The Gentleman's Rodeo

(Photos: Wendy, Wanda, and Mom checking out the view. -- A cute little chipmunk that joined us for lunch. -- Duane in his newest cute hat. -- Barry and Wade in the cowboy pull race.)

When I was a kid my dad would always take a week or so off so that we could go camping in the most beautiful area around--the mountains above Meeker, Colorado. I haven't been able to be up there for years so we were tickled when we found out that Barry, my brother, was going to be in a rodeo in Meeker on the 4th of July weekend! We (Wanda, Wendy, Mom, CR, Duane, and I) jumped in the Collett multipurpose vehicle and headed out for a three hour drive for a nice day in the mountains. We had a great couple of hours at the Marvine Campgrounds where we picnic'd and went for a little hike. It was as beautiful as years past. THEN we the hour's drive back to Meeker for the rodeo.

It was hilarious! There were no bucking bronc's or bouncing bulls in sight! This was a rodeo that tested the skills of the average working cowboy. They roped calves and loaded calves and did a few other things against the clock. Barry was on the Allred team with Hank and Wade Allred. The event that everyone got the biggest kick out of was where they had a guy who was about half way between the rider and a big barrel. He stood on a little tarp or something holding a rope. The rider (Barry for the Allred team) would take off as soon as "Go" was yelled and they would speed off to their team mate who was holding the rope. Then, as soon as he would grab it, the guy on the tarp (Wade...who is not a little guy!) would then drop to the ground, hold on to the tarp and rope, and then be pulled down around the barrel and back to the starting line. It may sound easy but I don't think it was. There were many near crashes of horses as they went around the barrels and the guy on the tarp ALWAYS ended up with a face full of dirt. It was hilarious!