After a brief stay at Dug and Trixie's getting washing and ironing done we headed for Lawrence in the Clarence Valley river district and spent a few nights with Paddlewheel and Emerald.

It was so good to catch up with them again after such a long time.

We caught the ferry across the river that afternoon to reach their place.

Drinks and stories ensued, as you do!

Thursday was a little overcast so I headed out with Emerald into Grafton, hitting the fabric shops during our excursion. Had the second roast pork for dinner in as many weeks! Spoilt much.

But not before the making of margaritas with pistol tequila Haa haa haa. I love the new circular couches that also swivel. They were good for movie editing and sipping on margaritas.

With the views to the river, the evening was topped off by a sugar cane burn. The photos don't really do it justice though.

Friday was a casual, get your exercises done, late breakfast kinda day. Watching the first qualifying round for Bathurst races in amongst Emerald and I cutting out corsets.

Now the evenings antics ramped up a little here as we caught the local courtesy bus to the tavern picking up another couple of locals before arriving at the waterfront Lawrence Tavern.

There's folks hanging out in 'Marlboro Country' aka the smoking corner and inside, the place is jumping with all manner of people. We ordered up a couple of beers and found a table.

Now when you order drinks you get a ticket to put your name on and it goes into the tin for a draw.

Crack me up, this is local Aussie flavour at its best. First draw done and old mate wins 10 schooners! A little later and 'Mavis' (a little lady in the bus group mob) picks a card from the board and wins 10 middies.

Lord only knows if she made it to the bus! Better catch the late one or shout the cane farmer, blackened wih soot, from the last burn or to the high vis clad guys from the ferry or farms.

I see the bar staff having a drink this side of the bar and assume their shift is done! That's what you get for good old 'locals'. Aaahhh what it's like to be back in small country towns, what an eye opener – you little ripper!

We thank our friends for their hospitality and today (Saturday) the trek south goes on. We will be in Taree again for a couple of nights, Newcastle and then Canberra again.

Stay safe!

Love Kat xo

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Chisholm Trail 2015 commenced this year with a changing of the guard due to health issues. It was different not seeing our usual patrons Morgan and Alvira there getting things rolling. However, R C Shot had stepped up taking on the task of Match Director and successfully saw it through.

For many years Morgan and Alvira have been the drive behind Chisholm Trail – Australian SASS Regional and what was once in conjunction with the Single Action National Championship. To ensure our sports succession into the future it will take people like R C Shot and many others support and assistance behind the scenes to ensure this game still exists.

I for one will definitely be contributing as much as I possibly can for years to come to ensure the growth of Single Action Shooting Australia.

Fast forward to the actual week. Jack and I arrived at the range getting set up in our cabin and set about helping where we could with both range prep, packs etc.

Sunday participants trickled in slowly, Monday bringing more in and the commencement of Long Range was underway.

Monday was also a large night of drinks and chit chats with folks,….. just as well it was only Monday…………..

Tuesday was a continuation of Long Range events and for some of us Cowboy Fastdraw and Buffalo shoot. A storm blew in but it certainly didn't stop people enjoying themselves.

Wednesday was time for Pat Garrett match and for those who may not know of this, the match includes use of a large calibre rifle 30-30 and above. Match categories are Mens and Ladies Modern Lever, Classic Lever, Modern Single Shot and Classic Single Shot.

Thursday rolls around to more spectacular weather and it's time for Warm Up Match, Speed Events, Hannibals Challenge and Derringer Match.

What a brilliant start to Chisholm Trail!

Thursday evening is also Saloon night, so there is bingo or poker games to be had. Five lucky winners won prizes at bingo and if recall correctly Kat Balloo one the poker challenge.

Friday begins the start of main match with Billy The Kid speaking on behalf of Morgan in his absence – we thank you Billy for making an excellent presentation. Blaze A Trail was awarded the Spirit of the Game Award and the lovely O.K. Carrol was this years recipient of the Palmer Kate Award. Congrats to both!

The Mayor of Toowoomba Region was invited to give an address and declare Chisholm Trail open wi a rendition of our anthem, Advance Australia Fair before turning it over to R C Shot for safety briefings etc.

La Chica Pistola (aka Sarah Jacob) of Gun Girl Downunder has spent a couple of days speaking with the ladies, interviewing and getting photos. She is writing a piece that will go into Aus/NZ Pistol mag or Shooting Australia and will feature the ladies of Single Action! Thanks La Chica it will be good to have a little exposure for Single Action Shooting! We look forward to you taking up this sport with us and seeing you on range real soon.

The first six stages were done and dusted with Jack dropping 1 shot on the last stage and I finished clean with a shotgun reengagement. All in all a good day!

Friday night of course is time for Redneck Games and Mary Lou July made an appearance rousing guests to laughter or disbelief! You never know what the rednecks will get up to. Mary Lou June was definitely missed as she was off in some 'glittery fairyland' place (Sweden) and Billy Bob May was also out of action.

