Howdy All,

Grande Prairie Stompede 2017 is in the history books.  When the dust settled, we were very happy how things turned out for “Team 23”.  Making the final dash for cash was a surprise to us as we didn’t expect it.  With having that speedy day money run the day before, it jumped us up into the top 4.  We all did the happy dance.  I always say, it’s great to make the final four and its a bonus to win the show.

We departed Grande Prairie late in the day due to truck repair issues with both the Peterbilt and the Frieghtliner.  None the less, we made it home sometime after midnight.

It was good to be home, even for one night in our own bed.  I was especially touched when I found this little note upon my pillow.  Our grandson Coy had left it for me when I returned.  He melts my heart.

In just 2 short weeks, so much had taken place at the Ranch.  Amy had gathered abandoned duck eggs, put them in an incubator to hatch.  And they did, all 10 of them.  They are pretty darn cute and they follow her and Coy everywhere.  It’s pretty amazing as they only take 28 days from the egg  being laid to hatching.  It will be interesting to see if they come back year after year.

Amy’s  little filly was born the day we left for Grande Prairie and has grown some since then.  Grandson Ryker and our daughter Kaylee came by to see us, and little Ryker was making friends with Daphne.  Kids and animals always create such a special bond.

Even after 2 weeks gone, I notice so many changes in Ryker.  He’s growing so fast.  It won’t be long he will be walking and running.

We were home only for a few short hours and it was time to hit the road again.  The ponies all got a good run, stretch and green grass to nibble on before we left.  Then it was time to say good-bye once more.

Just before departing,  I picked some wonderful aromatic lilacs off our blooming bushes to bring with us in the trucks.  It’s nice to bring just a little bit of home with me.

We had a safe and sound journey east to Saskatoon, the next stop on our circuit.   The horses traveled well and they were happy to have a fresh bed of straw, clean water and feed for the night.

Race night #1 came quickly.  The weather here today was probably close to 30 degrees.  I was loving it.  After Grande Prairie, all the drivers get reseated into new heats according to the world point standings.  We ended up in the last heat here on night one in Saskatoon  as we were 4th overall.

Our hook tonight was Nickle Left Lead,  Speedy Right Lead, Jim Left Wheel and Law on the Right Wheel.  Chance Flad held the leaders with Ed, and Casey Knight threw the stove with Stadium.  When the horn blew the horses started so hard that the wagon lifted up off the ground.  Around the barrels went, and the race was on.  Rick drove three wide the whole way around and managed to take a 16/17 split time of 1:19.70 with Mike Vigen.  We were very happy with how they ran.

Again this year, we are very excited to be giving out after each and every race, a mini chuckwagon to some lucky fan, young or old.  Tonight this little gal and her family were ecstatic to have received it.  They came back to the barns to get a photo with Rick and the real big Chuckwagon.

Until Tomorrow

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  Be smart enough to hold on, and be brave enough to let go.