What a fantastic stay with ‘cousin Karen’, David, John and Anna.
Karen and David’s house appeals to me as it is like a museum!
Karen’s vintage collections all have a story and more than likely associate with family history.
Dusk on the porchDessert on the porchStone fireplace with some from old cotton gin buildingSpectacular window to the South Gorgeous stained glass transom hanging in kitchen windowWindow by dayThe playroomSaddles on the stair railTypeset trays with tiny memoriesThe girls roomThe cowboy roomBathroomBathroom reading
Their house is beautiful made with heavy solid reclaimed timbers, David has built many houses over the years – beautiful vaulted ceilings, fireplaces to die for, spectacular inclusions and well thought out storage.
Friday we went into Abilene for a quick shop stop and go by another Indian store.
Hmmm I’ll have this one please!
Scout Icon Series
Off to the country club for a quick sandwich, blue moon and Arnold Palmers while watching roaming squirrels and golf.
Blue moon and Arnold Palmer9th holeSquirrel buttKat, Jack and Wild Horse JohnClub has been in existence since 19211935 stylish ladies playing golfSteve Martin just one of the famous faces to visit
That night a ripper of a storm comes through with an awesome lightning show. Nice to hear the rain on a tin roof again.
The morning proves to be a vast contrast to the end of the hot weather we have had the whole trip. It’s a chilly 9C – feels like -1C 😳
We headed out for a quick trip in our old Dodge minivan (Karen and David bought it in 2019) on a 10 mile loop of their property, historical markers, family properties and the ‘cabin’.
Remnants of the old cotton gin The Aldridge cabinCows come running when David called.The fish are ones David has caught in his pond
It was time to head out and make the journey back to Dallas and flight home.
It’s been an awesome trip and we look forward to getting back again.
Did a back track to Odessa this morning to the Bass Pro and boy are we glad we did!
Each Bass Pro has its own personality and inclusions depending on location and Texas didn’t disappoint. From the outside to the inside and grand walkway there is so much to see.
Gorgeous artworks and vintage memorabilia, taxidermy, the fish tank aquarium, the spectacular chandeliers and more!!
We have a final couple days with Wild Horse John, Anna and extended family in Novice.
From the time we hit their doorstep Karen and David’s hospitality is second to none.
It’s hot hot hot in the Arizona desert and we were on the late wave starting at 2 pm. Shooting stages 5, 6, 7 & 8 for the start.
Stage 5 – The Rough Rider Saloon
Line is: I’m getting dizzy!
Finishing shotgunOn to pistol Start rifleThen on to shotgun
Stage 6 – graveyard rundown
Line is: Are they dead yet?
Start rifle, on to 2 shotgun, run down to finish with pistol.
Stage 7 – Colorado Cattleman’s Association
Line is: I want to make a deposit
Start holding money bag in hand.
Stage 8 – Dodge City Depot
Line is: they’re getting restless!
Continuous Nevada sweep with pistols, move and repeat with rifle, finish with shotgun
We finished the day and headed for the swap meet, couple of drinks, then home to clean and get ready for the next.
Day 2 – Friday
It’s still hot and dry but on the middle wave starting at 11am, slightly more pleasant than the afternoon wave.
It’s also RED shirt Friday – Remember Everyone Deployed. So a sea of red whether it be shirts, tops, skirts or whole outfits from top to bottom, cowboys do it well.
And have to say on Stage 10 Holysmoke Harmon perfectly matched the train also with red blue and gold.
Stage 9 – the cattle race
Line is: load ‘em up!
Stage 10 – Train Depot
Line is: All Aboard!
Stage 11 – Fort Sinclair
Line is: point me to the sawbones
Start on the middle with rifle, got a couple of knockdowns so if you don’t take them down, makeup with shotgun, move to shotgun then into pistol and if needed use shotgun if pistol knockdowns left up.
Stage 12 – Coosies Mercantile
Line is: Got a cigar?
Nice little rundown from rifle to shotgun and across to middle to pistol
That’s day 2 done and it’s one more day of main match to go! Let’s see how it all comes out in the wash tomorrow, where tails of wins, woes, should have’s and could have’s will unfold. we will see.
