Cowboys and Cowgirls

Above, the girls barrel racing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tonight was rodeo night for me. I decided to go to tonight's Bloomer Trailers Best of the Best Rodeo at the rodeo arena at Red Rock Park near Gallup.

On the way, I notice a plume of smoke coming from eastbound Interstate 40 (I later found out which direction it was at) as I was heading west. I got off at the Iyanbito exit and took historic Route 66. As I passed the scene, I appeared to be a semi truck on its side and aflame. I later heard that nobody was seriously hurt. I heard later that it involved 2 semis.

Above, tonight's green chile chicken Alfredo at Fire Rock Navajo Casino. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I continued on to Fire Rock Navajo Casino, which is not far from Red Rock Park, for dinner. I had my usual green chile chicken Alfredo. This time, even though I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, I could not finish the meal. I only ate half. So I asked for a "doggie box" to take the rest home.

After leaving Fire Rock Navajo Casino, I headed over to Red Rock Park for the rodeo.

Above, some of the spectators. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They had good attendance (well, it was free) and the contestants consisted of boy and girls of high school and junior high school age from many different states.

Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my zoom lens and I had to settle on photos with my 50 mm lens.

I had a good time watching the contestants participate in barrel racing and then calf roping.

Above, while to boys calf roping event was on, other contestants waited for their events. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As it was getting dark out, I decided to leave. I was also concerned about the traffic situation.

On the way out, I took a look at a display Bloomer Trailer. One half (the rear) is for livestock transporting, while the front half is the living space for the owners (equipped like a typical RV trailer). I guess some don't mind sleeping under the same roof as their horses or cows.

Above, the boys calf roping event. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After leaving Red Rock Park, I saw that I-40 eastbound was congested as was Route 66. Traffic was backed up all the way to Gallup. So I made a u-turn and headed for the "scenic" route starting at NM Route 566 to the Mariano Lake area and, eventually, Thoreau. It was the "long way around the barn", but it was better than sitting for hours in traffic. I eventually got home at 9:00.

Still, it was an enjoyable evening.