Tag Archives: USTrip

Happy 4th Of July!!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Other than today being my birthday, (changing from a 44 special to a 45) it is American Independence Day.

 

We started the day with going to the Libertyfest Parade in Edmond. For an hour and a half with packed streets we watched participants, from School marching bands, bank floats, church groups, cars, emergency services to the Shriners. I've decided their group is obviously for men that have Peter Pan syndrome – never grown up – they have all the toys in the world to play with. Anything from cars, to 3 wheel bikes, the big wheel low bikes, small cars, dune buggies, you name it.

 

Later in the early evening we were back out and up to the University grounds for festival and fireworks. A walk through the grounds to the vendors found only 1 hot food vendor with a massize waiting line. It was quicker to go get take away and get back to our parking spot than wait in line and hopefully we have a quicker get away once the fireworks are finished.

So now we wait, 29 minutes left til fireworks go off. Sounds like it will be similar to Canberra's Skyfire with the fireworks synchronised to music.

They were worth the wait, fantastic, some massive ones that set car alarms off, and some fireball types – bombs bursting in air…..

 

Happy 4th of July America!

Kat xo

 

EOT 2015: Day 3. And So It Goes

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Day 3, last four stages, this is it folks, this is what will make Cowboys and Cowgirls, nationally and internationally stand up and shout for joy or slump their shoulders and just go 'oh well'.

Soooo, we head to the range proclaiming how it looks a little grey but no rain expected until midday and feelin' pretty lucky about the early shift.

We are entertained by both good

Tom Payne playing harmonica for us this morning.

hee hee hee, and….bad!

Lazy Dave and Grizzly Grumps from VIC, Australia, hamming it up in their union suits. Said it was too early to get out of bed.

No words could describe the disappointment with the weather man when it started pelting down like cats and dogs and small hail to add to the terrible conditions that had set upon us!

 

BUT Cowboys are tough, we've shot in ankle deep water, snow, high winds and heat before – so really a little rain wasn't going to stop us but would certainly make us think about our footing and perhaps make these 4 stages a little slower for us than we would really like. Hay went down in areas where required and on we went.

Oh these poor baby birds were in the barn, hopefully mamma will be back.

It's beautiful out now!? So good luck to the other 24 posses shooting in fair weather.

 

For now, it's beer o'clock and get ready for the banquet. Tonight is costume contest, dinner, dancing and the announcement of Top 16 Mens and Ladies for the Shootout tomorrow.

Good luck!

Kat xo

 

EOT 2015: Day 2. Main Match

Posted on by kathousekelli70

After a brief moment of rain last night, it's not enough to settle the dust but brought clear skies and a breeze to the start of Friday.

Today we are on the mid shift starting at 10.30am and will do Stages 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Well, we did well, one miss today for me 😦 but we know rank points can change everything. Jack had a reshoot and remains clean.

Tex said this is his first selfie, somehow I find that hard to believe! He's a hoot!

Tonight is Saloon Night, so it's back to the Motel to change and come up with something to say for the Daggers and Derringers contest.

There were 6 soiled dove/saloon girls entered in the contest with a further 5 entered for the Parlour House Madam's.

As it turned out after giving my 'story' as contestant #2 I managed to win 1st Place and a Derringer!

Photo courtesy of Nellie Blue, effects by me.

For the Parlour House Madam's was my friend Texas Flower! So we had a picture made together. She had the best story ever and a couple of great accoutrements to compliment both her story and her look.

Think this was Nellies pic too, effects by me.

Time for bed, early to rise in the morning and be on range by 7am. Night!

Kat xo

Disclosure: this story was written for and on Friday, 26th June 2015. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by not airing this at the appropriate time.

 

Haa haa haa! Enjoy.

 

EOT 2015: Main Match Begins

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It's Thursday people! This morning's early wave will be done, mid wave starting and at 1.30pm we will commence the late wave today.

