Howdy Chuckwagon Friends,

On Monday we were up and at it very early to head south to Rocky Mountain House.  We thought we would get a good head start by getting up at 4:00 AM.  We did just that, things were packed up and when it came to close up the hydraulic liner, the generator gave us grieve.  It did run mind you, but it kept wanting to quite when he moved the levers to close it up.  So the sides went in inch by inch, probably taking an hour by the time we started when it should only take 10 minutes.  We were finally on our way by 7 AM Alberta time.  Things were going good, then as I was cresting the Smoky River Hill east of Grande Prairie, a sound happened.  I swore I had a lawn mower running under the hood.  Well, the air hose shot off.  I did manage to make it another 20 minutes into the next town of Valleyview.  Not sure how the air kept up in the big o’l Freightliner, but it did thank goodness.  Another hour gone by, having a mechanic come and help us fix the problem, and then we were on our way again.  We finally rolled into Rocky by 4 PM.  I keep saying that we should compile a book on all the travel issues every camp has on our summer journey, because there are so many others that we hear about when we arrive at each stop.

Our Little “Team 23”

We were pretty excited to have our little grandson show up and stay the weekend.  He’s growing like a bad weed every time we see him.  And you just can’t get enough of those big blue eyes.

Before the races, our friend Don arrived.  Don is the talented fella that makes our little mini chuckwagons that we give away each night.  He brought something very special today, for Rick.

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Rick’s expression on his face was priceless when the unit was revealed.  A mini replica of our truck and liner.  It’s the cats meow as they say.  It is so detailed, its crazy.  There are lights, horn and it moves too.  It was a moment like a kid at Christmas time.

Don did an amazing job with over 400 hours put into creating the unit.  Thank you Don, it will have a special place at home in our Great Room, along with all our other Chuckwagon memorabilia.

Going Incognito

Well, my husband, as some of you know, is no shortage of entertainment at times.  Well, unbeknownst to me, as I had already gone out to the infield with the outriding horses, he decided to have a little fun and don a mustache for the first heat driving the second wagon.

Our Friend Paul

Our long time friend Paul has come to spend the weekend with us, giving us a hand hooking and such.  He told Rick that he looked like actor Tom Selkirk.   Yes!  Tom Selkirk!  The crew got a good laugh, as they knew exactly who he was talking about………it was Tom Selleck.   And he sure did Paul.

Ready to Go

Onto the Track

Back to the Barn

I must say when I seen my hubby come into the barrels with the lovely mustache, I was a bit surprised.  What a goof.  I’m sure it made a few people giggle.  I know I sure did.

Our 2nd outfit was comprised of 2 or our leaders and 2 wheelers of Mike Vigens.  They had a pretty decent run, placing 7th on the day off the one barrel.

Watching From Above

As our trailer sits along the backstretch fence, my son Cody and I climbed up on top to get a bird’s eye view of all the other heats going by before our race in the 8th heat.

A Four Barrel Turn

Our main hook was Jim on the Left Wheel, Law on the Right.  Louie on the Left Lead and Speedy on the Right.  Chance Flad held the leaders with Ice, and Ryan McNeil threw the stove with Stadium.  Rick said they started okay, but was not impressed too much with Speedy’s performance.  He ran 4 wide, then pulled to go down to the rail, but then came four wide coming down the homestretch.  We posted a 1:17.51 which was 21st on the day.

A Happy Recipient

We like Rocky Mountain House Venue, as Rick can hand the mini Chuckwagon right to the fan, because the grandstand is right there in front and center of the track.  I’m not sure who was more happier to receive it, the mom or her little girl.  I think the picture tells the story.

Until Tomorrow

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and “Team 23”

Sue

P.S.  Be proud of who you are, and not ashamed of how others see you.