Mary Lou July sent me a video that's up on Facebook if you get a chance to watch it – check out The Adventures Of Jack n Kat FB page for that one.

Congratulations to CTM who took out the redneck games cornhole toss this year.

Saturday and we are back into the last 6 stages of main match!

I was privileged to be a Posse Marshall this year with Match Director, R C Shot, our posse Ricochet (Jackaroo), Big Mac, Billy The Kid, Capt. Augustus McRae, Captain J C Jackson, Dixie Bell, Dug Deeper, Jack Hays, Mad Dog Tannen, Outlaw James, Rea Coyle and Rick O'Shay. Sharing posse duties with Posse 2's Posse Marshall Frank James, Bisbee Kid, Breedin The Kid, Cro, El Rio, Gypsy, Hannibal, Ruby Redsmoke, Trinity, Trixie, Whiskey Rae and William (Bat) Masterson. (Absent were Phil Graves and Sigaterror)

Saturday evening was Banquet night, some Side Match Awards given out and Top 16 Mens and Top 8 Ladies announced for the Sunday morning shootout.

In the final wash Jack had a P and an extra few misses, however he placed 19th overall and 1st in Senior category with Bordello Baz in 2nd and Deslaredo 3rd.

For me on the other hand, it was the 'if it hasn't happened to you already, it will one day' Stage DQ and to top it off a P and a miss on the final stage. BUT it is what it is! And despite this am very happy with my other stage rankings, finished 20th overall, 1st in category. Congratulations to my fellow Lady Wranglers, in 2nd Place Ex Sighted and 3rd Place, Amazed.

The Top Gun Shootout was won by The Terror for the Men's and Amazing Grace for the Ladies. The Open was won by The Terror and Ruby Redsmoke and the Australian SASS Regional, R C Shot and Amazing Grace. For full results check out the link below.

Congrats again to all involved in putting on Chisholm Trail, look forward to next years, Happy Trails pards!

Kat xo

Gun Girl Downunder

http://gungirldownunder.blogspot.com.au

Chisholm Trail Results

http://www.sasaoz.com/Documents/Chisholm%20Trail%202015%20Final%20Overall.pdf

http://www.sasaoz.com/Documents/Chisholm%20Trail%202015%20Pat%20Garrett%20Final%20Overall.pdf

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Sitting in Maccas near Port Macquarie, adding final link and edit to a larger post on Chisholm Trail. Internet drops out and I lose the whole freaking article!!!!! Not happyBlogsy his is the second or third time I have lost a whole post and since have learnt to save all the time but it didn’t save me this time.

Couldnt even post the Clarence Valley blog.

So sorry dear readers as I’m entering perhaps non internet zone for a couple I days the process is now delayed further. Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

love Kat xo

So the past week has been filled with a visit to Jack's youngest son, daughter in law and grandbaby #1 – Scarlett.

What an absolute hoot she is. Chatters away now like there's no tomorrow, a funny and well mannered little gem that was just sensational value to play with.

'Let It Go' is the flavour of the month as she prepares for her dance recital and can be heard at various stages during the day or heading out to feed the ducks. (Damn it, the good photo of her jumping in puddles is on my phone!)

Sunday also saw us shooting in the range at Newtec and catching up with some Cowboys and cowgirls from that area.

Monday we headed up to Mum and Dads for a visit in my birth town of Cundletown (Taree), NSW. Got some assistance from Mum in how to make lace on the embroidery machine and acquired a few new designs (think I have it sorted for your dress, Flower!).

Tuesday was then a quick 8hr drive up to the Gold Coast, stopping in at Macadamia Castle for fresh roasted macadamia's, the big prawn (will have to try and get pics of the other 'big' items around the countryside) arriving at Dug Deepa and Trixie's for a few days. Picking up gear from them and Mad Dog.

We have enjoyed their hospitality, dealt with mail, met new people and got a few chores done.

Tomorrow at sparrows, we will be up and at 'em heading out to Milmerran, for the SASS Australian Regionals.

In saying that, it is a late night/early morning bid adieu as I get ready for some beauty sleep and leave you lovely people wondering what the next week will bring.

There will surely be an update of the coming events but won't have Internet. So you will have to wait for the weeks results, pics of the range etc.

Ciao for now!

Kat xo

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Well a visit to Canberra meant staying with Trailrider and Trail Boss in the nations capital area.

It was so good to see these guys again and really appreciate their hospitality as always. You are treasures.

Went for a trot around the streets for an hour getting some exercise in the morning with views across the paddocks towards Barton Highway in the crisp morning air.

We had a catch up with Curstin (my youngest daughter) who was able to get a couple hours away from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and come have lunch with us and chit chat until it was time to take her back. Was soooo good to see her again and meet the lovely Nick.

Today we headed out again, dropping by Trooper's (Constable Nelson) to pick up some much needed ammo for a club match at Newtec this coming Sunday. (Thks Troop) A pit stop at Trailriders workshop for lunch and we are on the road heading north 5 hours.

