After a nice Longhorn Steakhouse dinner last night and a good nights sleep we eventually awoke to coffee, bacon and eggs!
We headed out to Sportsman’s Warehouse only to find 3 other Aussies in the middle of the store – Trapper, Waco Kid and Savage Sam.
From there we headed to Bass Pro – one of the biggest and most interesting sporting goods stores and displays of taxidermy you could find.
Bass Pro – shooting, hunting, fishing
From here it was lunch and on to 2 Indian (motorbike) stores with the first a very opportune meeting with Ian aka J.D. Randall – used to shoot cowboy action and produce copies of leatherwork featured in Gun Digest and other old west gun books. His work is magnificent and he has one tooled holster and belt in the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma.
We walked away with a new bike jacket each and some great stories from Ian.
Rounding out the day with unpack, ironing, checking gear for the weekend and then headed to the Buffalo Chip Saloon for dinner.
Lots of people for the rodeo on a Friday night. This place is really full and different from our very early days of visiting here.
We didn’t stay for the rodeo and mutton bustin’ as it was still a little on the cool side and we have to get ready for the mornings early start.
It doesn’t look bus here but out back and then the next load of people that came in during the next hour it was packed.Kat, Jack, Clancy, Marlboro Man, Lucky Strike Lass, Charlie Wagon, Pearl Starr and Big Iron Buster
We should have been heading ‘right’ out of the country Sunday morning 15th Feb only to go through preliminary checks at airport to find our flight to Dallas had been cancelled.
Along with half of our flight we were rehomed at the Alex Perry Hotel and Apartments for the night to return Monday 16th for the next getaway at 5.30pm….ok flight change how about 8.30pm….oh wait no, now changed again and back on flight to LA with the rest of the Queenslanders for 7.40pm.
The Magnificent Seven
Ok phase 1 done! We landed in LA and got through our checks and lucky our connecting flight to DFW was delayed as we only had enough time to complete check in and half hour for quick dinner. All good, bums in seats and arrive in Dallas.
DFW a welcoming sight and the most perfect landing!
Now the next hurdle as we had to cancel rental cars and hotels it’s now how to GET a car again….at this time of night (now midnight) most are booked out or almost 3 times the price of what we had booked previously.
Tick….tock
Finally car acquired, and out of airport and Motel for the night, showers in a king bed….3.02am.
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. 😉
We made it up to Millmerran and the range just outside of town near Captains Mountain. It is hot, dry and dusty. Might I add – the flies are horrendous!! Sticky little buggers!
After unpacking and setting up in the cabins the week was ready to start!
Tuesday saw a few of us get to helping in the office and handing out shooters packs to other competitors. Having fun catching up with one and all.
The ‘Cowgirls & Calibre’s’ shooting clinic with Kathouse Kelli, Pearl Starr and Clancy saw 13 lovely ladies come for some tips and transitions. All walked away with some more knowledge, even our more mature and experienced ladies. Unfortunately an afternoon thunderstorm hit which didn’t allow for any actual shooting critique to be carried out.
From Left: Betsy Wesson, Pistol Packin’ Pixie, Lunateak, Arizona Pearl, Kathouse Kelli, Pearl Starr, Clancy, Little Shot, Whiskey Lil, Sally Skull, Miss Pinky In Front: Stitch Em Up, Lil Backfire (not in photo – Alvira Sullivan Earp, Mrs H, Guns n Roses)
Wednesday headed in to the Pat Garrett match. Jack shot first and with an immediate issue with ammo did not make for a great first stage. I was offered to shoot a Single Shot rifle so changed categories and shot for the very first time with a Modern Single Shot. Jack acquired some ammunition that would work for our 38-55 and carried on.
By this stage there has been nightly antics, whip cracking and attempts at karaoke at “Redneck Central Y’All”
Thursday rolled around and now it gets to the serious stuff. It begins with a very early start and Opening Ceremonies with the first four main match stages to follow. The afternoon is for Hannibal Challenge, speed events and Saloon night – oh wait, maybe that was Wednesday night.
Friday and we are in to the second lot of 4 stages. The redneck sista’s made an appearance around camp with Mary-Lou June taking out the 1st place in Cowboy Fastdraw whilst Mary-Lou July held her plaits back! Funny girls.
Mary-Lou June and Mary-Lou July Doing it for Rednecks around the world.
Bingo was enjoyed that evening before retiring for the final four on Saturday.
The final four are done and dusted come Saturday afternoon. As a new Lady Gunfighter I had way too many misses than I cared for but danged if didn’t have a hell of a lot of fun doing it! Jack had a pretty good run at it albeit a little bit disappointed at times.
With that being said when Saturday evening rolled around to the banquet we were both pleasantly surprised to be in the Top 16 Mens and Top 8 Ladies. Congratulations to all!!
Us
Pearl Starr and Charlie Wagon
Charlie Wagon hamming it up with Jack.
Alvira Sullivan Earp and Virgil Earp Buckles for recognition of ‘Chisholm Trail’ establishment.
The L.O.C.A.S. Cowgirl of Honor awards were announced with Meggs in 3rd, Pearl Starr 2nd and our seasoned lady of the sport Mrs H in 1st place for 2019. Congratulations ladies for all your fabulous efforts throughout the years.
The Costume Contest ensued with a good number of entries.
Working Cowgirl and Working Cowboy Whiskey Lil & Marlboro Man
Best Dressed Saloon Girl Whiskey Rae
Best Dressed Juniors Just Nicked It & KT
Best Dressed Mens 1st Duke Canon, 2nd (L) Joe Kidd, 3rd (R) Deadwood
Best Dressed Ladies 1st Mumma Err, 2nd (L) Luck E Shot, 3rd (R) Kitty Kaos
3rd Best Dressed Couple Pistol Packin’ Pixie & Rock Hard Willie
2nd Best Dressed Couple Two Gun Kate & Woodrow Call
1st Best Dressed Couple The Reverend & Betsy Wesson
Sunday morning and its time for the shootout!