Had my hat cleaned and reshaped today by the lovely Dugan Hats. It’s been 12 or 14 years – lost shape, got wet, dried out, in the rain etc. used to be flat top with a rolled edge all round.
THIS is what it has been like for many years now.
Bent out of shape
THIS is the cleaned, reshaped and stiffened version I have now. Slight telescope top, rolled edge at the back with a slight tip at the front.
Bought a few other bits from her also and will take my brown hat tomorrow.
Tonight was Side Match Awards, won Speed 1911 Ladies Traditional. Other speed events, Plainsman, long range and clay events all done this evening, along with a Mexican dinner.
Right now though it’s time for cleaning off the crusty salt and dust and hit the hay.
It’s all cowboys, cowgirls, boots, hats, corsets, chaps and so much more! It’s flashy B-Western shirts, rigs that shine with bling, guns sporting colourful grips for that signature look!
Welcome to End of Trail, the World Championships of Cowboy action shooting.
Everyone has their persona, their style and sporting the same cowboy/cowgirl smile and anticipation of shooting and meeting people both new and known.
Monday
A casual start to the match, headed to the range to check out vendors already open and meet up with a few people.
Still trying to get rid of head cold and getting the right stuff for it.
Bit of shopping around.
Tuesday
L.O.C.A.S – Ladies of Cowboy Action Shooting had a mini match this year at End of Trail. 70 odd ladies turned up to shoot 3 stages and a great time was had by all.
Top 3 Ladies – Midwest Hale 1st, Gunslinger Grace 2nd and myself 3rd.
Top 3 Belles – (under 17’s) Sweet K Oss 1st, Freckles Sure Shot 2nd, Calamity Gray 3rd.
The Aussie ladies of LOCAS (missing Lucky Strike Lass) L: Pearl Starr, Kat, Wild Ruby Rose, Sassy Belle, Sister Sarah Carnegie, Ringers Ruby and Clancy
Wild Bunch has been running for 2 days and the Sweet Sixteen was held this afternoon.
Two Australians made the Top 16 for shootoff – congrats to Broken Spur (and it’s his first EOT!!) for the men’s and Sister Sarah Carnegie for the ladies.
Wild Bunch Awards were Tuesday evening and 6 out of 6 Australian’s that competed placed and won buckles!! With none other than Sister Sarah Carnegie being the first Australian lady to win a World Championship in Wild Bunch in the Ladies Classic Modern category! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Mean Mongrel Matt 3rd Traditional, Broken Spur 2nd Modern and 6th overall from 164 shooters, Sister Sarah Carnegie 1st World Champion Ladies Classic Modern, Constable Nelson 2nd Senior Modern, Front: Ringer 5th Senior Modern, Ringers Ruby 4th Ladies Modern
Wednesday
Is warm up day – it’s all about cowboy action shooting from here on in. Well some shopping with the vendors on the side.
Our day started early with a safety briefing before the 8am wave, the sun was coming up and the very almost nothing slight chill to the desert air was about to disappear.
That moment at sunrise before vendors row will be filled with cowboys and cowgirls!
We shot 4 warm up stages in some very reasonable times.
We set out then for speed events – a quick couple runs at shotgun, rifle and pistol before helping out Shooting Fox from Oklahoma on the Speed 1911 side match – had to have crack at seeing if I could still shoot traditional. Couldn’t help myself.
Then it was on for another 4 stages of warm up to round out the afternoon.
Tonight was opening ceremonies, this years End of Trail hosts 45 of the 52 US states, 11 countries being Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Slovakia, United Kingdom and USA.
Flags from participating Nations.
This year is also the largest junior, buckaroo and buckarette contingent ie: the kids – 32!!
The Class of 2026 saw 30 new Regulators honored.
AND the US National Championship will go back to the Arizona Rough Riders in 2028 and the World Championships will move to Oklahoma and the Territorial Marshals!! A beautiful central location for both sides of the country, outstanding facilities and the best banquet held at the National Cowboy Museum and Hall of Fame! We can only hope it can hold more people because it is one spectacular cowboy be all and end all.
Phew! It’s late, may all your bangs go clang for main match this week if your competing and stay tuned for updates if your not!
