, etc.  to get together, share their creativity, (and probably get drunk). 

This is the 29^th year of the Gathering and, for the most part, Mother Nature got the sub-zero weather out of her system earlier in the month.  We had a fog bank this morning worthy of San Francisco, but the sun won out and the rest of the day has been beautiful and we almost suffered a heat wave (above freezing).

Dean has been a “logger” for “The Gathering” for maybe 10 years, and despite his lagging energy, signed up for a few sessions this year. By way of explanation, a logger in this context doesn’t cut down trees. Instead, he notes down the name of each poem or song that each artist performs during a particular session. The logger also estimates the time an act took, the number of attendees and the reception given to each artist. The reason for this amount of detail aids in putting together the video/DVD put together each year after all the cowpokes have left town.

I thought I would insert a picture of Dean’s cowboy boots as they are a purchase made during this past year, likely with an eye toward looking the part as he mingles. 

Not sure how many horses Dean has ridden. If motorcycles count, then make that several.

The “Gathering” really is a worthwhile week to attend if you are interested in the history of the West, what ranching is like in the 21^st century, western music, art,…Can you tell I’m a fan? So maybe we’ll see you next year at the end of January.