Tag Archives: New Zealand

End of Trail – Part 2

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Its now Thursday night and should be catching some zz’s as tomorrow we have the early start!

However, let me quickly catch you up.

Yesterday, Wednesday – Started out the morning with the Doily Gang Clinic, instructors this year, Shamrock Sadie, Lefty Jo, Honey B Quick, Iron Maiden, Sassy Dancer, Cooncan and myself Kathouse Kelli.

Was a great clinic, we had 2 shooters each to offer transition tips for pistols and more with long guns as well. Shot a couple of stages for critiquing and all in all, think they were all pretty happy to say the least when we were done. Thank you ladies for coming and glad we can offer something back to the sport for all.

Yeehaa ladies! Hope you are having great match’s!

From there it was grab some pictures of stages ready for main match. Go take a few runs at speed events. Pearl Starr and I then spent a couple hours in the LOCAS tent and in the down time helped Shamrock Sadie with a ‘craft task’ for later in the week.

Open ceremonies were held late in the afternoon. Alvira Sullivan Earp carried the flag for Australia! Legendary Lawman for Canada. Bloody Mary for Denmark. Chrissy Carson for Netherlands. The Kiwi Kid for New Zealand and in his uniform for the United States of America, Cash Cassidy.

With the anthem sung, the Wild Bunch, Match Directors, 111 first time attendees recognised it was on to the announcement of new Regulators. The 2018 Class of Regulators included many great recipients with none other than my very own Jackaroo!! Way to go man.

Two more from Australia – RC Shot, Mrs H, our Oklahoma friends – Flat Top Okie, Missouri Mae, Dutch friends – Dutch Bear, Justice Anne, Texas sweetheart – Sopapilla Sue and many more!! Congratulations to you all!

As the beer flowed, the Margarita party started at Hot Tamale’s and then it was time for sleep as Main Match was due to start today.

Now we arrive into today, Thursday – First day of main match. Jack and I are in Posse 21 with Red Haymaker our illustrious posse leader, Pepper Shot, C N Double, Captain Clark, Cowboy Jon, Deadly Don, Estancia Kid, Fast Fingers, Garrison Joe, Gilly Boy Hellbender, Huachuca Slim, James Colt, Lil Rob, Longcolt, Mick E Mouse, Old Frenchy, Sharpeye, Sunshine Belle, Jackaroo and myself. A big thanks to Nacho Momma for keeping score for all of us!

Four stages on the mid wave – 9, 10, 11, 12 were shot today with some degree of difficulty and success, blue skies, sunshine and a hell of a lot of New Mexico dust! Once we finished we shot the Posse shoot and we have a pretty good running time for that at the moment!

With weary feet, smiles as wide as you can get, we head to have lunch then back to the Motel for rest, relaxation and cleaning dust out of guns, nose etc. Haa haa haa

Coupled with a chat with Clancy, the occasional beer and a bit of hand sewing to finalise costume it is now getting late. Oh and a bit of cream puff for dessert. (groan after creammmmmm)

Charlies Spic n Span, Las Vegas NM ultra large mega cream puffs!

It is time to hit the hay, for the posse rides early in the morning with first shots down range at 7.30am.

Night peeps! Here’s to another awesome day tomorrow. Make it count! We are all still in the game! It ain’t over, til it’s over!

Hugs

Kat xo

ANZAC Day

Posted on by kathousekelli70

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Remember our fallen soldiers from Gallipoli and all campaigns. For those who have served or are serving – thank you, thank you for your service.

Kat xo

Trans Tasman – Duel Downunder

Posted on by kathousekelli70

‘The Special Breed’ that’s what us cowboys and cowgirls are. The Gamblers, Deslaredo had written a spectacular poem of this and so it became the theme for the Trans Tasman this year.

The Trans Tasman – Duel Downunder is a southern, across the ocean, challenge between Australia and New Zealand and alternates at a range on either continent every other year.

The Gamblers again hosted the Trans Tas and it wasn’t long before everyone arrived for the match held over 14-17th March.

It was great for Jack and I to catch up with many that we hadn’t seen for some time.

We had been busy in the weeks leading up to the match helping with match confirmations, prep and more!

