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| Rodeo Boy Steve |
We've always wanted to join the Baja Buddies at the World Famous Winchester Rodeo, run by fellow Baja campers Gary and Janelle of Ruebens, Idaho. A trip is planned to Minnesota and Wisconsin to retrace the footsteps from childhood...so, guess what's right on the way? Idaho! A rodeo! Good friends! We're off!
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| The brand NEW ferry Samish!! |
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| Nice ride! |
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| Nice wide parking lanes in new ferry! |
First night destination is anywhere east of Seattle madness and traffic. We make it to Vantage, WA on the banks of the mighty Columbia. But....it's hot. Actually, more than hot...it's horrible hot. As in 102 favoring 103 degrees.
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Cool down technique in the Columbia
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| Totally FULL moon on a hot, hot night, rises over the river |
Lucky us, we find an open camp ground spot, over looking the river...WITH electricity (think air conditioning)...at Wanapum State Rec. Area. Well worth the amazing price of $45 for a state campground....we survive the heat.
Arriving in Ruebens with no directions to Gary and Janelle's place, we drive around (takes 5 minutes) until we find the Baja buddies and the wagons are circled. We join in!
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| Idaho farm country....we're getting close... |
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| This must be it...Toto... |
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| It's SO good to see everyone again! |
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| This must be the spot! |
First to celebrate Janelle's birthday...that's not hard. It's the usual...a HUGE potluck. Turns out Gary put out the invite in the local paper...so as not to miss anyone!
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Happy Birthday dear Janelle....can you see the birthday crown? Me either. She might have ditched it!
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Saturday and Sunday are rodeo days....full speed ahead. Gary and Janelle are the busy ones, and the rest of us try to fill in where needed....oh, yes, and enjoy the rodeo!
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| She has all the answers! |
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| Gary up to his usual mode of transportation! |
While they are hard at the pre-rodeo duties, we are at the community breakfast and then...the Winchester 4th of July Parade! It's a small town, small parade...so they go down mainstreet and then...they come back again!
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| Pancakes for Marilyn |
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| Pancakes for Steve |
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| Just rollin' out the tractors |
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| Happy Queen |
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| See the ukulele??? |
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| And the ride the other way! |
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And representing Mexico?
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| Here we go...off before 8 seconds! |
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| Horese win again.... |
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| What an attitude!!..... |
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| But hard to stay on top! |
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| I hope they forget about riding me... |
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| Oh dear....but safe in the end... |
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| Fabulous rescue riders! What a job! |
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| Rodeo audience Nan and Sparky |
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| Steer riding....not for me |
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| Gads.... |
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| Wild ride....but ok in the end...but how? |
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| Get her smile??? Moma helping with first barrel competition! |
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| Gary, Janelle and Kari saying goodbyes |
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| Norm and Bill in big conversation...about...??? |
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| Tom and Gary debating...um...something! |
Too soon it's time for goodbyes. It's been a good time together once again...
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| Yep....Baja Buddies are good on the beach...or on the farm! |
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| If walls could talk....what tales they would tell! |
And we are off for the Headwaters of the Missouri and Mississippi, to kayak, SUP board or wade across....but that's for the next post!
