Howdy All!

What a fantastic day weather wise.  I believe many of our moods are determined by how the weather is on that particular day.  And the weather is also something that everyone talks about each and every day.  Well today was so bright, sunny, and warm  that everywhere we went, people were happy, content, and friendly  and so were we.

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After morning chores, Rick and I, along with fellow Chuckwagon Drivers Chad Harden and Mitch Sutherland, attended a breakfast downtown for MP John Barlow.  It couldn’t have been a better day with the sun shining bright.  There was plenty of food and beverages for all that attended.  Along our Chuckwagon Circuit, all the drivers are required to get out into the communities to promote the Western Heritage of our sport.

When there are 36 families, and many relatives and friends of those families that travel along the trail all summer long, you know there are going to be many kids among the camps.  We are all competitors, but family too.  We love giving the kids treats when they come along.

Today was one of those days.  Our treat box consisted of some Double Bubble, the kind that is great for blowing bubbles.  Well, Rick bet the kids that they couldn’t get 6 pieces into their mouth at once.  The video tells the story.  So much fun.

 

 

At lunch, we headed out towards Okotoks to stop in at the Willard farm that was having a giant garage sale.  Lots of odds and ends, western items, wooden wheeled wagons and so much more.  It was all so very interesting.  Rick came away with a set of old harness with wooden hames.  He calls it a treasure.

Our next stop was for horse feed at the Country Living and Garden Centre.  This big huge chair was sitting out front, and Aunt Sarah from Chad Hardens crew climbed up to have a rest.  Once in there, it was a little iffy trying to get her out!

Have any of you seen the movie “Wedding Crashers”?  Well, Rick and Chad can be somewhat of jokesters and love to have some fun.  So as we were driving along the highway today, along the roads of the beautiful Okotoks area, they seen a very long driveway upon which several cars were driving up.  Past the first house, and at the second, a big huge white tent was set up.  Well these boys were curious and had to find out what was going on.  Wedding Crashers they thought and maybe a free lunch.  Low and behold, there was going to be a wedding.  They jumped out of the truck and I got a shot of the Groom and his men, along with Rick and Chad too.  We may have stayed for the wedding, but the chuckwagon races come first.  We came away with a laugh and I’m sure they did too.

Our day was not finished as there was a Side Saddle race our friend Ryan was in.  The event took place immedialty after the afternoon rodeo.  These gals were dressed to the nines in the lovely olden day attire.  They had beautiful ponies from painted, to roan, to greys and bays.  Their saddles were special saddles where both the legs are to one side.

They raced from the back stretch to infront of the grandstand full gallop and all.  The cinch on the horse has to be as tight as can be, as most of their weight is to the left side of the horse. Those brave girls, they were a hit, and we hope to see them some more.

Our hook tonight was Nickle on the Left Lead, with Speedy on the Right.  Jim on the Left Wheel and Law on the Right Wheel.   Ed and Ice went again with the same outriders Chance Flad and Chanse Vigen.  Coming off the 4 barrel, the team started hard and was clean around the barrels.  They shot off like a rocket and Rick managed to get the rail on the first turn.  There was no breeze tonight and the dust was just hanging, thus the photo is not clear.  I need to learn a little more on using my camera to eliminate that.

 

As the race continued, Rick stayed in the lead running along the rail.  Coming for home, both our outriders were in the 175 foot zone.   He crossed the line in a 1:14.81.  A day money run!!!!  How exciting our “Team 23” was.

That speedy run brought us up into 3rd in the aggregate of the High River Show.  Tomorrow, the races begin early at 4:15 PM.  We will then be packing up and heading north to Ponoka Alberta, immediately after the races.  A full day ahead.

Ryley, from Turner Valley got to spend some quality time with his honorary grandpa on Saturday.  Little did he know, his day was topped off with receiving our mini little chuckwagon giveaway after the races.  The smiles tell it all.

Until Tomorrow

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and “Team 23”

P.S.  Show class, have pride, and display character.  If you do, winning takes care of itself.