Yep, so it’s been awfully quite in Jack n Kat’s world what with COVID and all.
This past couple of weeks (and another to come) we should have been in the United States for Comin’ Atcha, Talledaga Speedway, Alabama and more, then that got cancelled with not being able to leave the country.
So we were to go to Chisholm Trail here, then that got cancelled.
I was going to cancel my leave but tired me having still worked during all the so called lockdown’s etc I was ready for a break. And hey! After the past six years of not having to work and then a year of part time – full time work has been an eye opener again!! 🤣🤣
So….I decide to keep two of my weeks leave and have a break with Jack. Let’s get some outdoor stuff done we say! Sure! Then thankfully we got quotes for some work to be done instead of assuming our very active and young brains could make our older and in Jack’s case much older body could keep up with our intentions.
Suffice to say it was still a very busy two weeks as I take every moment this evening of my last break for a very long time and head back to work tomorrow.
So what did we achieve?
Well it started with nights of painting the mural ready for the pool backdrop. 18ft long and 4ft high. Meh, did I bite off more than I could chew? Procrastination was taking hold about small difficult sections. Hence the horse and rider being the very last 6” x 6” done. He is my most favorite piece now!!
My interpretation of Monument Valley
So the rest was organizing gardens and getting them set for ‘Pandora’ the garden fairy to arrive and work her magic revamping, planting and guiding me to be a good green thumb!
We worked our butts off moving plants, shoveling dirt configuring plantings, getting it just so for future garden happiness in a minimalistic care style for me.
The tidying up process prior to gardening and paving guys coming in. Ie: that was NOT Jack and I!
The after effects from Pandora’s magic! Oh and Scottie and Ian the paving guys. 🤣
The after effects, including painting of fences I might add and new bamboo screening.
So now it’s time to tidy, reinstall pool fence (‘cause you know I’m gonna change that up to glass later!) for safety and regulation, seal pavers, install mural and a bit more mood lighting before return to work.
What else got done during the staycation? Well a bit of shooting, hanging with friends, visit to IKEA to start the next renovation, hung a couple new blinds in newly painted window frames, checking and waiting on bar install, oh did I tell you I finished the reupholster of the bar stools? Did that, bit of sewing bit of crafting and just downright enjoying being home with the man. 😉
Wow where does time go some days, oh I mean weeks!
Of course I’ve been busy, have been working, playing and trying to get sewing done.
Been visiting family, especially Mum and Dad xoxo
Jack and I have been house hunting! Now that right there is excitement plus!
We’ve been to a few club matches and suffice to say the Gunfighter practice is starting to come together. The thumbs and fingers are starting to get coordinated, so my new challenge is enjoyable to say the least.
I got a Cricut, so everyone’s getting pj’s 🤣🤣 it’s got so much capability, look out for more creativity from that as well. Look out Christmas!!!
For now it’s back to cowboy shirts, corsets, vests, gowns and more – even a kilt! 😉
Love y’all, take care of each other wherever you are.
2019 Hell On Wheels got underway last Thursday in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
This year it is hot, the stages are utilizing every square inch of the bay – meaning you are going to have to get moving between positions – the glare of the quartz dirt is full on but the stages themselves are good sequences.
Thursday was Warm Up’s and side match day, with an adhoc Doily Gang clinic put together with Shamrock Sadie, Lefty Jo, Honey B Quick and myself for 6 lovely ladies!
Friday its an early start as we head to the range for a 91F day (33C) and 6 stages. We are done by lunchtime before too much of the heat sets in although with all the running around we are really feeling it anyway.
Jack is shooting black powder this match, so plenty of smokey fun for him.
Saturday morning again an early start although its only in the 80’s, more running, fun and laughter. The final 6 stages are done and we will see how it all turns out Sunday. Thanks to a great posse – Grizzly Grumps, Murky Mick, John Sawman, Trudy Hart, Outlaw Josey Wales, Paladin Pete, Pinewood Kid (we missed you Pinewood Rose!), Sandhiller, Panhandle Kate, Sentry, White Raven, Pick, Tin Lizzy, Velvet, Slickbald, Jack and myself.
