Three very festive looking hats tees heading to the range! Crackers is looking decidedly very safety conscious! Good work Crackers!
Have a great day! Shoot straight if’s ya shootin’ this weekend!
Kat xo
Tag Archives: outlaws
Chisholm Trail 2019 Part 1
While I sit here in the passenger seat and prepare for the trip to Millmerran. Oh and yes, I actually have time to do a blog! Who’d of thought!!?? 🤣🤣
It’s the time of year where cowboys and cowgirls gather for a week’s worth of fun at the Chisholm Trail Australian SASS Regionals.
As usual we are loaded to the hilt and ready to play!
Jack got a tow at put on and cracked on with making a parcel carrier for the gun cart. Thank goodness he did 😳
Anyway, not sure on reception out at the range and I imagine it won’t be any different to previous years – intermittent at best.
If you’re headed to a match, shoot straight! If you ain’t, then have a sensational week. Oh and be kind to your Mother. Hee hee
Kat xo
Hays, Kansas – Edmond, Oklahoma
It’s been a casual start to today and seeing as I have no car projects, it’s time for another little history lesson.
Hays was established in 1867, however prior to this, was located near the territories of Arapaho, Kiowa and Pawnee. It was claimed by France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and became part of Kansas Territory in 1854.
Fort Fletcher was established by the US Army in 1865 (southeast of present day Hays) to protect stagecoaches traveling The Smoky Hills Trail.
In 1866, it’s name was changed in honor of the late Brig. Gen. Alexander Hays.
In 1867, with the construction of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, Fort Hays was moved northwest to better serve the railroad.
Then there is more history about a town called Rome, Hays City being formed, Rome was abandoned after cholera outbreaks and so became Hays!
A frontier town, it had its fair share of violence infamous in the American Old West. Some 79 outlaws are said to be buried in Boot Hill north of town by 1885. Wild Bill Hicock served as sheriff for a brief stint in 1869.
Germans settled in Hays around 1886, having a great influence on the culture of the town.
We continued south to Wichita, which began as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail in the 1860’s. It was a cowtown and frequent stop for cattle being driven from Texas to Kansas railroads.
The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railways ran through her during its cowtown days and across the Arkansas River was the usual entertainment of brothels, saloons and lack of law enforcement. Wyatt Earp was one lawmen who at some point got Wichita back on the straight and narrow.
As early as the 1920’s and 30’s it also became known as ‘the air capital of the world’ becoming a US aircraft production hub.
So named after the Wichita people, the Keeper of the Plains monument is spectacular! We have been and visited this in person previously but here is a great sunset pic of it.
Check this out! The first ever Pizza Hut building!
Many fast food chains actually started in Wichita, Pizza Hut in 1958. The building is now located within University grounds.
We exited the I-35 to Wellington but we’re again disappointed the Chisholm Trail Museum is closed and with over an hour til opening time we had to continue on our way.
We continued to Edmond, formed during the April 22, 1889 Land Run. It was named after a Santa Fe railroad traveling freight agent. Well it was the name of the train depot was prior to the town being established but was adopted for the town name also.
The first public schoolhouse in the Oklahoma Territory was completed in August of 1889 and still stands as a historic monument on 2nd street.
The ‘Edmond Sun’ located down the street in the opposite corner is the states oldest continuing newspaper dating from July 18, 1889.
And so it is time for last catch ups, washing and packing before we head for Dallas and departure tomorrow.
Kat xo
Photo Credit:
Stagecoach Robbery by R A Davenport/Hip Postcard
Cowtown – Cowtowns Kansapedia – Kansas Historical Society
Pizza Hut building – Wikipedia
Edmond Schoolhouse – Edmond Historical Society
Durango – Moriarty
We left Colorado yesterday morning to the haunting sounds of a steam train whistle.
Heading along highways, through small towns and crossing the Animas River more than once, the landscape has again changed to a somewhat green desert. A lot greener than we have seen in the past.
It seemed fitting when passing through Bernalillo to snap this shot of the street sign!
