Alfred Giraud was an Owens Valley Sheepherder and rancher. He immigrated to the United States in the early 1900’s and took up residence in the southern Owens Valley working as a sheepherder.
I first traveled through this area in my late teens and early twenties while in college and fell in love with the area. I have been interested in the pioneers and early residents ever since. I stumbled upon a book by the late Mr. Giraud titled “My first winter in California.” The book was written in 1966. The simplicity and wisdom of this strong man captured my attention. Here are a couple of short versus from his book.
“…We were out under the stars and in the open all the time. We had all the meat we needed, by butchering our own sheep. We were working for wages then, getting $30 a month and board. We had hobnailed, square-toed boots with wide flat heels, no underwear, a pair of 75¢ Levi’s, a 50¢ light shirt, a 75¢ denim jacket, and a slicker in case it rained hard. We were hardy, healthy and tough. We could take almost anything in the line of work day or night…”
and
“…In the mornings, we made and drank a big dish full of coffee and ate bread, sugar and cheese. Our only other drink was water, which at times was hard to find and very precious. This life agreed with us. We were in the best of health, tough and rugged, never an ache or pain. Sure it was sometimes lonely. But where else can one find peace of mind, learn much of the secrets of nature, and realize that a human being is a very small and insignificant speck on this earth and that by living with faith and humility, the good lord will reward us…”
Alfred R. Giraud