Red Dirt Rampage is coming! You'll see this at the front gate when you enter the range for it.
My poor knees and one hip are feeling it from being on the floor but this gem is now finished and ready for installation! Yee haa!
Oh, just remembered lacquering to be done yet but that's shed work.
Back to the sewing machine tomorrow! Yippee! 🙂
Have a good one!
Kat xo
Back into today with a club match at OKC Gun Club with the Territorial Marshals. A pleasant day had 52 shooters show up for 6 fun stages and lunch.
Was great to catch up with all our friends again.
Then it's back to washing, painting, loading, cleaning brass and having a brew at the Big Horn Saloon. Haa haa haa!
Oh and don't forget the Territorial Marshals are hosting the SASS SW Regional – Red Dirt Rampage. We wish we could be here for it! 😦
Cheers!
Kat xo
http://cowboy.okcgunclub.org/reddirt/reddirt.html
This years Idaho State Championships hosted by The Snake River Western Shooting Society presented Magic In The Valley – Magic Medicine Show.
One of their members Idaho Calliope Kid built a little medicine man wagon and the ladies, Missy Mable (also Match Director), Sweet Harmony and a few others (I'm sorry I don't have their names) came up with some priceless medicinal labels for bottles of varying shapes and sizes which became the side match and costume prizes.
The stages were well written, based around various medicinal concoctions and remedies from back in the 1800's. There were little signs almost everywhere and their decorating of stages definitely added to the atmosphere.
Thursday was side match day that started with a 1911 match, then we had speed events and onto warm up match. After shooting the 1911, hands were back into single action mode and ready to go.
Friday's 6 stages went well, great weather, great posse. Our Posse – Allen Street Contessa, Colter's Girl, Idaho Bad Company, Idaho Dusty Dawn, Idaho White Rider, Jackaroo, Kathouse Kelli, Kid Colter, Li'l Shotz, Marshal Stone, Missy Mable, Pintail Bandita, Silver Shadow and Twelve Mile Reb. Clean for me and 1 miss for Jack.
After lunch we had couples – real and odd – and then a four man team event. Jack and I won the couples, Colorado Blackjack and I were 2nd in the odd couples. Jackaroo, Waddell Red, Sweet Harmony and Idaho Shady Layne won 2nd place in the team event.
Friday afternoon we hung around, cleaned guns and the car whilst waiting for a visit at the airport. Airport? You ask. Well here's why.
One of the cowboy shooters, Lefty Way, works for a company called Airpower Unlimited, and is part of a restoration team for old planes.
Yes, I'm talking Corsair's, Mustang's and more.
He took a handful of us to go see a Corsair they have been restoring. There is also a Mustang sitting in the shed. Well pilots, and wanna be pilots drool. The guys loved it and asked all the technical questions and even for Second Fiddle Sue and I, it was a sight to behold.
The Corsair is one of around 30-40 Corsairs left in the world, (most were used for the series Baa Baa Black Sheep if you've seen it, we haven't) having spent most of its time in Hawaii it didn't actually see war time as such. Now it is privately owned and once fully restored will go back to its owner in Washington (?) to his museum and personal flight enjoyment.
It is also one of the last models of the series to be made with 3 blades. Her paint work has been colour matched and finished to the original Fed specs/technical order. During WWII there were around 12,000 made.
Lefty said it is one of the most complex aircraft they work on, even compared to the Mustang's. They've been working on this one on and off for 11 and a half years – approx 38,000 man hours so far.
It was spectacular, thanks Lefty Way! As you can imagine Jack thoroughly enjoyed it and had to get a picture with the Mustang as this is what his Dad flew during WWII in England.
Anyway, back to our featured program.
Saturday and we get into the last day, 6 stages. Same finish, Jack 1 miss and me clean! Yippee! Only 3rd clean match ever, actually maybe 4th, think I had one clean match at Chisholm Trail (AUS).
Saturday night was banquet and awards.
Jack finished 3rd in Senior, congrats to 1st Place, Jeremiah Jonathon; 2nd Place, JT Wild; 4th Place, Gem Hunter and 5th Place, Mizpah Pete.