What a great weekend we had! It started Thursday with the Pat Garrett match and Posse 4 – Bones, Carter Moss, Coyote Baz, Deadly, Doit Daily, El Rio, Fox, Meggs, Mad Dog Morgan, Painted Mohawk, Rick O’Shea, Two Gun Kate, Trigger Happy, Willy Avashot, Jack and myself.

That afternoon was spent doing speed events before we retired for Ex Sighted and I to get into the scoring and the rain set in.

Main match started on the Friday and we had a great lot of folks on Posse 5 with Alvira Sullivan Earp, Big Bad John, Bones, Boots and Spur, Chiquita, El Hombre, Etta Place and Doc Cummins, Coyote Baz, Meggs, El Rio, Curly Wolf, J P Remington, The Deadwood Gunslinger, Legend Lyn and Short Shot (both from NZ), Lucky Luke, Willy Avashot (with Narelle kindly doing the scoring all weekend) Jack and myself.

Six stages done, rain again that evening, scores done and it’s an early night. Well, early to retire home with Charlie Wagon and Pearl Starr coming to stay for the evening. Rain putting a dampener on the hawk and knife throw side matches.

Saturday and it’s just a few spits of rain taking us into the final 6 stages of the match.

I wasn’t clean by any means which put me very close with the other ladies BUT managed to hang on and clinch it by just 1.30sec’s! 6th overall, 1st lady and 1st in Lady Wrangler, with a few side matches thrown in.

Pat Garrett, Side Match, Main Match and overall buckle

Jack finished with just a couple in 5th overall and 1st place Elder Statesman. Good one man!

Pat Garrett and Main Match

A great weekend! Great gathering! Good fun that ended all too soon.

See you down the trail.

Kat xo

Hell On Wheels

Posted on by kathousekelli70

As the Union Pacific roll's by on the nearby tracks of the Otto Road shooting club, the Border Vigilantes held their annual Hell On Wheels match this past weekend the 29 June-1st July.

Situated 8 miles west of Cheyenne, 233 shooters headed out for the match. Friday was side match day with a morning and afternoon 4 stage warm up, as well as speed side events and long range.

Saturday was 6 stages of main match and after coming from End Of Trail the target distances and sizes were somewhat different. The stages were reasonable with some longer runs between positions. At the end of the day I was clean and Jack had a couple of issues.

 

Saturday lunchtime after we finished shooting a storm came through which would be good for settling the dust and stopping the marble like granite dust from rolling under your feet across each stage! The temperature dropped by about 20 degrees.

 

Sunday took a cooler start for the morning requiring jacket and gloves for a few stages, we headed in to the next and last 6 stages of the match. We had an awesome posse headed by Pick along with Tin Lizzy, Avery Wade, Roy's Creek Dan, Highland Scottie, Gabby Gertie, West Okie Wayne, Loose Cannon, Coyote Cole, Burnt Bacon, Dapper Dynamite Dick, Della, Bandana Bob, Phantom, Mountain Menace, Pinewood Kid, Pinewood Rose and Cactus Jim.

 

Not fabulous for Jack and 1 miss for me so we would see how it would turn out in the wash. I won a few side matches and did the shootout – final round with Avery Wade.

 

Jack finished 2nd in category and 15th overall. Congrats to the other Silver Senior's and to Angry Tom who took 1st place.

 

Congrats to the fellow Lady Wrangler shooters!

 

I had a good finish 1st cowgirl and 8th overall with White Lightning Jack from New Zealand finishing 1st overall!

 

Congratulations to all who entered and thanks to the Border Vigilantes for our Hell On Wheels visit.

Kat xo

 

End of Trail 2018

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It's that time of year where cowboys and cowgirls come together for one of the biggest weeks of shooting.

 

The World Championship of cowboy action shooting is the agenda at Founders Ranch, New Mexico. Five countries – Australia, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand and United States of America competed for the top honor's in both Wild Bunch and Cowboy matches.

This year, as previously reported, we decided to forego Wild Bunch and headed to Cortez prior to this week.

Monday: picked up packs, caught up with friends and readied ourselves for the week ahead. A pleasant surprise was my picture on The Independent for Cowboy Days in Edgewood/Moriarty. Thanks to Cat Ballou the photo BT Blade took of me during Wild Bunch last year was used for their front cover!

