Howdy Chuckwagon Friends.

We have all been enjoying the warm weather here in Rocky.  It’s a real treat to finish up the season with plenty of sunshine.  It just makes everyone’s moods that much brighter.  Again a few of us tootled  out to a garage sale.  This time is was out south in the country.  It was a nice drive and we enjoyed looking at all the great scenery.  I found an old tea kettle Rick was looking for.  He wants to make it into a steamer so he can steam his cowboy hat.  Rick wasn’t with us as he had year-end meetings all day with the association.

 

Our wagon life is a great way to connect with our friends.  Many come along the way to join us for a few days or two  at different venues.  We have lots of laughs and there is never a shortage of  teasing and tricks.

 

Many of the Chuckwagon kids were headed to the river nearby to go floating down on air rafts.  They asked me to join them as I have never done this of all the 6 years we’ve been here.

You always have  to try things just once to see if you like it.  Well the weather was warm, but the water was cold.  It turned out to be an enjoyable afternoon and I felt like a kid again.

As the race evening drew near, chores had to get done.  All horses that compete for the night get washed before and after the race.  On a hot day they sure enjoy it that much more.

One of the pre performances of the evening are the Rocky Wrangler Girls.  They Shine up their ponies and do some fancy moves in the arena.  I guess you could almost say its like horse dancing  in a group.  It looks pretty impressive and they sure put a lot of work into the routine to impress the crowd.  And I know they have plenty of fun doing it too.

In this business, we rely on many hands to get our outfits to the track.  So many hours go into caring and preparing for each nights performance.  We appreciate all that give us a hand, including our barn crew and friends that pitch right in.

Cody had the one barrel tonight.  I got a great shot of him coming onto the track.  His top turn around the barrel was a bit too tight and the barrel was crunched.  I love the way Cody looks sitting up in that box driving.   He looks like a natural.

Rick hooked Nickle (Left Lead), Spin (Right Lead), Speedy (Left Wheel) and Law (Right Wheel).  Tonight Cole held the leaders with Andy and Chance rode Ice throwing the stove. As I watched and took photos of after the horn blew, I thought for sure he was getting around the barrel. An unfortunate touch of the hub, and the barrel fell.  Disappointment for Rick.  When this takes place, it takes you right out of any hopes of winning the show.  It’s always hard for him, as he feels he’s let all the crew down.  But you know what?  We’re all in it together, so you work together, you win together, you lose together, you laugh together and you cry together,  And through all these things in a summer, we all grow and learn many so many things.

Just like a web, we are all tied together some way,  and somehow on our journey.  It may seem confusing at times, and we don’t understand the answer to the “Why’s”.  And I honestly think there is a reason for that.  In due time, it will come to us  and we will look back and say “Ahhh, now I know.

I believe we also need to step back, and just be that kid again.  To stop and forget our worries and our troubles, and enjoy life and the things that surround us at any given moment.  Life is precious.

From The Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  Don’t think about what can happen in a month.  Don’t think what about what can happen in a year.  Just focus on the 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to get closer to where you want to be.