The Last Sheep Drive

Based on the movie “Morning Star” by Francis Line, a resident of Friendship Village, Diane Delaney, did a series of pictures depicting the story. It really wasn’t the last sheep drive as the movie was done in the late 1940’s/early 1950’s but it was the only time this trail – The Heber-Reno trail or any trail in Arizona- has been documented. A book and an article in the National Geographic (1952) were also written by Mr. Line.

April 16, leaving the Salt River Valley near Tempe, Herder Rosalio Lucero and cook, Pablo, led 1,547 sheep, 2 dogs, several donkeys, and a horse on a 52-day trek to their summer range in the White Mountains.

April 19, reaching the Salt River, it was difficult to herd the sheep and other animals across the narrow bridge, but crossing the swift river was not an alternative.

The cholla and other cactus of Tonto National Forest took a toll on the sheep and animals. Spines had to be removed from faces, bodies, and feet almost constantly.

After three days of thirst the sheep stampeded down the slope when they smelt the water in Tonto Creek. A moment of temporary tranquility.

Days were spent traversing the rocky and wooded Sierra Ancha Range, making it difficult to see the herd amongst the pine and other vegetation.

The final barrier – the 7,300 foot Mogollon Rim – was reached, and total chaos ensued. It was everyone for himself – they jumped, fell, climbed, slid, pushed, stopped, and jumped again for hours. That evening all made it to the top.

June 6, and all 1,547 sheep made the trek to their summer pasture at White Mountain Ranch. In fall they will retrace their migration route back to the Salt River Valley.

How Diane made her artwork.

More pictures of the artwork as done by the residents of Friendship Village will be posted in the next couple of days. I want to congradulate all that participated in the event. It was a good week even though we did have to cancel a couple of events due to weather and family issues.