As a side note: at the motel this morning it is a hive of activity. Etta Mae and Claudia Feather have vacated their room early but are standing in hopes of a glimpse of Jeff Bridges. Jeff Bridges you ask? Why? Well there is some filming being done at the Motel, so there are lighting crews, sound crews and production assistants moving gear left right and centre and some of the filming for the movie will take place in Rm18 (Claudia and Etta's room) right next door to ours! Plus the car park and the fields across the road.

 

……….Later that same day out at Founders Ranch, (The important stuff!) safety briefing was held with 12 (of the 36) excited posses ready to hit the range for their first 4 stages of the match.

We are with Posse 32 – Annabelle Bransford, Colbert, Dedo, Duke Skywalker, Hurricane Camille, Jackaroo, James Samuel Pike, John Bohemia, Kathouse Kelli, Max Montana, Rowdy Bill, San Juan, Shenandoah, Tejon Buckaroo, Tex, Texas Flower, Texas Mac, Thunder Man, Tom Payne, Tooth Ache, and V Luna (Viper not in attendance).

We have 2 Aussies, 3 Czech Republic and the rest American. It's a good Posse, everyone is working and relatively fast. So far so good, shot stages 8, 5, 6, then 7 – 1 day down, 2 to go.

 

With worn out feet we withdraw to have our Posse photo taken and we met a tiny little cutie named Clara. She asked for our autograph. So I had a picture taken with her. I actually think she might be Duke Skywalkers daughter. She was a sweetheart though and I hope she does get to be a cowgirl when she can one day.

 

Have a great 2nd day tomorrow those who are here.

Cheers Kat!

Oh, and I got interviewed by Shooting USA today when they were there interviewing the Czech's. 🙂

P.S. 7.32pm – It's still all happening outside! Sneaky pic out the window, I know it's not much but there is gear everywhere out there and soooo many people. Saw a couple of actors waiting on the porch when we came back earlier!! Wasn't game to pull the blind back further so you could see ALL the gear!

 

End Of Trail, Day 1 & 2

Posted on by kathousekelli70

After arriving in Edgewood Monday afternoon and checking in, Tuesday morning brought purpose to this next week of shooting.

It was Warm Up Match. We completed 8 stages for the day. All going good so far. The range is set up with some great stage design, a reasonable amount of movement this year but targets are still generous in size and distance. It will be an interesting match!

A wall honouring previous World Champions has been put together in the Belle Union Saloon. A fantastic tribute to our overall Cowgirl and Cowboy World Champs since SASS began. Some have passed, some don't shoot anymore, and some are multiple champions.

 

There is also a special tribute to the late U.S. Grant (SASS#2) who did so much for our sport and we were lucky enough to have had the pleasure of shooting with him.

Well done to all involved with putting this all together.

Prize draw is different this year too with everyone receiving a ticket in your pack to be placed in the jar relating to the prize. There is anything from guns, ammo, rigs or clothing vouchers to be won.

Into Wednesday and it's going to be another warm one today. This morning there is the cowboy flea market, time to visit vendors and peruse their wares, and, if you care to, take part in the odd side match as well.

 

This afternoon's Opening Ceremonies begins with Handlebar Bob as fabulous MC, introducing the Wild Bunch and proceeding with the colour guard of flags for nations represented at the 2015 World Championships.

 

The Star Spangled Banner was sung beautifully by Miss Autumn (Starr?) who has performed at the famous Carnegie Hall.

SASS Scholarship awards were handed out to some very worthy applicants by Justic Lily Kate, the new 2015 Regulators were announced by Hipshot (and to note, our good friends from Texas – Texas Mac and Texas Flower were part of this years recipients) the Judge was presented with a beautiful portrait photo from Major Photography in appreciation of their 20th year of SASS attendance, providing posse and action photos to Cowboys.

 

In closing Misty Moonshine gave a short eulogy type/let's remember US Grant tribute and a poem by Lassiter about remembering how to be cowboy and the spirit of the game, basically.


 

The canon went off with a bang and we all dispersed to pay respect to US Grant, hit the bar, eat and on to the Cantina for Margaritas!!