 

Tuesday: we did 6 stages of warm up and attempted to get acclimatised to the altitude whilst running uphill or across some of the stages.

Tuesday evening we had a great trip up Sandia Tramway with dinner beforehand at Sandiago's grill with the Range Riders (from Australia) – Pearl Starr, Charlie Wagon, Judge Ruger, Tumbleweed Wagon, Sarah, Stan Wellback and Dallas Roarke.

 

Wednesday: Doily Gang Clinic was on, instructing with Honey B Quick, Shamrock Sadie, Lefty Jo, Two Sons. We had 18 ladies attend the transitions clinic, some returning for the 2nd or 3rd time and others their very first.

Plainsman, shotgun clinics and side matches were on. Cowboy swap meet, vendors are open and the crowds are starting to increase.

The evening kicked off with the opening ceremonies, Tumbleweed Wagon carried the flag for Australia.

 

The Wooly Awards were announced with Texas Jack Daniels receiving one as 2017 Governor of the year and The Territorial Marshal's with match directors Missouri Mae and Flat Top Okie took 2017 Match of the Year for Red Dirt Rampage.

 

The class of 2018 Regulators were announced! Congratulations to each and every one!

 

Thursday: first day of main match and we had the late wave start. It's hot, dusty but ready for action! Stages 1-4.

 

Friday: second day of main match, mid wave, stages 5-8, shopping with vendors and we're still having fun!

 

Saturday: it's the final 4! With the cooler very early start we were soon done and all up to the total scores to see where we all finished. We had a great posse – Posse 25 with posse marshal Chickamauga Charlie, Polly Penny Bright, Coffee, Shotgun Boogie, Hell Hound, Rephil, TinTin, Slow Hand Don, Dutch Bear, Justice Ann, Coal Train, Buck Garrett, Chantilly Shooter, Hot Rock, Hud, Hawkeye Kid, Pearl Starr, Charlie Wagon, Jack and myself.

With the posse shoot done, it was lunch, ice cream and head back to get ready for the banquet.

 

I attended the costume contest and was 2nd place in the new Steampunk category. Congratulations to EZGZ in 1st place. Congratulations to all other category winners and placings! There were some fabulous costumes!

 

The beer flowed, the music played and some showed off their dance skills.

The top 8 Wild Bunch men's and ladies were announced, as was the top 16 cowboys and cowgirls. Clancy and I were the only two Australians to make the shootout this year for cowboy match and RC Shot for the Wild Bunch shootout as an alternate.

 

Sunday: the shootout gets under way. Congratulations to Idaho Sixgun Sam and Last Chance Morales for winning not only the shootout but overall top lady and man for 2018 Wild Bunch.

The cowboy shootout is run and final finish was Holy Terror for the ladies and C.S. Brady for the men.

Jack finished 10th in his category with 1st place going to Long Swede, 2nd Hell's Comin, 3rd Silver City Rebel, 4th Angry Tom, 5th Lucky Thirteen, 6th Texas Mean Gene, 7th Fast Eddie, 8th Kansan and 9th El Lazo. Congratulations Silver Senior's on your placings!

 

In Lady Wrangler category, 10th Wild Cattle Kate, 9th Ms. Laurie Darlin, 8th Ex Sighted, 7th Young Lady, 6th Ruby Jewel, 5th Idaho Sixgun Sam, 4th Legally Loaded, 3rd Clancy, 2nd Echo Meadows who cheekily offered to hold my World Championship trophy again. Lol! Congratulations ladies!

 

Out of 22 Aussie's 14 placed, 2 received Spirit of the Game awards, 2 placed in costume and if I remember correctly, 6 or 7 got clean matches.

Overall winners this year were Matt Black and Holy Terror. Congratulations to two fine young shooters!

 

For everyone who attended End of Trail 2018, may it have been with goals achieved. Whether your first ever or multiple entry, I sincerely hope you enjoyed the experience.

Kat xo

 

Revenge of Montezuma

Posted on by kathousekelli70

We arrived into Cortez Thursday afternoon to a quick shower of rain. The range was looking great and Windygap Regulators had it well set up for the match.

Friday was sunny and hot with Long Range, Cowboy Clays, an afternoon warm up stage and a fun team match. Jack, myself and Lefty Jo did a run through and then we did another run with Dutch Bear – who I'm going to call 'lucky shot' now! Lol!

