Labor Day Tailgating

Eleven Mile Ranch tailgating during haying season. The work is never done only seasons of work.  It wasn't too hot, the breeze was just right, and modern day containers make tailgating much easier now days.


A tailgate is a door or gate at the back of a vehicle. If you grew up in the 60's and 70's on a ranch you tailgated frequently during round ups; branding; and haying seasons. The grandmothers, mothers, aunts all fixed up quite a spread of roast beef, potato salad, baked beans, homemade pie, and freshly brewed unsweetened tea to bring to the workers so no time was lost in finishing the work.  You might have also stopped at a roadside park for a picnic lunch on the station wagon tailgate on the family vacation. Tailgating also meant following the vehicle in front of you too closely.

Tailgating has taken on a different look now days for those who live in metropolises and rural America. College alma maters gather on campus during football games. Some supporters pay thousands of dollars for a special spot to park their special RV's, tents, generators, TV's, cooking trailers, and much more. Others pack their coolers and lawn chairs calling it good for the day. The food ranges from very elaborate smoked meats to just plain ole hot dogs for the little ones. Roasted corn on the cob and shish kabobs of everything you can imagine. There are spirits to drink, bottled water and plain ole pop. You don't see a tailgate one.  It is great camaraderie much like the tailgate lunches and suppers back on the ranch.

Tailgating - The Rancher Way