For now we are in New Mexico and it’s time to get set for the World Championships!
Gather your posse and see you on the range!
Kat xo
Do you have a cowboy in your room?
Having nightmares or dreams? Been woken by a random cowboy standing by your bed?
My eldest sent me this just now. 😂😂
I love it when my kids send me random things pertaining to the old west and cowboy times.
Now let’s go find Rex and have yippee-ki-yay kind of day!
Kat xo
I Heart Oklahoma
On a car trip back from Texas on 2nd December I took a moment to reflect on Jack's and my time spent here. Hope you enjoy this reflection.
As our time here draws to a close and we head back to Australia with many great memories and friendships, sprinkled with the odd trophy or two from many many great shoots. I wondered how best to say 'thanks for having us'.
So as I sit in the passenger seat with no car projects, the following comes to mind and covers everyone we've ever met, everything we have been fortunate to experience and the thought of many great opportunities for the future.
Oklahoma, heart of America
Nothing could be finer
Than sitting here thinking
Of More than a one liner
For places we've travelled
You've been central to all
Our home away from home
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall
It's certainly the case of
'I've been everywhere man'
Of this wonderful nation
We most truly are a great fan
History graces the pages
Of Jack and Kat's story
Civil Wars, cattle trails, railways with
Cowboys and cowgirls in all their glory
We can be so very thankful
For all the friendships made
The fun, good times, the laughter
Of which we'd never trade
It has been a momentous ride
Shooting with the best of the best
Enhancing our skills along the way
Being able to pass it on to the rest
You've given us an experience
We will never forget
We will be back for sure
On that your last dollar can bet
On behalf of Jack and Kat
Thanks for having us as your guest
We will see you along the trail
'Til then, we wish you all the very best.
We will miss this place and everyone we've met. Take care of each other, play hard, laugh much, live each and every moment you've been given because life is too short!! Maybe we will see some of you visit with us in Aus one day.
Love y'all!
Kat xo
P.S. I'll still be doing our blog and will probably be mixed with other stuff but hope it keeps you interested and entertained!
Posted with BlogsyGunfight In Dixie XVI
Wednesday we lit out in the wee hours of the morning (did you like that description Ruby?) and headed for the state of Tennessee again. This time to Lakeland just outside of Memphis.
The Memphis Gunslingers are again hosting the South East Regional and Gunfight In Dixie. This is a great range, great facades with 11 permanent cowboy bays.
As with most of the middle states at present it has been raining and we are in for another boggy, damp and very cold match. They have done their best to ensure most stages are covered and have flooring or matting for decent footing. It's just the guncart areas – the rest of the range – that is very muddy and boggy, with no amount of hay seeming to soak up the water. We certainly thank them for their efforts!!
Thursday, Doily Gang ladies clinic, T-Bone Dooley's men's shooting clinic, with all proceeds as usual going to the SASS Scholarship Foundation raised another $344, putting the current total raised from clinics held around $10,000. A great effort and all the instructors sure do enjoy giving back by passing on tips to others.
Wild Bunch, Warm Up and speed events were held throughout the rest of the day.
Friday's opening ceremony commenced with their usual and outstanding recognition of veterans over this Armistice weekend. We thank you all for your service and to those currently serving in United States and Australia especially.
Jack and I were with a great posse and glad to be a part of Posse 3 with some amazing people. Cooncan, Bertie Winchester, Randy Saint Eagle (Posse leader), Tomstone John, Papa Dave, Whiskey Hays (Deputy Posse leader), Blackfish Kid, Riverview Rattler, Chica, Ginderella, Jailbreak Jake, Doc Hurd, Ethan Callahan, Doc Who, English Tom and Steelshot Scott.
My shotgun having worked the previous weekends match, warm up and side matches, decided to play up across the first two stages resulting in 2 unpleasant times. Jack had a few fumbles but why wouldn't you when the weather is barely above 32F/0C!
