Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

Team 23 is on the move again!  With having a weekend off after the first race venue in Grande Prairie AB, we enjoyed a few “BUSY” days at home.  Home is definitely nice to be at, but when you start the race season, it is much easier and consistent to be on the road full-time.  When we do stop at home, such as this past week, we always find more to do around the Ranch, plus the horses also get out of the “On the Road Routine”.  For me, I am then living out of 2 homes, the travel trailer and the house.

Our so-called “Caravan” of vehicles headed straight east this past Monday morning.  We got off to an early start, departing at 6:50 am, to be exact.  The weather forecast was to be quite warm for the day, so we take that into consideration for the horses on travel days, thus leaving early.   Our big liner, as we call it, where the horses travel, are equipped with fans throughout, to give the horses the most comfortable ride available.

 

I drive alone in my big rig, pulling a horse trailer loaded with a few horses, feed and a Kubota buggy. My thoughts are my music.  Along the highway, we traveled through a little town called Wilkie Saskatchewan.  This is a little town that some dear family friends, The Franke Family were from.  I felt I needed to snap a shot to send to them, as they no longer reside there. I just wanted to know that someone was thinking of them.

We arrived safely at Prairie Land Race Track in Saskatoon around 1:30 pm,, and then the setup began.  It was a first for us, as we were the only camp there.  They were allowing drivers in on Tuesday, but Rick and fellow driver Logan Gorst were allowed today, as they are appointed parking directors for this show.  This means that they insure every outfit has a place to park on the grounds with ample space for everyone.

When we arrive, our first call of duty is to set up some pens and unload the horses as quickly and smoothly as possible and provide them with hay and water.  When we travel, they do have access to hay at all times.

On Tuesday, the other competitors and their rigs started to arrive.  It is really something to see, how they all roll in and get set up in record time.

Rick and I thoroughly enjoy all the kids that are along as well.  Our lifestyle is a family affair.   Rick is the candy man, and the kids know where to find us, as we always have treats for the little ones to enjoy.  Oh to be a kid again!

Yesterday, I took some me time, and headed out with my friend Lucy, to her 45 minute boot camp.  During our Chuckwagon travels,  I like to try to stay in my fitness routine as best as possible.  I loved this sign that graced the walls there.  It was my inspiration and I just had to snap a quick one.

One more day of rest, and the races begin!  Tomorrow, Thursday will be the first day of racing here in Saskatoon.  I hear we are in competition for shows,  Garth Brooks is in town.  I wonder if anybody would notice if I snuck away to see his concert just one of the nights?

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

 

P.S.

Do not squander time, for that’s the stuff life is made of.

 

 

Its been eight days since we departed the big City Lights and headed back to the Ranch, just outside of Wetaskiwin AB.  Was a long time packing up, as we didn’t depart till 12 noon.  We were well on our way, and I was looking forward to getting home around the       5 – 6 pm mark.  Well that didn’t happen.

Thanks to the D.O.T. in my rear-view mirror.  I had to head back to the scales in Whitecourt and go over a few things on my big rig I was driving.  Just a little long in length, a seal cap needed replacement, and brake cable needed fixing.  Only 3 hours later and we were on our way again.  A big shout out to Rick’s cousin Robin and Maryanne Dorchester for coming to the rescue to help us with these minor matters.

When we finally did roll into home at 8:30 pm, we were greeted with a big happy smiling Grandson Coy and our daughter Amy.  We were of course happy to see them, but even more excited to see the beautiful art work of Amy’s!  She surprised us with her talent, of building us a wonderful and colorful flower garden just below our deck.  She sure worked hard at completing this, and we are very proud of her.  Flowers and greenhouses are her new love and I’m sure some day she will be making a few dollars doing this for hire.

With 2 weeks of laundry piled up from our Grande Prairie jaunt, I sorted it all out on the deck, loaded the washer and with the warm weather at home, utilized the line for drying.  When you can save a dollar or two, here and there, you better believe it, I’m gonna do it.  Plus the bonus of lined dried clothing and towels is the smell of the fresh air scent.

And of course, I could hardly wait to see the grand babies.  Well, the little one, Ryker, and 6 year old Coy too.  So much growing going on while we are away.

Coy was excited to show his Nana that his second tooth had come out.  The tooth fairy was good to him!

I was so thankful I took time out on Sunday, before departing for Saskatoon, to drop in at Aunt Joyce and Uncle Rob Mullers Cabin in the Westerose area, along with Bruce and Bonnie.   Was nice to sit, visit and enjoy a cup of camp coffee.  It is so peaceful out there.  Some day maybe Rick and I will get to do a little more of that too.

Before heading back on the chuckwagon trail, we enjoyed having the kids and a few friends and neighbors come over, to sit and enjoy our own backyard fire pit.  With the fire-bans lifted from all the rain our area received, it was a relaxing evening to say the least.  Smores and hotdogs were top of the list.

With the dark skies in the distance, it was time to head out of dodge as they say.  One more sleep and we’re on our way.

From The Travelin Trailer

Sue with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.