For Lady Wrangler, I finished 1st Place and a big congratulations to 2nd Place, Sweet Harmony; 3rd Place, Ruby Q Hammer and 4th Place, Colter's Girl.
Top honours overall went to Colorado Blackjack 1st Place, Kuna 2nd Place and the Idaho State Mens Champion and Twelve Mile Reb 3rd Place. I finished 1st Lady overall in 9th place and Jack finished 11th overall. Finishing 17th overall and Idaho State Ladies Champion is Belinda Belle. Congratulations to all who played!
Sunday was the shootout won by JT Wild for the men's, Tadpole for the juniors and myself for the ladies.
However, I am embarrassed to say that it should have been Missy Mable. The video ref says so when Jack and I watched it back (I nearly died), an absent minded moment which should have been called on by the spotters and declared by myself, so I put in a call of apology to Missy Mable. That's what cowboys and cowgirls should do, it's the cowboy way. 'Nuf said.
Once again a hearty congratulations to all those with the Snake River Western Shooting Society for putting on an entertaining, well put together match. We thoroughly enjoyed it and the perfect shooting weather! It truly was magic!
Cheers
Kat xo
http://www.airpowerunlimited.net
So we have been back from End Of Trail now for almost 2 weeks.
In that time it's been busy clearing washing, folding and ironing, for Jack, cleaning and reloading for the next trip, and of course a couple of club matches thrown in good measure and getting to the gym and swimming.
Then to the new fabric choices on the board, sorting out what needs to be cut, sewn, drafted, ordered and put into production.
It certainly has been a busy couple of weeks.
– finished making a bustle skirt and corset – sent!
– 2 vaquero suits underway, passementerie trim arrived and patterns half sorted in my head from photos.
– 2 reticule's made aka small hand bag or if you are Jack – a shell bag for brass……no comment.
– 8 corsets at varying stages of production on the table. Extra steel has now arrived for completion.
– 1 bar keep's apron.
Ready to cut out – 1 split skirt, 2 shirts, 1 pr bloomers, 1 pr pants.
Find fabric for – 1 civil war bodice, 3 corsets, 1 b-western outfit, 2 b-western shirts….and that's only a part of it.
Oh, and just a small portion of embroidery to be done.
But you know what, it's not a chore. Everything is different, I love it and can't wait for the next project.
This next trip though the sewing machine will be going with me to do some portion whilst enjoying some of the Midwest highlights of this great country.
This week coming we will be heading back up through to Colorado to Nunn and then spend a couple of days with Aspen Filly before heading through to Cheyenne, Wyoming and beyond.
Check out the 'Where Along The Trail' on the website to see the schedule.
See you on the trail!!
Kat xo
It's Thursday people! This morning's early wave will be done, mid wave starting and at 1.30pm we will commence the late wave today.
As a side note: at the motel this morning it is a hive of activity. Etta Mae and Claudia Feather have vacated their room early but are standing in hopes of a glimpse of Jeff Bridges. Jeff Bridges you ask? Why? Well there is some filming being done at the Motel, so there are lighting crews, sound crews and production assistants moving gear left right and centre and some of the filming for the movie will take place in Rm18 (Claudia and Etta's room) right next door to ours! Plus the car park and the fields across the road.
……….Later that same day out at Founders Ranch, (The important stuff!) safety briefing was held with 12 (of the 36) excited posses ready to hit the range for their first 4 stages of the match.
We are with Posse 32 – Annabelle Bransford, Colbert, Dedo, Duke Skywalker, Hurricane Camille, Jackaroo, James Samuel Pike, John Bohemia, Kathouse Kelli, Max Montana, Rowdy Bill, San Juan, Shenandoah, Tejon Buckaroo, Tex, Texas Flower, Texas Mac, Thunder Man, Tom Payne, Tooth Ache, and V Luna (Viper not in attendance).
We have 2 Aussies, 3 Czech Republic and the rest American. It's a good Posse, everyone is working and relatively fast. So far so good, shot stages 8, 5, 6, then 7 – 1 day down, 2 to go.
