Dazzling vistas and audible wonders along Wyoming's Green River Floating Experience
In the heart of Wyoming, a 29-year-old range rider named Brittany Heseltine guides and watches over approximately 600 cattle during their summer grazing in the mountain pastures of the Green River Drift, the longest running cattle drive in the United States, which covers about 70 miles.
The video report, produced by Sarah Shafer Prediger and Keith Zubrow, provides a visual account of Brittany's job and her experiences. Filmed in 2021, the report follows Brittany's third cattle drive on the Green River Drift. Bill Whitaker, a journalist, joined Brittany for a 1.5-mile horseback ride that lasted nearly 3 hours, offering a glimpse into her daily life.
Brittany's days begin at dawn, when she checks on her scattered cattle across remote pastures. She spends her days driving cattle in the mountainous terrain, working with her dogs and horses. Her job is physically demanding and requires constant vigilance in very isolated conditions.
Brittany lives in a small trailer without running water or cell service, fully off the grid. The environment is rugged and wild, with the sounds of nature such as elk bugling filling the early mornings. Despite the challenges, Brittany finds joy in working with her animals in nature. She describes her life on the Green River Drift as something that "really soothes my soul" and "speaks to me" in a way she finds hard to explain.
The isolation and hard work are balanced by a deep connection to the land, animals, and lifestyle. However, challenges include the grueling nature of the work, remoteness without modern conveniences, and the responsibility of managing a large herd in difficult terrain by herself.
Despite these challenges, Brittany and other women range riders have been recognised as particularly suited to the work, often being more dedicated and less prone to distractions compared to their male counterparts, who are jokingly said to sometimes "visit the tavern" instead of staying focused on the cattle.
The video report, originally published by 60 Minutes on October 17, 2021, offers a unique insight into Brittany's life on the Green River Drift. It showcases her resilience, dedication, and love for her work, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in the life of a modern-day cowgirl.
In the video report, Brittany's life and experiences are showcased, providing a captivating account of a modern-day cowgirl who practices outdoor-living on the Green River Drift. The news report, published by 60 Minutes in 2021, also highlights Brittany's dedication to home-and-garden maintenance in her off-grid trailer, where she finds peace amidst nature's rugged beauty.
