Bashaw Qualification Run-Off: Day 4 (August 23)

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends,

Well, it is Sunday already and Day 4 of the Bashaw WPCA Runoff is a wrap and in the history books. The racing season for the WPCA is complete.

Being an early race day, there was not a lot of time in the morning to do too much. All the camps in our circle took the pleasure of sleeping in. Even me. I’m not sure what time it was but I heard the door rattle while still in bed. Cody had come to get some coffee. Only thing was, it wasn’t made yet! I got myself up, prepared the coffee and started the breakfast for the crew. Once we finished that little job, it was time to close up the trailer for the trip home after the races.

Fans of Team 23

Fans of Team 23

We couldn’t have asked for better weather for the final afternoon of racing. It was warm, sunny and beautiful out. The crowd was awesome, as they filled the bleachers and more.

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Turning the top

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Headin’ to the bottom

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Off to the track

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Cody and Vern

The Post Parade

The post parade

A Wave to the Fans

A wave to the fans

Our son Cody was off the 1 barrel today with the horses Spirit, Ranger, Sneakers and Law. Another great run around the barrels and track.  Cody maintained the highest number of points over the four race days, giving him a spot on the 2016 WPCA chuckwagon circuit. We are so proud of this young man of ours. I think for me, it hasn’t sunk in yet, what our 2016 year ahead holds for us. It will be very busy but a good busy.

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Again today they had the crazy sheep scramble for the kids. They have to catch up to the sheep and grab a bow off their backs and take it to the lady for a win. This particular little guy made me smile. He looked like he was having so much fun out there and was oblivious to anything else around him.

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I’m not sure if he managed to get a bow but he sure had fun trying to get it.

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I think I won!

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I won the 50 50! says Neil

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Congrats is in order

At the races, there is always a 50/50 draw. Many folks always buy to help out the agriculture society for whatever they need the funds for. My friend Gin thought for sure she was going to be the winner but not so. Retired chuckwagon driver Neil Walgenbach was the lucky winner today, taking home the cold hard cash. Good for him!

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Down at her level

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Taking the time

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A gentle touch

After the races, there is always time to visit with friends and fans who come by. Today Cody had a young gal come by with her family. From afar she loved the horses but up close she was scared to death of them because to her they were so big. Cody got down at her level, bringing one of our horses forward for her to pet. It took some time for the young gal to trust that large animal. For some, horses can be very intimidating. Cody did an amazing job by slowly gaining the young girl’s trust to pet the horse. These moment are so very precious.

A Baby Announcement

A baby announcement

To close off on my blog today, I have some very exciting news. Our daughter Kaylee and her husband Chris have announced that we are going to be grandparents again. Kaylee is having a baby, their first, due next spring, on March 2. We are thrilled to say the least. Only six months to go! I can hardly wait!!!

So my friends, my 2015 chuckwagon racing blog has come to an end.  My blog itself will continue in some casual form. I will write from time to time of things that are going on in our day-to-day lives. I appreciate you all for checking in and keeping tabs on my summer journey. Thank you to those of you who have written comments; I have read them all and enjoyed hearing from you even if I have not responded. Cheers to you all!

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Sue

Sue

Life is short, LIVE IT. Love is rare, GRAB IT. Anger is bad, DUMP IT. Fear is awful, FACE IT. Memories are sweet, CHERISH IT.

Bashaw Qualification Run-Off: Day 3 (August 22)

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends,

Day 3 was a very sunshiny day but cool. Come the evening for the races, it was warmer, sunny and calm. Come the after-race celebration, it cooled right off so our bonfire was definitely needed.

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Cody’s buds Jack and Kieran chillin’

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Judy and Norm Cuthbertson, 2003 Dodge Tour champion

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Our friend Rod Streeper

The day was pretty laid back. Rick zipped off to Edmonton to visit our friend Paul who is in the hospital for a few days. We wish him speedy good health. Norm and Judy and Rod and Virginia joined us here in Bashaw. It’s great to just sit and catch up on life with friends.

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Amy and Allie

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Sharon and Jesse

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Me and my friend Gin

Lots of laughs, tales and beverages were the name of the game for the afternoon. Then most of the crew took naps so they’d be ready for the big night of racing.

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Preparing the much drier infield

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And they’re off!

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The top barrel turn

The gentle giant and his girl

The gentle giant and his girl

The infield dried up tremendously with all the sunshine of the day. No more soupy mess to race in. Cody and all the other drivers were in total need of the pressure washer as a pre-soak before a shower on Day 2.

For his hook on Day 3, Cody had Spirit, Ranger, Sneakers and Law. He had a tremendous run to capture top time of the day to put him first overall of the pack. Momma and Pappa are happy and proud parents. He’s driving very well.

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After-race bath

With driving a chuckwagon comes plenty of hard work. Cody has a few of his good buds come to cheer him on as well as give him a helping hand in the barn with the horses. Rick and I are sitting back, letting him do it all. Rick is there for support and to answer any questions but Cody’s the boss of the barn. My role in the barn is nil but my job as the chief cook has remained. It’s all good, though. We enjoy having all the kids around.

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Let the sheep scramble begin!

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Look out, here I go!

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Sheep on the loose!

Our after-race entertainment was great as usual. Those little kids and the sheep are priceless. One of the sheep escaped and thought he was a race horse running down the track. It didn’t take him long to run on back to the others.

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The Ewart and the Bushnell families came out to cheer the guys on. We are always happy to have friends come out to watch.

Cody Talance and Seairra

Cody, Talance and Seairra

My little friend Talance

My little friend Talance

We were surprised to have our new friends from Saskatchewan show up. They were donning their Team 23 t-shirts proudly. We had to take some more photos of those cute smiling faces.

Today is day 4 and the races will be held at 2pm. The sun is shining and the air is cool. I will update you all after the races wrap up.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.