Howdy Chuckwagon Friends,

After the races last night, the wind came up and the rains came down.   We didn’t stick around the bonfire, as a matter of fact we put it out with some water and headed for cover.  Once inside with the adult kids, the discussion was on about heading to the Broken Spoke Saloon here on the grounds for some two stepping, beverages and some fun.  The final decision was the younger kids headed out, and us wiser group stayed back.  That was okay with me as I was tired from the night before and I also got to cuddle with Ryker our little grandson.  We’ll go out tonight for sure.

Happy Receivers

These young bucks came by so Rick could sign the little mini Chuckwagon they caught last night.  They were very happy to receive it.  The best part about them coming by, was they told us they were deciding to give the gift to their Great Grandfather, as he is in the hospital and is a very big fan of the Chuckwagons.  WOW!  How cool is that for these kids to think of such a thing.  So  very proud of them.

This morning I had the pleasure of going out early and playing a round of golf with my two son in laws.  And would you believe, both are named Chris!  So as a family, we have been calling them Chris 1 and Chris 2.  I know there has been a little competition going, each trying to gain a few brownie points with their Mother-In-Law.  And today on the greens, it was definitely obvious.   All in all, we had a good time, lots of long drives, a few balls lost, more balls found (just not ours), and some early morning exercise.  And at the end of it all…………….I think they are tied in the points department.

What the Cowboys do at the Western Store

Today, many of the drivers stopped in at the local Western Wear Store called Henry’s.  Mabel and her crew were having a sale day with beef on a bun for all the customers who came by.  Many drivers, families,friends and fans came by to take it all in.  I had to chuckle when I notice Rick, fellow drivers Ross Knight and Mitch Sutherland watching a horse race on a phone that was tucked in the jeans pile while their wives did some shopping.  I guess if you asked the wives opinion, it would be a win win situation.

Henry’s Western Wear store has sponsored driver Ross Knight here at the Battle of the Rockies.  He’s a very friendly, nice guy with a very infectious laugh.  When you hear it, you just laugh right along too.  So the girls bet Rick $5.00 to make Ross laugh hard and loud for them to hear.  Well, Rick did the job by telling Ross a great funny story of some sort and he laughed and laughed and so did they.

Rick earned his $5.00.  But, that is not the end of the story.  Rick gave the girls the option to win back the $5.00 or he would gain another $5.00.  He got one of them to foot race down the street, and back up to where they started.  Well, she didn’t listen to the rules very well, she didn’t win.  She was supposed to BACK UP to the finish line.

Double the Money

Some of us don’t take directions very well.  Yet it was all in some very good fun.  A great crew, Mable and the girls at Henrys Western Wear downtown Rocky Mountain House Alberta.

Money Well Spent

And with Rick’s earnings, he took his wife out on a date to the local A&W for a teen burger.  He made sure he let the girls know that it didn’t go to waste.  OK………just my waist.

Tonight, Rick drove on our 2nd outfit sponosored by Tomco Group of Companies in the first heat, Louie our grey on the Left Lead, Speedy on the Right.   The wheelers were 2 of Mike Vigen horses.  The outriding horses were one of our horses, Ice and one of Chad Hardens horses.  They didn’t start like Rick would have wanted, but yet posted a 1:17.24.

Our main outfit in the eighth heat, sponsored by Northwell Oilfield Hauling Ltd. was Spirit on the Left Lead, Speedy on the Right.  Law on the Left Wheel and Jim on the Right.  Spirit got a little excited and moved the chuckwagon just sligthly before the horn sounded.  The judges assessed us with a 1 second penalty for starting ahead of the horn, darn it.  This brought our time up to a 1:18.02.

Our outriders tonight were Chance Flad holding the leader with Ed, and Ryan McNeil throwing the stove on Stadium.  Both these guys have done well riding for us.

Chance Flad

Ryan McNeil

One more night of racing, and it will be a wrap.  Looking forward to going out and enjoying my time with friends at the Broken Spoke Saloon tonight.

Until Tomorrow

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and “Team 23”

Sue

P.S.  Close friends are truly life’s treasures.  Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves.  With gentle honesty, they are our guide and support us, to share our laughter and our tears.  Their presence reminds us that we are never really alone.