Northern Nevada. This is God's Country!

By Cynthia A. Delaney

(Originally featured in Country Magazine)

Mustangs © Cynthia Delaney Northern Nevada is known as Cowboy Country. The many mountain ranges and valleys here have long been the domain of the working cowboy. Cowboys - and cowgirls - are still a very real part of today's culture.

Ranching and farming occupations are handed down within families in time-honored tradition. Alfalfa fields and sleek Angus cattle line the dusty roadways to many homesteads in places like Paradise Valley, Midas, and Wildhorse.

Open-range grazing is widely practiced and allows ranchers to take advantage of naturally occurring grasses. At the end of the season, however, the cattle may be scattered for miles, and the whole family pitches in for the roundup. Volunteers are always welcome - with standard payment being a delicious, home-cooked meal for a job well-done.

Sunset © Cynthia Delaney Elko is the hub of activity. Although small in size, the town swells with its many celebrations and parades. Our cowboy heritage is celebrated every February during the Cowboy Poetry Gathering. People from the four corners of the world flock here to listen to cowboys sing and tell their tall tales.

During July, cowboys and cowgirls come to Elko to participate in the Silver State Stampede, the region's largest and most competitive rodeo. The stakes are high and the crowds cheer on their favorites.

One of the main reasons I enjoy living in northern Nevada is the availability of open land. Over the years, the small towns have grown little, and the majority of the countryside remains untouched. There is plenty of room to roam.

Wildflowers © Cynthia Delaney A four-wheel-drive vehicle is mandatory for back road adventures to explore the flatlands and mountains, and my dusty truck has seen its share of mileage off the beaten path. In northern Nevada , we call a dirt road the common man's highway.

There's a night and day difference between the desert valley floors and the lush, high mountain canyons. Most people don't envision fresh, alpine meadows and tumbling waterfalls when they think of Nevada , but this section of the state has its share of natural beauty.

The mountains range from 10,000 to a little over 13,000 feet in elevation. The higher roads may remain flanked with snow even into July and the contrast of snow and wildflowers growing nearby presents a breathtaking scene.

Like most country people, I enjoy looking for wildlife. As a photographer, I am always amazed and grateful for the variety and numbers of animals that live in this region. Every photographic outing is a rewarding experience.

Winter Pogonip © Cynthia Delaney The people of northern Nevada are as diverse as the environment. During the 1800s, many Basque immigrated to the area. Their main occupations were sheep herding and ranch work. Their culture has become a permanent part of the local society.

Hispanic culture is also prominent, and its flare has added a dash of Latin excitement. Several festivals occur yearly to celebrate their distinctive traditions.

Life out here in Cowboy Country is peaceful and quiet, but there's always plenty to do. Stargazing tops my list of daily activities. The beauty of the northern Nevada sky on a clear evening is one more reason I call this place God's Country.

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