Congratulations to the Top 16 Men – Hoss Rustler, R C Shot, Charlie Wagon, Trapper, Drop Bear, Bat Masterson, Waco Kid, Trooper (who had already left), Rooquero, Jackaroo, Mad Dog Tannen, John Slocum, Marshall Jack Malone, Reckless Kelly, Haymaker, Lightning Jack Kane and Deslaredo (1st alternate).
For the Ladies Top 8 – Clancy, Pearl Starr, Miss Chevious, Lil Backfire, Kathouse Kelli, Alvira Sullivan Earp (unable to participate), Sister Sarah Carnegie, Arizona Pearl (didn’t shoot), Lucky Strike Lass (1st alternate), KT (3rd alternate).
Congratulations to Pearl Starr and R C Shot for taking top honors for the shootout!
This years 2019 Chisholm Trail SASS Regional champions and SSAA Australian Open were Clancy for overall Ladies and Hoss Rustler for Mens. Outstanding effort, both of you a huge congratulations.
Jack finished 1st in Elder Statesman and 11th overall. Congrats to 2nd place, John Slocum and 3rd Rooster Cockburn.
I finished 2nd in Speed Rifle and Shotgun. Placed 1st in Pat Garrett Ladies Modern Single Shot (thanks Allie for the loan! xo) and 1st in Lady Gunfighter. Congratulations to my fellow Lady Gunfighter, Sister Sarah Carnegie.
Happy Trails to all cowboys and cowgirls, until we meet again.
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.
Friday came and went and Saturday rolled around to the final 4 stages.
This was it. Make or break time and see how things work out.
Another hot and dusty day drew to a close with Jack and I racing then to get changed into our ‘Thomas Durant’ and ‘Eva Toole’ costumes (from Hell On Wheels) and head over to the costume contest.
Costume contest done, photos taken, we headed into the big tent for the banquet. The beer was flowing and everyone had a great time.
Costume contestants did a promenade after dinner and then the winners were announced.
I won Parlor House Madam with ‘Eva Toole’.
Jack placed 3rd in B-Western/Silver Screen Mens.
Best Dressed Mens B-Western/Silver Screen
In B-Western/Silver Screen Ladies, Lil Magill won 1st place with the ‘Buffalo Gal’ dress I had made.
Best Dressed Ladies B-Western/Silver Screen
For the Best Dressed Couples, Annie D Vine and Hawkshaw Fred won 1st place with Annie wearing the silver and bronze gown I had made last year. More on that later. Comin’ In Hot and Alamo Andy won 2nd place with their B-Western outfit I had just finished before getting here.
Best Dressed Couples
The Shootout competitors were then announced. Top 8 Ladies and Mens for Wild Bunch and the Top 16 Cowboys and Cowgirls. I had made it in! Happy Days!
Top 16 Cowboys and Cowgirls
Top 8 Mens and Ladies Wild Bunch
Sunday morning the shootout gets under way with a couple of ladies not shooting, as an alternate, Pearl Starr also from Australia, had her first chance at a World Championship shootout.
Jack & Kat
Pearl Starr & Charlie Wagon
Kat & Pearl
Lol! Sassy Dancer getting in on Jack & Charlie’s pic!
Congratulations to Texas Tiger, Ladies Wild Bunch and Last Chance Morales, Mens Wild Bunch shootout winners and for Cowboys, Cowboy Carty and Cowgirls, Bonnie Macfarlane.
Awards got underway just after. Posse 33 won the posse shoot with 5.04sec, so close! Our posse shot it in a 5.17sec.
Clean shooters? You heard me say it was a different kind of match and this was about to prove it. Only 29 shooters from a total of 565 shooters were clean. Sam Balin, Alvira Sullivan Earp and myself, all from Australia were clean and received the elusive white buffalo pin. 111 of those shooters this year were also first time participants to End of Trail.
The Ladies of Cowboy Action Shooters (LOCAS) announced its Cowgirl of Honor awards and this year it went to 3rd place Little Red Sure Shot, 2nd place Shotglass and 1st place Shamrock Sadie. Well done ladies!
All in all the Aussies faired well again!! 25 of us went this year.
Spirit of The Game – Bat Masterson, K C Woody, Doc Carnegie
Lady Gunfighter 4th place – Sister Sarah Carnegie
Senior Gunfighter (oops didn’t write down what place) – K C Woody
Duelist 7th place – J P Remington
Elder Statesman Duelist 9th place – Virgil Earp
Silver Senior Duelist 4th place – Sam Balin
Frontier Cartridge 8th place – Henry Moon
Ladies Silver Senior 2nd place – Alvira Sullivan Earp
Ladies 49er’s 9th place – Mystic Meg
Ladies 49er’s 8th place – Clancy
Wrangler 8th place – Bat Masterson
Cowboy 10th place – Deadwood Gunslinger
Lady Wrangler 2nd place – Pearl Starr
Elderstatesman 9th place – Jackaroo
Lady Wrangler 1st place – Kathouse Kelli
Elder Statesman
Lady Wrangler
Australia!
Pearl Starr 2nd, Kathouse Kelli 1st Lady Wranglers
Yay!! Another successful World Championships, a tougher match than some previous, just had to aim a little more. Dang kids ripped out some awesome times still and a huge congratulations to this years 2019 Overall World Champions – Bonnie Macfarlane and Matt Black.
Overall Men’s – Matt Black Overall Ladies – Bonnie Macfarlane
The Adventures of Jack n Kat 