 

That night we headed to the Brewery with our Nederland friends Dutch Bear and Justice Ann. It was nice to sit and chat over dinner and drinks with you both.

Heading to the range early Saturday morning it was a little overcast but rain was not forecast until later in the day.

Hmm, well that soon turned around to be light rain on and off while we were shooting. The fine powdery bull dust soon turned to layers of mud and we all found ourselves about 3″ taller!

 

We had a great posse, everyone worked, laughed and had a great time! Hawkshaw Fred and I were Posse Marshal's along with Jackaroo, Annie D. Vine, San Juan, Hurricane Camille, Prairie Dog Brown, (Silky), Judge Ruger, Tumbleweed Wagon, (Sarah), Stan Wellback, Dallas Roarke, Hot Tamale, Cowtown Scout, Awful Ernie, Shotgun Shell, Private Pappy and Wooden Nichols.

 

We were pretty much done with 6 stages by 12.30pm and with lunch out of the way, the afternoon was free to do what you like. Having been out the night before and the weather was still a little indifferent, we opted for TV dinners and found a western channel with no ads! Uninterrupted, 3 old westerns I'd never heard of before – Gunfight in Dodge City, Bite The Bullet and can't remember the other one now.

2.12am – awoken from my slumber, thunderstorm and more rain!

Up at sparrows to head to the range as we were supposed to be starting again at 8am and it is awash with mud, puddles and still sprinkling.

 

Some were ready to finish the 4 stages but rightly so, the match directors called it. Everyone was given a 19sec stage for the 4 uncompleted ones and it was changed to a rank match given we all had shot a different 6.

 

With gear packed up everyone hung around for door prizes and eventually awards. There were a number of happy shooters who shot clean yesterday so got a clean match award, the famous Revenge soap, cloth and delicious fudge!

Thanks to Judge Ruger's wife, Sarah for getting the 'Aussie' contingent pic for us!

 

Jack finished 2nd in Senior. Congratulations to Quickly Downunder in 1st place and Kodiak Kid in 3rd place.

 

I was the only Lady Wrangler. Congratulations to all who placed in their categories!

New Zealand and Australia finished top overall. Congratulations White Lightning Jack on your overall win and I wish you all the very best for a great match at End of Trail!

 

It would be remiss of me if I didn't thank the Windygap Regulators for putting another great match despite the rain effects! As always your small group put in a huge effort to host the 18th Annual Revenge of Montezuma.

To all of you, especially Stumble Leena, Piedra Kidd and the Martin family we thank you again for having us! We all know the area definitely needed the rain too!

Well….We were able to do a late checkout in Cortez and secure our room in Moriarty for an extra night. So getting laundry on whilst packing, we were able to hit the road just after noon. We will be there late in the arvo and can catch up with others at Founders Ranch.

Have an awesome week and travel safely if y'all are still getting to End of Trail.

Kat xo

 

Happy New Year!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It's already New Years Day in New Zealand and Australia along with a few other countries.

As we wait for the big ball to drop here in Oklahoma, Jack and I kick back having a few drinks, would like to wish all our family, friends, cowboy's and cowgirl's, near and far, the most wonderful start to 2018.

May all you plans and dreams come true with hard work, persistence and a whole lot of fun in between.

Had to use a Sydney pic 😉

Happy New Year 2018!

Kat xo

….for auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne!…..

 

Merry Christmas

Posted on by kathousekelli70

All ovvvver, the world!

It's already Christmas Day in New Zealand, the east coast of Australia and dawn is breaking on the west coast of Aus.

It's Christmas Eve here and the stockings were hung with not much care…..I should have ironed them but Jack probably still hasn't noticed so I'm not changing it now. Lol!

 

There are a few pressies under the tree, good enough for me. (OMG it's rhyme time, look out)

There's a pavlova in the oven, floors yet to clean, but I thought I'd take a moment and set the scene.

 

It's been an adventurous week, with some sewing to tweak. Had a range practice day, for a moments delay. Made a sticky date cheesecake, Jack pleaded to bake. My chauffeur he drove me, around to lights I could see.

 

We had snow on the ground, such beauty all round.