With worn out feet we withdraw to have our Posse photo taken and we met a tiny little cutie named Clara. She asked for our autograph. So I had a picture taken with her. I actually think she might be Duke Skywalkers daughter. She was a sweetheart though and I hope she does get to be a cowgirl when she can one day.
Have a great 2nd day tomorrow those who are here.
Cheers Kat!
Oh, and I got interviewed by Shooting USA today when they were there interviewing the Czech's. 🙂
P.S. 7.32pm – It's still all happening outside! Sneaky pic out the window, I know it's not much but there is gear everywhere out there and soooo many people. Saw a couple of actors waiting on the porch when we came back earlier!! Wasn't game to pull the blind back further so you could see ALL the gear!
After arriving in Edgewood Monday afternoon and checking in, Tuesday morning brought purpose to this next week of shooting.
It was Warm Up Match. We completed 8 stages for the day. All going good so far. The range is set up with some great stage design, a reasonable amount of movement this year but targets are still generous in size and distance. It will be an interesting match!
A wall honouring previous World Champions has been put together in the Belle Union Saloon. A fantastic tribute to our overall Cowgirl and Cowboy World Champs since SASS began. Some have passed, some don't shoot anymore, and some are multiple champions.
There is also a special tribute to the late U.S. Grant (SASS#2) who did so much for our sport and we were lucky enough to have had the pleasure of shooting with him.
Well done to all involved with putting this all together.
Prize draw is different this year too with everyone receiving a ticket in your pack to be placed in the jar relating to the prize. There is anything from guns, ammo, rigs or clothing vouchers to be won.
Into Wednesday and it's going to be another warm one today. This morning there is the cowboy flea market, time to visit vendors and peruse their wares, and, if you care to, take part in the odd side match as well.
This afternoon's Opening Ceremonies begins with Handlebar Bob as fabulous MC, introducing the Wild Bunch and proceeding with the colour guard of flags for nations represented at the 2015 World Championships.
The Star Spangled Banner was sung beautifully by Miss Autumn (Starr?) who has performed at the famous Carnegie Hall.
SASS Scholarship awards were handed out to some very worthy applicants by Justic Lily Kate, the new 2015 Regulators were announced by Hipshot (and to note, our good friends from Texas – Texas Mac and Texas Flower were part of this years recipients) the Judge was presented with a beautiful portrait photo from Major Photography in appreciation of their 20th year of SASS attendance, providing posse and action photos to Cowboys.
In closing Misty Moonshine gave a short eulogy type/let's remember US Grant tribute and a poem by Lassiter about remembering how to be cowboy and the spirit of the game, basically.
The canon went off with a bang and we all dispersed to pay respect to US Grant, hit the bar, eat and on to the Cantina for Margaritas!!
A good time was had by all and we look forward to a great weekend of shooting.
Aim straight and have fun fellow cowboys n cowgirls!
Kat xo
P.S. Among the vendors today, there is one called 'The Old Pine Box' they make beautiful pine box coffins…..I know, I know but I thought it was amusing and took Jack back by there because he always says he wants 'to go out in a pine box' – simple.
An early start out of Cortez this morning we headed for the 550 just South of Durango.
We went through a few little towns and into New Mexico we came across Aztec – your four corners playground, was the advertising. It was quaint and has a little historical museum and a gorgeous mural of buffalo being herded through town.
As we headed out on the open road we passed Angel Peak. Then Turtle Mountain (think it was mountain, remembered the turtle bit).
The landscape is changing fast from the Colorado trees and mountains to rock formations, flats and scrub.
We are going via Cuba! Lol!
Not much through there. Anyways made it into Albuqurque, changed and headed for the range, we are checked in, damn hot, off to Motel and settled in for the week.
End Of Trail 2015, bring it on! Hope everyone has a great match! See you on the range.
Cheers
Kat xo
Slightly on the cooler side this morning but with guns unloaded and then finding out side matches were being held over on the rifle range, the walk made for a great warm up.
We started with the Trail Walk (first with cowboy and then Wild Bunch) good fun! Man at this altitude you are definitely huffing and puffing by the end of your run though!
The San Juan Shooting Range sits at an altitude of 6,600ft and the gorgeous scenery is something to marvel at.
