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. 😉
I had the pleasure of creating another beautiful gown for Annie D Vine prior to our leaving Oklahoma last December, unbeknownst to her, it was to be a surprise Christmas present.
Hawkshaw Fred had been in contact earlier with some details of a gown seen in the Court House Museum in Tombstone and we began discussing the Judge and School Ma’am concept.
They had seen a gorgeous bronze/copper and silver gown on display and so with what photo’s Fred had, I began pouring over the details to see how this could be interpreted for them.
Fred’s own idea was for him to portray a Judge of the time period and we discussed all things of robes, his research and ‘passementerie’ detailing.
The gown shown, belonged to a Miss Estell Maxim. She was the school ma’am n Tombstone circa.1884. From the photo’s it appears to be of a light silver grey silk with a bronze jacquard.
The Museum photos Hawkshaw had sent me. Hmmm sure we saw this in Tombstone previously too!!
With similar fabrics sourced, I was ready to get to it. Not able to find an abstract design such as the diamond pattern from that era we settled on a bronze jacquard rose print that finished up quite nicely.
It features ruching to the back section, pleats/folds in an asymmetrical line to the overskirt. When part way through the construction of the skirt, I had been looking at the photos again only to realise that there appeared to be additional pleating underneath the very edge…….well of course I re-did it and added a pleated section!!!
The bodice carries the ruching in its details on cuffs, sleeve cap and front detail. The buttons were my challenge, photos only show so much and in keeping with what I could see it was determined that I should have fabric set behind a button. I managed to find a pearl and crystal button that I was happy with (after attempting, dimensional paints on others! she says rolling eyes) added a small amount of bronze paint antiqued and now I was satisfied.
Back to the Judge. Hawkshaw Fred had decided he would portray a Federal Judge, Robert Sloan. Sloan was an actual judge in Arizona and later became Governor of Arizona Territory (prior to it becoming a State).
His research took him to Judge’s robes and decided on a red lined robe, paying homage to John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. It was presumed the red was a throwback to robes worn by jurists in England.
His robe was worn over a grey suit and waistcoat, accessorized with a bowler hat, gold watch chain with a PH Dorrett watch and scarab fob. Both attached to a Sharpes four barreled Derringer carried in the waistcoat pocket. A great eye for detail, I love how Hawkshaw and Annie arrive at their costume stories with fact and great accoutrements from their antique collections!!
Along the theme of their presentation the Judge describes how Miss Maxim had requested his opinion on the content of a book recently published by a new author, Mark Twain. Miss Maxim was concerned about reading this book to her students as it contained such notions of playing hooky from school, not doing chores and fighting. Again to Annie’s credit, she was carrying an actual first edition of Huckleberry Finn!
School teachers at the time were not allowed to be married, smoke cigarettes, drink intoxicants of any kind and could definitely not be seen in any Saloon or illicit establishment for any reason. She would also be mindful that she should not be seen riding in a carriage nor accompanying any other man than her brother or father! But with a Judge? Surely no one would question her integrity!
And so we have, the Judge and the School Ma’am (or Schoolmarm). Hawkshaw Fred and Annie D’Vine won first place Best Dressed Couple at SASS World Championship, End of Trail 2019 and also at the Southeast Regional in Huntsville, Alabama.
Judge and School Ma’am SASS World Championships, End of Trail 2019
I am so proud to have been a part of Hawkshaw’s vision of recreating this one. Congratulations to you both!
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
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!
The Adventures of Jack n Kat 