Saturday evening we spent time with friends – Charlie Wagon, Pearl Starr, Clancy, Wild Horse John, Saginaw Sue, Jack and myself – at Accomplice Beer Company at the historic Cheyenne Train Depot. Pouring your own beer and only paying for what you’re pour, sensational place!! A great concept and not the first time we have been here. Of course, Clancy, Pearl Starr and myself had to have a ‘Margarita Sista’s’ token margarita whilst together.
Sunday morning and we head for brunch with Wild Horse John and Saginaw Sue before heading to the range for awards. Once again with 13 Aussies in attendance we faired quite well against the competition.
Stats: 208 shooters – 14 or 15 clean shooters – Grizzly Grumps, Murky Mick, Mystic Meg, Coyote Baz, Clancy won from prize draw – Senior Duelist 2nd, Sam Balin – Lady Gunfighter 1st, Sister Sarah Carnegie – Frontier Cartridge 1st, Henry Moon – Gunfighter 2nd, Deadly Downunder – 49er’s 1st, Charlie Wagon – Lady 49er’s 2nd, Clancy – Senior Gunfighter 1st, K C Woody – Senior Frontier Cartridge 2nd, Jackaroo – Lady Wrangler 2nd, Pearl Starr – Lady Wrangler 1st, Kathouse Kelli.
Lady Wranglers
Jack, 2nd Senior Frontier Cartridge
The Gamblers contingent.
With our honorary Aussie, Aspen Filly
Hell On Wheels 2019 overall champions for the Men’s was Cobra Cat and for the Ladies, Kathouse Kelli.
Hell On Wheels overall Ladies and Mens
Yet again, we had fun and enjoyed it. Now its time for packing, checking, shuffling, re-packing etc.
Well actually we are headed NW, passing Villanueva, El Pueblo, San Miguel, crossing the Pecos River a couple of times.
The landscape is once again changing, with hidden ranch’s amongst a very green landscape and red rock cliffs.
With Clancy in tow, we are headed for Manitou Springs. Others have headed for Deadwood, the Turquoise Trail or back to Australia today.
Our first stop would take us into Las Vegas, NM where a brief trip into the Rough Riders Antiques store saw Clancy buy a gorgeous silver barrette and my score was a nickel silver Mexican hat pin that simply was just too unique to pass up.
Harvey House items! I resisted this year.
Clancy’s new hair barrette. Handcrafted silver.
The ceiling inside the antique store.
The mexican hat pin that just had to come home with me.
We found that the Castenada Hotel is now open with 7 rooms and the bar for afternoon drinks. The ceiling, floors, windows are still original and yet there is still a lot of work to be done in getting the rest of the Hotel open. I look forward to a future visit to see her in all her glory!
Oh, and my fascination with the Castenada? She was the first Fred Harvey track-side hotel built in East Las Vegas that fed and watered passengers who journeyed the Santa Fe railway routes. When it opened in 1899 Teddy Roosevelt held a reunion of his Rough Riders here. The Rough Riders Museum just up the street is closed Monday’s but we did get to visit it last year.
As per the brochure (and having read the Harvey Girls book) Fred Harvey civilised the west. He developed and ran all the hotels and restaurants of the Santa Fe Railway, eventually controlling a hospitality empire that spanned the continent. He introduced linen, silverware, China, crystal and impeccable service to railroad travel.
We made a stop at Charlie’s Spic n Span Bakery – not for cream puff’s! – but a donut or key lime selection and coffee. We got a view of the mural whilst there. The mural is a documentary of South West and American History. Spanning the decades of time, it was created by some 300 students and additional community members.
We took a short trip past gorgeous Victorian houses and out to Montezuma Castle. Now and International school for students you can not visit the castle as its student use only now. It is truly magnificent in its size and presence set atop the hill in a secluded section of Montezuma.
We left New Mexico over the Raton Pass at a mere 7834ft and into Colorado. We are now in Manitou Springs.
As evening sets on this tiny town of Victorian charm, pubs, and shops, we enjoyed a couple of margarita’s and some dinner before retiring for an early night.
Clancy and I enjoying a margarita together, having a sip on behalf of Ruby and Pearl! Lol!
Some sight seeing tomorrow before getting into Cheyenne for the duration of the week!
The Adventures of Jack n Kat 