 

A good time was had by all and we look forward to a great weekend of shooting.

Aim straight and have fun fellow cowboys n cowgirls!

Kat xo

P.S. Among the vendors today, there is one called 'The Old Pine Box' they make beautiful pine box coffins…..I know, I know but I thought it was amusing and took Jack back by there because he always says he wants 'to go out in a pine box' – simple.

http://theoldpinebox.com

http://www.sassnet.com/EoT/

 

Revenge of Montezuma, Cortez, CO

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It's been a couple of years since we last shot in Cortez but given we had people to see, gear to get to others from Aus, it was onto Cortez after Montrose.

Stumble Leena and Piedra Kidd always put on a great annual, this being their 15th. Of course there are many others of the Windygap Regulators who assist in putting on this great match also. A big hearty thank you to all for another good year.

The weather was hot and a little dusty as you strode across the range but then we wouldn't be cowboys without the sun on yer brim and dust in yer nose!

Friday was side matches and according to the end results today I won two of the side match stages and Jackaroo the third! Luscious fudge of different kinds were our reward…….hmmmm I can feel more workouts coming on already!

Cowboy Clays were won by Cerveza Slim and Lucy Trigger.

Katie Younger from QLD, Australia, on stage 2.

Saturday came with first day of 6 stages. Had some awesome stages I should be proud of and then came the dreaded 11 stuck in the rifle. (Duh duh daaaaaaahhh) – note this should be said with evil intent or like the sloth in the movie, The Croods.

Mulga Bill, QLD, Australia and Jackaroo, QLD, Australia/OK, USA On stage 10 at the loading table.

Jack had a great day, only a miss and a bobble on one stage.

Anywho, today was indeed another day! The little prairie dog got me, 1 pistol shot that's it. Jack had a miss but overall a good finish to the weekend,

We shot the team match with Mulga Bill, KC Woody, Jackaroo and I. Well, suffice to say the team of SASS Kicker, Cody James, Twelve Mile Reb and San Juan kicked our butts. But that makes the scoreboard even anyway with 2 to Aus and 2 to US.

Clean Match Aussies were Mulga Bill, his first ever! Coyote Baz, Mystic Meg and Lazy Dave, I think another one or two but these guys were from our Posse.

Posse 1 consisted of Aussie Drover, Capt Woodrow C Kelso, Card Killer, Coyote Baz, Grizzly Grumps, Jackaroo, Kathouse Kelli, Katie Younger, Lazy Dave, Mulga Bill, Mystic Meg, Pecker Bird, Private Pappy, Robb & Co, Skagway, Tehachapi Hornn, Texas Banker, Utah Bob and Willy B Shakin'.

Posse 1!

We had a ball of course and Capt Kelso is always hilarious. See a video of him on the FB page.

Plenty placed or won and was very happy to see Katie and Robb take home a plaque each given its their first trip over and their first match here. Yippee! 🙂

Wrap up for the Aussies. Jack finished a very credible 6th place, Mulga Bill 10th, Kathouse Kelli 22nd, Aussie Drover 24th, Sam Balin 25th, Sunrise Ned 33rd, Phillips 34th, Lazy Dave 41st, Mystic Meg 43rd, Grizzly Grumps 46th, Robb & Co 47th, Section Hand 50th, Johnny Reb 53rd, Ruff Anreddy 57th, Coyote Baz 59th, and Katie Younger 72nd.

Here's a pic of all the Aussie competitors, oh wait, of course Sam Balin buggered off somewhere and so he is not in the pic.

 

Tonight some of us are headed to the Main Street Brewery. What a great way to end another good weekend in Cortez!

Now it's on to EOT! See you there.

Kat xo

http://www.windygapregulators.com

 

 

Colorado State Championships

Posted on by kathousekelli70

The San Juan Shooting Range is a spectacular spot on the top of a ridge at 6,600ft. Hmmmmm, Mt Kosciuszko is only 7,310ft – a little higher than current but the highest that exists in Australia, let alone a shooting range to boot!!

