Finished Yard Work

Above, Barking Spider Acre after mowing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I finished the yard work I started yesterday.

The recent rains have really accelerated plant growth (i.e., weeds) on the property. Before things get too out of hand, I decided to do some trimming and mowing.

It is amazing that I don't mind yard work anymore. In my younger days, I detested it, especially since we had no power cutters of any kind. Since I have the zero-turn riding mower and a string trimmer, I don't mind doing it now.

Above, another view of the freshly mowed Barking Spider Acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I figured that I'd best mow Barking Spider Acre now since the ground still has moisture and won't kick up much dust. I was right. Not much dust was kicked up while mowing.

Since I got everything done, I can relax. Today, the Bloomer Trailers Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo begins. I will likely go either tomorrow or Saturday. It is being held at Red Rock Park near Gallup (only 10 miles away).

2021 Bloomer Trailers Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo August 4 - 7

August will be a busy month for rodeo events (thank God).

As mentioned in my last blog post, the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial will be held August 6-15 at different venues in and around Gallup, New Mexico.

Also coming up, is the Bloomer Trailers Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo at the Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena on August 4-7.

Here's their flyer:

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.

Bloomer Trailers Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo

Above, from this year's Gallup Lions Club Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's rodeo season in Gallup, New Mexico and this week Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena is hosting this year's annual Bloomer Trailers Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo.

According to the Gallup rodeo website:

Welcome to the official site for  Bloomer Trailers Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo 2019.
​
​Join us in Gallup, New Mexico on June 26th-29th, 2019 as America’s top junior and senior high school rodeo athletes compete for big cash payouts and prizes. 

The Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo offers eight timed events, including barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, team roping and steer wrestling. In addition, there will be a special parent-contestant team roping and ribbon roping competition. 

SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCES 

June 26th Perf @ 6;00 P.M 

June 27th Perf @ 9:00 A.M. & 6:00 P.M. 

June 28th Perf @ 9:00 A.M. & 6:00 P.M. 

June 29th Perf @ 9:00 A.M,  

June 29th Short go 6:00 P.M.

I've been to several rodeos in Gallup since I moved to New Mexico last year. I haven't been disappointed by any of them. All have been entertaining.

For more information, go here.