Battling our way through peak hour traffic it's on to Peter, Tighan and Scarlett (Jack's youngest son, wife and grandbaby #1) for the weekend.

Hope you are all having a great day no matter where you are.

Kat xo

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Today is the day. We depart for Australia home.

We are leaving Oklahoma on a beautiful sunny 80 something F day. 33C in our scale.

A quick 3 hr trip down to Dallas and the DFW airport for our departure later this evening. We will lose a day and be back to the future! (Leave Monday be there Wednesday in 16.5hrs)

The past couple of weeks since we got back from the last trip have been busy in preparation – sewing, sewing, more sewing – complete (even though the doubters doubt lol!) actually and then some! Also did cutting out of future projects to eliminate the bulk in luggage, so I am actually ahead of schedule! Ha! Yippee! (And the picture doesn't show the half of it!)

We've done the weekly practice shoots and a couple club matches before hand. Took lunch out for the 60 club match shooters on Saturday and said our goodbyes.

For now it's time to anticipate catch ups with all our Aussie cowboy's and cowgirl's, friends and especially family.

I have no 'car projects' for this journey so will just have to start thinking about writing my piece on the construction of Texas Flower's gown.yeah, that should keep me out of mischief for a while. 🙂

See you on the flip side!

Love to all

Kat xo

Made it through he rental car returns, check in, baggage services, customs and sitting airside in TIGiN. Seems to be now our regular Irish Pub haunt when flying! Cheers!

And Tighin is pronounced Tigeen meaning small cottage.

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Or is still going really. Been a busy week sewing, fabric sourcing, gym workouts and shooting. What more could you want?

Some of the creations this week.

And of course it’s Friday so that means…

Beer o’clock!

Tomorrow’s another day and Sunday we head to Stillwater for their club match.

Time for sleep, night peeps!

Kat xo

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As the big orange ball rises in the sky bringing light to a new day, we steam ahead towards Sand Springs, Oklahoma. (Rather a poetic type intro this morning don't you think?)

With a 2 hour drive, we are headed for Red Castle club match, where the Oklahoma State Championships will be held in a few weeks. A great day, 3 posses, cloud cover, high humidity, 6 stages done and all before the sun came out at the range!

What a ripper!

Kat xo

Red Castle Gun Club is located on the impressive Zink Ranch.

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Battling a strong crosswind this morning and then heading south into it really hurt the fuel consumption.

Other than that it's a pleasant, uneventful trip back into Oklahoma.

Home, sweet, home away from home.

Kat xo

P.S. 4.5 weeks, 3 great shoots, 10 states (OK, KS, WY, SD, OR, CO, MT, WA, ID, NE) = 6,110 miles/9,740km's and a ton of memories. 🙂

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An early start as we depart Wild Horse John and Saginaw Sue and head out on the i80. Still travelling with yesterday's bugs on the windscreen we go towards the first Pony Express station on our way home at Julesburg.

Unfortunately a tad early for the Museum to be open but found the marker at the relocated depot.

Onto Ogallala, the cattle town where Longhorns were herded along the Texas (Western) Trail. A quick stop at Front Street, Cowboy's Rest and The Crystal Palace.

The Crystal Palace have a revue every Mon – Sat night from Memorial Day to around second week of August, featuring all high school performers and it has been running for some 51 years.

There is a free museum attached which houses anything from the old west, early land owners, World War I etc. these hats caught my eye but I couldn't find why they came into being. Cowboy Country Mural, Harvest Gold and Brim Town.

We made a quick trip to Boot Hill (and exited) and saw some of the remaining markers and The Trail Boss sculpture.

Onwards we go wih the next stop at Buffalo Bill's Ranch, well a side step via Fort Cody as we come into North Platte.

Then out to Buffalo Bill's Ranch – Scout's Rest. A spectacular house built in the heyday of his famous Wild West Show in 1886. Today the house, outbuildings – including Ice House, Cob House and Spring House; and the barn are preserved and cared for by Nebraska State Parks.

Next was Gothenburg, yep still the same day…..it's gonna be a long one.

This Pony Express station was moved from 24 miles west of here off the Oregon Trail.

Midway station still remains on its original foundations just 2 miles south of town. This one only lasted 18mths in history before the telegraph changed everything. As we know, Buffalo Bill Cody was a pony express rider back in the day.

There were only 80 riders to carry mail for the Pony Express, the youngest being about 11 years old. They earned $25/week which was a very good wage back then. The equivalent to around $500/week.

Now we are blowing through Hwy183 South through rural Kansas – literally – it's windy enough to blow your dog off the chain! Soon we will hit the I70 and be back in some state of civilisation other than vast farms and oil mules.

We made it safely…..to Hays. Another 6hours is too much this evening.

Kat xo

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julesburg,_Colorado

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogallala,_Nebraska

http://www.ogallalafrontstreet.com/Ogallala.htm

http://www.westnebraska.com/2012/Fort-Cody-Trading-Post/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Bill_Ranch

http://www.gothenburgdelivers.com

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