It was cold, toes are frozen, no amount of hand warmers in gloves, boxer shorts and socks seemed to keep anyone warm. Jackets, ear muffs, scarves, were all a requirement across the weekend.
There is no accounting for fun though. So it doesn't matter what was happening we had a blast. Not the best result but great match, great folks, great fun.
The shootout was held after the final 5 stages on Saturday. They drew our pairings and Shamrock Sadie and I were paired up for first run. We had fun, Shamrock ran out of shotgun shells, I thought she was giving up and coming for a hug when she pinched a shell and finished out our run! Great sportsmanship, great friend and good fun!
Oklahoma Dee took out the men's shootout and so we went head to head. No backing off, he had a slight hitch with rifle and I left one plate up to be reengaged. Down to the wire we were both on pistols same time and with only one shotgun shell left myself, I carefully loaded and he just got me! Lol! Was a great run, a gentleman I respect greatly.
The banquet Saturday night for awards was well put together. Tumbleweed was the MC under the guide of Match Director, Hot Lead Lefty assisted by Josie Grace Underfire with all the plaques, buckles etc. A fabulous job done by all. Thanks for asking me to help with costume contest!
There were 26 clean matches out of approx 190 shooters. A white longhorn pin and a towel were given for that. Congratulations to all winners, Regional Champions and placers in category!
Elderstatesman category – 1st and Regional Champion Purly, 2nd Max Payne, 3rd Jackaroo, 4th Knot Hardly Dunn
Lady Wrangler category – 1st Kathouse Kelli
Congratulations to SE Regional Champions, Sidekick and Dodge City Dixie. The overall champions for the match, Slick McClade and Dodge City Dixie!! Well done!
It was great to catch up with so many more wonderful cowboys and cowgirls we have come to know over the years.
To put a dampener on the evening, some idiots decided to break into a couple of vehicles in the car park. Taking leather rigs, saddle bags, ripping out a dash for a radio. Just wrong!! Grrrrr!
Thanks to all the hardworking folks of the Memphis Gunslingers, their assistants etc. Another fabulous match, Jack and I thank you.
Kat xo
Bullets and Rails 2018
The Plum Creek Shooting Society hosted the Battle of Plum Creek – Bullets and Rails 2018 this weekend at the Comanche Country Ranch owned by landowners Lyman and Nancy who have kept it running as an outstanding cowboy range facility.
This year the shoot is based on famous train scenes in western movies with even a silent movie start in the Livery.
After much rain in previous weeks, it appears the range has been mostly spared and the ground is soft under foot but not boggy.
Day 1 was Wild Bunch and side matches which went off in fine sunny weather.
Day 2 rolls around with a clear cool start and more sunshine expected to continue. The mornings proceedings start with welcomes, pledge of allegiance, pledge to Texas, prayers and 'Patience'. Patience is a cannon but I couldn't tell you the details of her magnificence but if you asked her caretaker, Artiman, I bet you he could tell you more than a story or two.
Under the intricate instruction of Artimans artillery commands he and his fellow cowboys, come recruits get Patience ready for action. (You have to go to the Facebook page to see her in action). Now ready for firing, me holding iPad to video, I realise I don't have earplugs and only the capability to plug one ear hole, well….you can see by the video, that I still was not expecting the result! My ears were ringing for a good while!
We all moved off to our respective start stages for Day 1 of the Main Match and commenced stages 2-7 with our posse of Texas Ghost, Lady Ghost, Oklahoma Dee, Kansas City Sneed, Lefty Wheeler, Krazy Legs Kay, Texas Drifter, Chisos, Red River Raider (and the ever spectacularly dressed Petticoat Parker), G W Ketchum (thanks Suzie for keeping score all weekend), Six Goin South, Kickshot, Jack and myself.
Last night was the banquet and I assisted Six Goin South and Lorilei Longshot with a costume contest in the Parlour House Reception whilst men gathered in the Saloon next door. Congratulations to all who attended and placed.
Side match awards were given. A neat train whistle, theme appropriate for the shoot. I walked away with 4 so I may share with Jack if he wants to play trains! Haa haa haa!
