Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede: Day 3 (August 7)

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends,

I arose at an early 5:30am BC time this morning. I turned on the percolator, had my shower and got ready for the day. Cody fed oats, Rick had a sleep-in morning. We enjoyed a quiet morning at the barn. With making coffee in the trailer, we save a whopping $30 from the local Tim Hortons, as the guys usually show up with those fancy doughnuts too.

Not much excitement to report to you today. Amy and Coy and Kyle and Kiley Rae and their kids headed to the amusement park on the grounds to let the kids go on some rides.

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Coy met up with Logan Gorst’s kids and they had fun on some of those fancy spinning, up and down rides. I did that last year, and I tell you my stomach was a little bit woozy afterwards. I’ll leave it for them to enjoy!

Before the races started, the crowd was treated to some kids wild pony racing. This is where three kids to a team hang on to a shank tied to the pony.

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When the pony comes out of the chute, they try to control him and one of them tries to mount and ride the little hummer. The crowd loves to watch them. It’s a crowd thriller.

Cody was off the 3 barrel tonight. He hooked Speedy, Speirman, Vegas and one of Chad Harden’s horses. Cody had a good turn coming on to the track three wide.

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The start of the horn

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Headin’ to the track

On the second turn he pulled and tried to get to the rail but the wagon behind him caught up and was only able to go two wide.  A good race for experience.

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It takes team work to get to the track and back, and we sure appreciate all the extra hands that help out here in Dawson Creek with all the extra work having two outfits going out.

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Started hard…caught off guard!

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Charging hard

Rick hooked Air on the Left Lead, Nickle on the Right Lead, Sneakers on the Left Wheel and Law on the Right Wheel.  We changed things up and put Trixter up front with Cole holding leaders and Andy went in behind with Rory throwing stove.

This was Trixter’s first time up front and I believe he did a pretty good job. When the horn sounded, they started!!! So much so you can see Rick was jolted back a bit. This is a good sign, when they start so hard. He was happy with that. We ended up with 11th on the day and 19th in the overall standings.

Whatever makes you feel bad, LEAVE IT! Whatever makes you smile, KEEP IT!

Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede: Day 2 (August 6)

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends,

It was kind of a soggy day here in the Dawson Creek. Not really what we wanted to see. We woke up to rain but then it stopped later in the morning, maybe even noonish. I lost track of exactly what time. What I do know is when the crew came in for breakfast, they were a little bit damp. That didn’t  matter. They still ate a very delicious breakfast of bacon, ham, eggs, hash brown potatoes from the garden and fruit salad on the side.

After Chore Breakfast

After-chore breakfast

Once I got that duty all finished with, I headed to town to stop by the post office and grab a few groceries for the next few meals. Even though I picked up the groceries, it doesn’t mean that my jobs are complete. Once back at the trailer, it was up to me to put things away and begin to prepare our evening meal. I chose to make a big pot of chili. This is one of my favourite dishes to make. It’s quite simple to put together and always delicious eating the end product.

Kyle and Kiley all smiles

Kyle and Kiley, all smiles

This week, we are thrilled to have my nephew Kyle and his wife and kids come camp with us. They are especially thrilled to be here, not only to camp with us but they are also sponsoring our son Cody’s tarp. At the end of the day,  Kyle and Cody are cousins.

A Proud Father Looks On

A proud father looks on

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Cody had a very speedy run tonight but when he went around that top one he managed to clip it enough to take it down. So sad! But I tell you what, he is a good driver and is only going to get way better. Someone told me he looks like his Great-Uncle Dallas up in that box. What a nice compliment.

It takes a crew

It takes a crew

Paul and a Pony

Paul and a pony

Tonight the track was a bit heavier due to the rain. We were hoping it would not open up and pour again. And it never did.

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A father and son moment

Rick chose Speedy as our Right Leader, Air for the Left Lead, Sneakers on the Left Wheel and Law on the Right Wheel. Bingo and Andy were ridden by Cole and Rory. The team started pretty good  to turn out with Luke Tournier. Rick had tucked in and followed behind but ended up coming through on the home stretch. Never quite got to the wire first but a good run nonetheless. We placed seventh on the day.

They Started!

They started!

Almost Caught Luke at the wire

Almost caught Luke at the wire

Looking forward to a sunshiny day tomorrow.

You create beauty with your attitude, your behaviour, your actions. It’s all up to you.

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