Except for precious relief by the few and far between summer thundershowers spawned by monsoonal weather patterns, Rockin’ P Ranch lands simmer in mid-August heat. Just a few miles north near the village of Broadview NM, these Llano Estacado tablelands tumble precipitously into the Canadian River Basin.
Across ranch territory its 4,500-foot elevation and low humidity help moderate temperatures to make life bearable for man and beast. Arid lands flora endures and scattered chainlink cholla reach into azure skies as symbols of defiance. On first glance the landscape appears benign, but is fraught with nasty surprises concealed by knee-to-waist-high grasses.
With names such as beargrass and Spanish bayonets, yucca clusters demand caution to avoid painful cuts by sharp serrations on the edges of dagger-shaped leaves and blood letting by their needle-sharp tips. The stealthiest adversaries to high plains travelers are prickly pear cacti. Concealed by grasses their clusters of paddles sport formidable weaponry—spikes that can penetrate truck tires, shoe leather and seriously injure horses. The impact of the rugged ecosystem on denizens and travelers rarely strays from pearls of wisdom by a weathered old-timer: if it doesn’t stick or sting you, it’ll bite you. The Llano is rattlesnake, coyote and mountain lion habitat.
Re-living heydays on the Llano Estacado in mind’s eye awakens yearnings of the heart—to roam one more day the wilds of New Mexico and discover a lifetime’s worth of adventure.
© Ilija Lukić 2024
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