Howdy Chuckwagon Friends,

What a storm that blew in last night here in Bonnyville.  It rolled in around 11 or so, and it came with a vengeance.  The wind brought in hail and rain.  When you live in a travel trailer for 3 months of the summer months, the sound of the hail pounding on the roof top can be a bit deafening at times.  And there’s not much you can do but hope for the best outcome with no broken lids up top.  Thankfully our were all okay.

We woke up to muddy pens and a bit cooler temperatures, enough to warrant a sweater.  The horses were in their element as they all wanted to roll in the mud.  The Chad Harden camp next door were all on guard, preventing them from doing so.  If they did, it just meant more time washing and bathing our big equine animals.

It wasn’t long before the sun began to warm things up and a nice breeze began to blow.  And that was just what we needed to dry up all the land around the grounds and the race track as well.

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Today, all the ladies of the Chuckwagon Family, were treated to their own special Ladies Day Spa, put on by many local businesses.  They donated their time, services and products to spoil all of us rotten.  And boy, we sure do enjoy and appreciate it.  From tarot card readings, to a foot bathing spa.  To hair cuts, massages and games.  A silent auction to which we helped raise $350 to go towards the Rednecks With A Cause.  A group of folks up here in the north raising awareness for Autism.  They also in turn support the Chuckwagon racing at the same time.  The light lunch was just what was in order.  And we can’t for get the mimosa!  A huge shout out goes to all the organizers and the major sponsor, Ross & Sylvestre LLP Chartered Accountants.  Kudos to you all!!!

Chad Harden Leaders

Our second outfit, hooked in the 1st heat on barrel four, consisted of 5 horses of Chad Hardens on the wagon, one of his outriding horses and 1 of ours.  Rick is a pretty good skinner, and was able to drive the team that he doesn’t know.  He got them around the barrel just fine and ended up 29th on the day.  The track is quite heavy so the times have been slower.

Hunting the Track

Headed for Home

It is always a crowd pleaser when the Chuckwagons are coming to the finish line full throttle four a breast.  It may have not happened in this heat, but it was good watching just the same.  The crowd goes wild cheering on their favorite team.

The Job of and Outrider

Tonight our main outfit was set for the 3 barrel.  We hooked Jim on the Left Wheel, Law on the Right.  Nickel on the Left Lead and Speedy on the Right.  Dustin Gorst  held leaders with Stadium and Ethan Motowylo threw stove with Andy.  He is really liking this horse.  It is very important to have really good trained outriding horses.  It can make or break you for a championship show sometimes.  All the outriders have to be in good physical shape to run and mount the horses after the horn blows.  It may look easy to some, but it takes lots of physical strength and stamina.  There have been many great outriders over the years.

Oh Boy!

Nobody likes to talk about those moving barrels.  Tonight rounding the top, the back wheel crunched the barrel.  An added five seconds to our time.  Not what any driver wishes to happen.  We were still able to finish first in our heat, but put us in 31st spot.  Oh well it is what it is.

Special Moments

Today, during the horses time of relaxing in the warm sun, Coy went out into the pen to say hello to his special horse Sporty.  He loves to give him some lovin now and then.  He’s got a very soft heart.  And did you notice his special footwear attire?  Oh how I love kids and how cute and innocent they really are.  They really do make the busyness and problems of life just be put to the back burner for just a little while.

An Afternoon Ride

These two boys from the Irvine Camp enjoyed some riding around the grounds today.  A great way to spend an afternoon.

A Future Wagon Driver

I got this shot in the distance of a young fella from the Logan Gorst camp.  He was right into bouncing on the seat and pretending to driving  the lines.  This kind of shot is very frequent around the grounds throughout the summer.

Until Tomorrow

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and “Team 23”

Sue

P.S.  Fill you life with adventures, not things.  Have stories to tell not stuff to show.