Thanks Lyman for putting together your band and playing too. Music was great!!
Day 2 of the Main Match and we are set to finish stages 8, 9, 10 and 1. We had thunderstorms last night and the range has seen a massive downpour that has created better environments for pigs! Lol!
It is boggy as but the match officials are hurriedly running around clearing water and laying bags of sawdust as best they can, After a delay, we started at 9.15am to finish the match.
Lunch was on – fajitas – and might I just say the lunches and dinner the crew put on the whole weekend was outstanding especially lunch today. Awesome job and it was very much appreciated.
Awards got under way and the prizes were railroad spikes. Not just any old railway spikes I might add, these are the real deal. Actual 1800's railway spikes from Texas railroads.
Joe Darter gave a little trivia behind them before they started the awards. He 'acquired' these from somebody he knew that had connections. All the spikes are uniquely marked and highly collectible. The makers of the spikes would mark their initials or other carvings into them. If you were injured during other railway work back then, you usually ended up with one of these jobs also. All these spikes are marked, engraved with the shoot name and some with Champion on them.
Special awards made by Two Spurs and in keeping with the railway theme were given to our, shall we say, more mature cowboy and cowgirl at the match. Cherokee Clay and Lady Ghost received these awards for 'Most Train Rides'. Such a neat idea.
Jack with a jam in his rifle today finished 3rd in Elder Statesman. Congratulations 1st Skyhawk Hans, 2nd Wildcat Bob, 4th Dusty Mines, 5th Lefty Wheeler, 6th Little Bowley, 7th Ranger Tay.
Congratulations to my fellow Lady Wrangler shooter in 2nd place, Krazy Kat.
There were 16 clean match winners from 203 shooters for the match. I had a clean match!
Congratulations to Oklahoma Dee 1st man overall and I won ladies overall AND finished 2nd place in the match right behind him!
Thanks to all the crew at Plum Creek Shooting Society once again for a great match.
Kat xo
Austin Brews
I hear that Austin has enough breweries that you could visit two a day for a month! Now that sounds like a different kind of holiday 😂😂🍺
After beer tasting at Caracara last night, Artie brought us out Skull Mechanix – Best Beer to try and I guess as any cheeky Texan might do to a fellow Okie is bring us this! In Texas and Oklahoma football colours and all.
I had to giggle, and it will be perfect for the Jack n Kat saloon when it gets built in Aus.
Beers and Cheers!
Kat xo
Texas
A different kind of red, white and blue, we are headed for the great state of Texas today and will end up in Lockhart mid to late afternoon.
We left with drizzly skies, car accidents and wet roads from Oklahoma this morning but the weather soon cleared to sunshine and blue skies and great flowing freeways.
We stopped in Waco for lunch and a jaunt to the Harley shop – Adam Smith’s Harley Davidson of Waco. Not as catchy as say, Toad Suck Park or Fort Thunder but an impressive store just the same.
Oh, and Cabelas, Cavenders and Joann’s! Yeah, ripper! Picked up Joanna Gaines (Fixer Upper) new book, Home Body. That will come in handy later 😉 plus fabric at a ridiculous price for couch revamp.
Got a call in with Belle Vaquera and life is good. 🙂
On to Lockhart where we will spend the next few nights for Battle of Plum Creek at Comanche Valley Ranch, previously known as Agarita Ranch. Looking forward to many catch-ups and a great match.
‘Lockhart was the site of a victory of the Texans over the Comanche, at the Battle of Plum Creek in 1840. It was originally named “Plum Creek” but was later changed to Lockhart.’
‘It gained another claim to fame in 1999. The Texas Legislature proclaimed Lockhart the “Barbecue Capital of Texas” and has four major barbecue restaurants’
We visited one last time we were here and it was really good! Lockhart has also been used in various films and the Dr. Eugene Clark Library is one of the oldest operating public library’s in Texas.
Have a great weekend y’all , wherever you may be!! Giddy Up!
Kat xo
The Adventures of Jack n Kat 