Howdy Chuckwagon Friends
I don’t remember ever being here at the Calgary Stampede in the many years past, that it was ever frequented with so much rain, day in and day out. We enjoyed a very sunny and warm morning doing our chores. It felt so good and it amazes me, how the sunshine can really change the mood in people for the better.
Immediately after chores, all members from the Chuckwagon families high tailed it over to the North side of the barns. Rae Croteau Jr. had decided to call it quits. He was selling out all his tack, horses and wagon. This is never an easy thing to do, as one gets quite attached to their horses and the way of life on the road.
Rick and I were able to catch up on a few words with Rae Croteau Sr.as he attended the sale. We purchased our first 4 horses from him when we first started out, and they were good ones at that.
A Family of Fans
Shortly after the end of the sale, this nice family came by to say hello and to meet Rick. There is always time to say hello and sign a poster or two.
A Girl Photo
Brace
Our next door barn helper, Brace, anxiously waits for Troy’s signal to begin harnessing.
There was another late afternoon down pour, to make the infield and track a very sloppy situation. But don’t be fooled, it may be sloppy on top, but it has a great base just below that gives the horses great solid footing.
Rick hooked Spirit on the Left Lead, Spin on the Right Lead, Skippy on the Left Wheel and Vegas on the Right Wheel. Cole and David rode Ed and Stash, two of Cody’s horses. Rick made a nice turn on the 4 barrel and headed to the track, traveling two wide the whole way around. He posted a 1:17.67, the 4th fastest time of the day. A very good run to finish up the Stampede with.
Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Champ
A shout out goes to Kirk and Kathy Sutherland for his achievement of winning the 2016 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. It may have taken him 45 years to obtain this win, but it just goes to show, persistence pays off.
When it rains, It pours. And that just means more work in the cleaning up depart.
Because we were in the first heat, Rick would get back , unharness, clean the tack then head to the CBC tent to watch the races on TV. There was never shortage of entertainment around there.
This little guy was happy to receive a signed Cowboy Hat from us after one of Rick’s race.
A View From The Other Side of the Fen
Well, the 10 days of Stampede have come and gone. It feels in some ways that we just arrived. In other realms, we need to get going, and move onto the next stop in northern Alberta, Bonnyville. Rick and I are both looking forward to catching up on some much-needed rest in the next few days.
From the Travelin Trailer
Sue, with Rick and Team 23
P.S. Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.
Sue
Your blog is amazing! I am a young fan from Lloydminster and hope to check out the races in Bonnyville on the weekend
Hello Caitlin
Thank you for following and for the nice comment.
If you come to Bonnyville, please come and introduce yourself to us. We’d love to meet you. The barn is always open.
Sue
Enjoy receiving this each morning after the races. You live a very hectic and interesting life. Have safe travels and enjoy the last part of the Chuckwagon season
Sue, I love your P.S.’s but especially today. Good luck in all the races down the road.
Good luck in Bonnyville. Looking forward to hearing how it is going up there since it is not televised. So glad I found your blog. Happy trails and be safe, Lynda
I have enjoyed, so very much, reading your blog during this very wet and stormy Stampede. I now understand much more clearly how much work really does go on to make the Chuckwagons event keep on rolling. I can’t begin to appreciate the level of exhaustion you all must feel daily. Your attitudes of cheerfulness and helping are most admirable. I wish you the best of luck in the events that you will take part in for the rest of the year. I look forward to your blog and wish you the very best. Keep smiling and most importantly, TRAVEL SAFELY.
Thanks Sue for keeping us updated so enjoy your posts.
Sue
I couldn’t agree more. I worked many many years in the Clubhouse Restaurant on the 4th floor of the Grandstand building and I don’t ever recall this much rain. Usually the 10 days brings along the scorching whether.
Love reading your blog each day. Love the sport of chuckwagon racing.
Love read this Sue thank you