 

A club shoot today, just a few came to play.

 

By this arvo there'll be a stiff drink in my hand, while I sit here with Jack and talk of days planned.

But before I wish a Merry Christmas and all, I thought I'd leave off, with a song for you all. (Must be sung now to Have A Holly Jolly Christmas)

Have a holly, jolly Christmas

It's the best time of the year,

Family, friends and those you know

Let's all gather, have a beer

 

Have a holly, jolly Christmas

When they are near or far,

You are always in our thoughts

Whether it be by plane or car

 

Oh, ho, crackers and cheese

With wine if you need to

Nuts, choc's and candy canes

Did you bring the trifle Sue?

 

Have a holly, jolly Christmas

hope Santa was good to you

Don't forget the reason though

Christmas came to you

 

Oh, ho the mistletoe

Hung where you can see

Hugs, laughter, kisses too

Make it special for thee

 

Have a holly, jolly Christmas

And in case you didn't hear

Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas

This year!!

 

Brought to you by Kat's warped mind.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Wih love and hugs from Jack and I

Kat xo

 

Succeed or not succeed?

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Well the pavlova itself was outstanding – even if I do say so myself. Very happy with that, didn't sink much either considering I cracked the oven so it would cool quicker.

The cream that I had whipped ahead of time……never had trouble doing this in Aus……had gone soft or runny and before I could stop myself after one spoonful had put the whole lot on top.

Probably should have tried whipping it again before putting on.

Berries went on and slid off or sunk….grrrr.

 

But all in all, was still a success, tasted good, cooked to perfection, can safely say have conquered this! Next time will do again and whip cream last so I get the total awesome effect instead of half assed. So much for trying to be organised…sigh.

Yum!

Kat xo

 

Making the elusive Pav!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Man, I've attempted this dessert before (Christmas 2014) without much success and what resulted in a brownish flat mess that tasted like pavlova and could be covered up with cream etc. you get the drift.

So for today's BBQ I decide I need to make it again after being inspired by Myskal's version for the Shanley's.

What is a pavlova I hear you say? It is a staple dessert for Australians during summer festivities, usually at Christmas time. However all credit goes to the land of the long white cloud as it originated from New Zealand. Hence my inclusion of Myskal 'cause that's where she is from! 🙂

So back to the dessert attempt. I think I have this gig pretty much sussed out when I find a Donna Hay recipe (famous chef in Australia) and think that is pretty easy – again perhaps slightly delusional about my pav making skills!

 

So let's have a crack! Got the egg whites (went for a carton of them from the store), got a ton of bakers sugar (otherwise known as caster sugar in Aus), got my whisk, although I seriously do miss my KitchenAid. Clean bowl, everything prepped ready to roll.

 

Okay so this is taking forever, only managing some sort of thickness where at least I can tip the bowl sideways and nothing falls out.

 

She'll be jake, should be right to add sugar!?!

Okay so recipe says add tablespoon at a time, waiting 30secs in between each. Rightio, timer on, let's go, I get through painfully a cup and a half of sugar and all I've got is this runny marshmallowy looking mess. Not….happy…Jan! (No reference to anyone in particular here, this was a line from a tv ad in Aus years ago, works for lots of things and is a bit kinder on the ears! Lol!)

 

Into the bin!

Next start next batch, everything clean, dry etc. stupid………same thing! Ahhhhh this is frustrating! Ditch another batch of gooey marshmallowy substance.

Right! It'll be fun they said. (Rolls eyes and cussing here) go to real egg whites. Web tips say egg whites should be room temperature. My ass, haven't got time for that! Stuff the whisk, going to the beaters too!

 

Ta-dah!!! Holy cow it freaking worked!

 

Let's move into the addition of sugar, while adding gradually I gave it quick sharp beats to keep peaks! It's working, it's…working….! Didn't wait 30sec's in between either.

 

Next throw in the vinegar and give it another whip up! Sensational! Think I finally nailed it!

Now how does that saying go? The proof is in the baking!? Yeah something like that. Well it's looking pretty bloody special at the moment!

 

Half an hour in to baking and it is still holding form! Yes, happy dance or excited typing in my case!

 

Yippee!

Kat xo

Lol, I know you want the after pic right? You'll have to wait til later 😉