 

There is still a little snow on the mountains as you can see from the pic above,

Friday was first day of main match, certainly not my best but we got through with Posse 7 and had two other Aussies on the posse with us. Aussie Drover, Mulga Bill and then Colorado Blackjack, Edward R S Canby, Hey Granpa, Jackaroo, Kathouse Kelli, Marshal Jack Murph, Pinto Being, Shot-Z Lady, Spades and Union Jack. (We had a few not turn up)

 

The day started on the cool side but soon warmed up and before you knew it 6 stages were completed whether you liked it or not.

 

Friday night was the banquet and side match awards evening at the 'Turn Of The Century' Saloon. A gorgeous reproduction of an 1890's saloon. What better place to have a banquet for a heap of cowboy shooters!!?

'A recreated 1890's Saloon decorated with thousands of Victorian Period antiques, including a 20' Brunswick Bar, originally in Montana, manufactured in 1883. The beautiful foyer room complete with Eastlake style chairs and couches, merchandise displays and Parlor Mirror create a striking entrance. Fabulous Leaded Glass Windows from the original Grand Imperial Hotel in Seattle separate the Parlor from the main lower level of the Saloon. The lower level features dinner seating for up to 80, and show seating for up to 120.' Taken from the Turn Of The Century website, see below for the link.

It was perfect and after dinner it was into side match awards. Many of our friends placed and we were amongst them also. I took Best Dressed Cowgirl, Speed Shotgun, Speed Rifle, 2nd in Trail Walk for Wild Bunch, and Jack took Speed Shotgun (a matching pair we were). He entered best moustache but was taken by some other more worthy opponents in that department!


Saturday morning and we are into Day 2. Let's hope today was better than yesterday….not!! OMG! What am I doing?! At least Jack shot better. My rifle is doing something weird as well. Lol! Despite me being weird.

We took Aussie Drover (aka Moonshine), Alison, Mulga Bill (aka Waddy) and Kathy to Chili's, where we all had dinner. Good meal, chit chat and b.s!

Another early start to the day and we are into Sunday – man on man/cowgirl on cowgirl/anyone can shoot out! Congratulations to the Cowgirls, 1st Place, 'Mesa Belle' and 2nd 'Kitty Carbine'. For the Cowboys, 2nd Place 'Twelve Mile Reb' and 1st Place 'Big Iron Buster'.


Check out the two Confederate braced Cowboys. Cobra Cat and Jackaroo and they were up against each other in the 'man on man'.


'Cobra Cat' and I took Top Gun Cowboy and Cowgirl,


Posse 7? Well everyone in our Posse took a placing and prize!!! So we made sure we got a group photo, some are a little hard to see, but every one of us in Posse 7 left with a trophy. Thank you to all the wonderful cowboy and cowgirl shooters of our posse, it was a pleasure to shoot with you.


So at the end of the day, the Colorado State Championship winners for Men's 'Cobra Cat' and for Ladies, our good friend 'Lefty Jo'. Congratulations to you both!

 

Look forward to seeing everyone down the trail heading to End of Trail and the World Championships, Good Luck to all!! A great big thank you to Kodiak Kid, San Juan and Hurricane Camille (and I know this is only a very small touch of the assIstants that helped put this match together!) oh, and Pinto Being for his not too bad shootin' but more so for his wit and cowboy poetry – mind you, for one of the quietest on the posse???

 

Cheers

Kat xo

 

 

Side Match Day, CO State

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Slightly on the cooler side this morning but with guns unloaded and then finding out side matches were being held over on the rifle range, the walk made for a great warm up.

We started with the Trail Walk (first with cowboy and then Wild Bunch) good fun! Man at this altitude you are definitely huffing and puffing by the end of your run though!

The San Juan Shooting Range sits at an altitude of 6,600ft and the gorgeous scenery is something to marvel at.

 

After the Trail Walk there was Speed Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun and feel my hands are back from WB use and ready for a cowboy match or 2….or 3.

