Well, that’s a wrap for the Bonnyville 2015 Chuckwagon Races. And boy, did we dodge some weather bullets this week, so to speak. We had very little rain during a few of the nights, but nothing during the days. Oh, I tell you, this makes for so much less work when the weather co-operates. Today the races were in the early afternoon. It kinda messes up the program in the barn but we work around it. Races were at 2pm so the chores got done this morning, we had our breakfast and a couple of hours down time, and then it was back to preparing for the races. What a beautiful day it was.

Heading to the track

Rounding the first turn

Coming down the home stretch

Rick was coming off the 2 barrel today. We hooked on the Right Lead Spinner, Left Lead Spirit, Left Wheel Keenan and the Right Wheel Zorba. The same hook as yesterday, just switched positions with the wheelers. Cole and Dustine rode the same horses as yesterday, Bingo and Trixter. Both those guys did superb jobs this show, riding flawlessly.

As Rick drove the team into the barrels, they were a handful.  He had a tough time trying to stop them. He was assessed a one-second ahead of the barrel penalty as they just went a wee bit ahead of the barrel before the horn sounded. But when they went, they went hard. Rick made a nice turn around the barrels, cleared the infield nicely and came alongside Kelly, but headed him the whole way. Luke Tournier was along the outside of him and Evan trailed in behind. None of the others could catch him. With the one-second penalty, we ended up with a 23rd on the day. Without that penalty, we would have posted 11th. But like I said yesterday, our ponies are running and feeling good.

Luke Tournier won the Bonnyville show. A big congratulations to him and his family!

We have 3 more shows to go, with only 14 more runs. My, the summer is going by fairly fast now.

Team 23 Fans

Our Saskatchwan Firends

Chantelle and her girls stopped by to visit after the races. We met this fine family in Saskatoon this year. What a treat to see them again. They came bearing a delicious, yummy Reeses’ homemade dessert for us. Oh, how lovely. Was great to see them.

A Happy Little Guy

This little jigger was the lucky recipient of the mini chukwagon giveaway today. There were many who were wanting it and he was the lucky winner. Love his smile. Before the races, I went out and took a few photos around the barn. I personally love the black and whites. Just a little bit of a different perspective on things. Thought I would share some with you.

Time for rest

The Racing Jacket

The tools of the trade

The Cadillac

A signature like no other

Team 23

A special bond

As the day comes to a close, there are many thing to be thankful for. My husband, my family, our lifestyle, our freedom. Who could ask for more.

The sun sets on the Bonnyville 2015 Chuckwagon Races

A huge thank you to all who follow along on my journey.

Catch you down the trail

The older I get the more I realize…that the things that cost nothing hold the most value.