After the Trail Walk there was Speed Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun and feel my hands are back from WB use and ready for a cowboy match or 2….or 3.
Lunchtime and this afternoon will be Long Range events, Pocket Pistol, Derringer, 22 match etc. Hopefully they don't get dumped on out there. We decided to leave at lunch and it was black as black, thunder and some very light rain here.
Tomorrow is the start of the Colorado State Championships. In the evening will be dinner at the Turn Of The Century Saloon. After checking out their website, I'm looking forward to going there, as a whole bunch of cowboys is going to look sensational hanging out in a recreated 1890's saloon!
Yee haa, good times
Kat xo
Leaving Cañon City this morning it's looking a little dark and may just get those storms they are predicting.
Now starts the winding road through Bighorn Sheep Gorge beside the river and some small rapids. Passed Spike Buck, Five Points, Salt Lick, Pinnacle Rock, Texas Creek to name a few.
We got rain on and off but with a spectacular view of the mountains, who really cares. Just beautiful!
Pity we left our rafting shoes at the house, could have done some more white water rafting next week. I'm sure we will find something else to amuse us between shoots though. We can see the first bus loads of adventurists getting ready for their rafting experience.
Salida, 7036ft and surrounded by a snow capped mountain backdrop. Only thing I've achieved on this part of the journey is to paint my toenails and take in the scenery. Lol!
One of our random stops, let's make a trip up the mountain on the Monarch Crest Tramway. A 20 minute round trip to the top of the crest, 11,312 at the top 12,012ft.
The gondola is the oldest one in Colorado at 49 years of age – Haa haa haa should have seen the look on Jack's face when the guy said that!
Ok so we get to the top and we are in the observatory. Standing either side of the Continental Divide.
Mount Ouray (pronounced u-ray) 13,971ft left of the tower,
San Luis Peak which is part of the La Agarita Mountains & Wilderness is 14,014ft but covered in cloud today.
Out there SW is the San Juan Mountains and Gunnison Valley, where we are headed.
Spectacular, spectacular, no words of the vernacular! (Lol, bit of a Moulin Rouge twist in there) An awesome quick stop!
Now it's back on the road and get some millinery done whilst navigating the bends.
Into Montrose round lunchtime, headed to the range and checked in, sussed out the beaut facades and chatted a while before heading to the Motel.
We caught up with some of the Aussies here as well and look forward to getting into some side matches tomorrow.
Beers and cheers!
Kat xo
Not many Australian's could claim they have shot out of an 1836 Fort block house and today this became reality for Jackaroo and I.
'On May 19th, 1836, a band of Indians came to Parker's Fort asking for beef, water and a place to camp. When greeted by the Parker's the Indians attacked, taking five captives! The most famous of these was 9 year old Cynthia Ann Parker. She was adopted by a Comanche family, grew up to marry Chief Peta Nocona and later gave birth to the last great Warrior Chief of the Comanche's, Quanah Parker' (as quoted from the Old Fort Parker web page)
By the way, Cynthia Patker is buried in Lawton, Oklahoma.
For the start of Senior Games (being held at Old Fort Parker hosted by the Old Fort Parker Patriots) we attended Long Range in the block house. How cool is that! We borrowed a 30-30 and ammo – thanks Kow Katcher and Bent Barrel Betty and then had a go at the 45-70 single shot, longest barrel I've ever seen, rifle and had a ball! 4 from 5 shots on each rifle. Got to be happy with that.
So below this is the block house.
And this is the view from the port where we shot. See the far white targets, right in the back of the picture? The hanging 'sight' target and then the two squares and the circle? That's what we were shooting at across the whole range.
Then after this we waited for rain to cease before Wild Bunch and side matches could begin. As luck would have it, it did, and we were able to complete 4 stages and the side matches with only very muddy surrounds but no extra rain!
Tomorrow will begin 5 stages and hopefully the weather will stay dry until at least we are finished.
Until then, (as Mister Skye would say) shoot straight and keep your powder dry.
Kat xo
http://oldfortparkerpatriots.weebly.com
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The Adventures of Jack n Kat 