Lunchtime and this afternoon will be Long Range events, Pocket Pistol, Derringer, 22 match etc. Hopefully they don't get dumped on out there. We decided to leave at lunch and it was black as black, thunder and some very light rain here.

Tomorrow is the start of the Colorado State Championships. In the evening will be dinner at the Turn Of The Century Saloon. After checking out their website, I'm looking forward to going there, as a whole bunch of cowboys is going to look sensational hanging out in a recreated 1890's saloon!

Yee haa, good times

Kat xo

 

Gorge and Pass Travel

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Leaving Cañon City this morning it's looking a little dark and may just get those storms they are predicting.

Now starts the winding road through Bighorn Sheep Gorge beside the river and some small rapids. Passed Spike Buck, Five Points, Salt Lick, Pinnacle Rock, Texas Creek to name a few.

 

We got rain on and off but with a spectacular view of the mountains, who really cares. Just beautiful!

 

Pity we left our rafting shoes at the house, could have done some more white water rafting next week. I'm sure we will find something else to amuse us between shoots though. We can see the first bus loads of adventurists getting ready for their rafting experience.

Salida, 7036ft and surrounded by a snow capped mountain backdrop. Only thing I've achieved on this part of the journey is to paint my toenails and take in the scenery. Lol!

One of our random stops, let's make a trip up the mountain on the Monarch Crest Tramway. A 20 minute round trip to the top of the crest, 11,312 at the top 12,012ft.

The gondola is the oldest one in Colorado at 49 years of age – Haa haa haa should have seen the look on Jack's face when the guy said that!

 

Ok so we get to the top and we are in the observatory. Standing either side of the Continental Divide.

 

Mount Ouray (pronounced u-ray) 13,971ft left of the tower,

 

San Luis Peak which is part of the La Agarita Mountains & Wilderness is 14,014ft but covered in cloud today.

Out there SW is the San Juan Mountains and Gunnison Valley, where we are headed.

 

Spectacular, spectacular, no words of the vernacular! (Lol, bit of a Moulin Rouge twist in there) An awesome quick stop!

Now it's back on the road and get some millinery done whilst navigating the bends.

Into Montrose round lunchtime, headed to the range and checked in, sussed out the beaut facades and chatted a while before heading to the Motel.

We caught up with some of the Aussies here as well and look forward to getting into some side matches tomorrow.

 

Beers and cheers!

Kat xo

 

Old Fort Parker, Groesbeck, TX

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Not many Australian's could claim they have shot out of an 1836 Fort block house and today this became reality for Jackaroo and I.

'On May 19th, 1836, a band of Indians came to Parker's Fort asking for beef, water and a place to camp. When greeted by the Parker's the Indians attacked, taking five captives! The most famous of these was 9 year old Cynthia Ann Parker. She was adopted by a Comanche family, grew up to marry Chief Peta Nocona and later gave birth to the last great Warrior Chief of the Comanche's, Quanah Parker' (as quoted from the Old Fort Parker web page)

By the way, Cynthia Patker is buried in Lawton, Oklahoma.

For the start of Senior Games (being held at Old Fort Parker hosted by the Old Fort Parker Patriots) we attended Long Range in the block house. How cool is that! We borrowed a 30-30 and ammo – thanks Kow Katcher and Bent Barrel Betty and then had a go at the 45-70 single shot, longest barrel I've ever seen, rifle and had a ball! 4 from 5 shots on each rifle. Got to be happy with that.

So below this is the block house.

 

And this is the view from the port where we shot. See the far white targets, right in the back of the picture? The hanging 'sight' target and then the two squares and the circle? That's what we were shooting at across the whole range.

 

Then after this we waited for rain to cease before Wild Bunch and side matches could begin. As luck would have it, it did, and we were able to complete 4 stages and the side matches with only very muddy surrounds but no extra rain!

 

Tomorrow will begin 5 stages and hopefully the weather will stay dry until at least we are finished.

Until then, (as Mister Skye would say) shoot straight and keep your powder dry.

Kat xo

http://www.oldfortparker.org

http://oldfortparkerpatriots.weebly.com