Merritt BC, Labour Day

I’ve just got back from another day of bow hunting. Sept 1 the season opened for mule and white tail buck. I’ve been out Friday, Saturday, Sunday and now Monday morning.  I don’t like to hunt in the evening with bow for fear I have to search for the deer at night after I have shot it. I did see a deer this morning.  Earlier I saw three bucks off the road going to the Moonshodow RV. I had the bow out and was about to load the bolt but a man was calling. Two of the bucks had hopped the fence and were in his private property but the third was in the ditch.  A lovely 2 point but too close to the paved road.  Reason won and I took pictures in stead.

I’ve seen lots of black bear and grouse so it’s been a good time for photography. I’ve enjoyed the hikes. I’ve my pedometer and have been walking uphill and down some 8000 steps and getting 12000 in a day, my best with the evening hiking about .  A couple of days I attended the incredible Nicola Valley Rodeo which made the week.

The weather has been perfect, Sunny when rain had been forecast. 

The morning hike has made the outing.  I’m liking this athletic routine similiar to my younger years.  After I bought the quads I didn’t get the exercise I used to enjoy.  Riding about on the quad shooting grouse is still great.  Rifle season and grouse season open in a few days.  I got fat after hurting my back in slipping on Arthur’s seat , Edinburgh. Then Covid and the couch and snacking didn’t help. I’m now losing weight and getting fit again. Hot springs and chiropractic visits have helped and it’s a delight to be able to increase my stamina and distance without too much pain.  The hike makes the day a win whether I got something or not.  I’ve enjoyed taking the Jeep Wrangler off road too. I’m loving the system of towing it behind the Thor motorhome then having it as an all round vehicle. It’s been a year of transitioning to this new adventure arrrangement. I’m looking forward to towing the jeep behind the motorhome south to avoid winter risk of covid etc .  Looking forward to having Laura join me in Palm Springs for Christmas.  I love the Thor and the Jeep and the x caliber dinghy tow hitch. 

Today the string broke on my bow so I’ve not restrung it figuring it can be put to rest for the year.  Sept 10 Thursday  is rifle season and that’s a few days. I’ll get a couple of evenings of hunting and a couple of mornings before I head south home.  The Rodeo was worth the trip but I’ve enjoyed getting out of the city and the exercise.  Great weather.

Moonshadow RV and Camping has been terrific.  Quiet. By the river.  Very friendly.  But lots of space and people keep to themselves except to say hi walking dogs.I’ve enjoyed working from my mobile office here with Starlink.  

I lost my Ruger folding 22. My best bet is that it fell out the back of the Jeep when I got the bow out after filming the bear running across the road. I last remember putting it in the back before heading out. I went back and looked but expect someone found this windfall and was pleased. I have to notify the police but I don’t have the SIN and want to see if I have it in storage.  

After seeing so many grouse I decided I’d like another rifle while I’m here. I have the Ruger 30:06 for deer.  If bear tasting like venison I could have shot several.  Seeing the grouse made me want to consider my options.  Ponderosa Sports doesn’t sell guns anymore and Guns &Fish has permanently closed.  Canadian Tire was open and sold guns and ammo.  Thank you Jesus I found the perfect Chiapas over under combined 20 guage and 22 rifle.  I bought it and am really pleased.  I sited it in and have been enjoying target practicing with the 22.  I figure I’ll be able to shot for the head on a grouse with the 22 and if I don’t hit it I’ll have the 20 guage for back up. They often are in 2’s too.  The rifle/shot gun breaks down form carrying in my back pack so I foresee carrying my rifle over my shoulder but having the Chiapa in back pack.  

Someone left a bunch of cans in tree hollow.  I was pleased to have them to test out the Walther PPQ pellet air pistol.  I’ve learned lots about that gun and the more I use it the more fun. I’ve shot 50 rounds. The loading the clip is a slow process abut I can hit cans.  I wanted it for when I walk Madigan in the south where there may be rattle snakes though it’s off season when I’m there.  If we encountered a snake and I had to get him to the vet I have the Jeep now rather than just the Vespa like I did last year. I’m better prepared.  I like that.  

I even took the terrible logging road up to the little lake.  I’d fished there in the past. I was hoping to go for a swim but chickened out because it’s cool.  

I’m having a great time in Merritt. Today is a fast day but I’ve had barbecued steaks and smokies and made kraft one night. Lunches I’ve had tuna sandwich’s and Montreal smoked. I made a beef borscht soup and enjoyed that.  At night I’ve watched Blues police shows. I’ve been reading L’Amour and Fair fax westerns. I’ve made a little progress on the 40 most important Christians book of historical biography.  I’ve enjoyed walking Madigan in the park the days I’ve been working.  All round it’s a great place and good time.

Thank you Jesus

 

Nicola Valley Rodeo, Merritt BC

I am loving this rodeo. Grandad came from Scotland and started a ranch in Northern Manitoba eventually becoming the Reeve.  One of my uncles was a true blue cowboy living his life like the song of Desperado and living in bunkhouses single his entire life, as comfortable on his horse as he was in his pick up truck. Other uncles logged and ranched but Dad moved to the city and became an Engineer after serving in WW 2 with RCAF.  Mom and he met at a dance for servicemen. I grew up watching Rifleman and Bonanza on tv. Visits to the ranch were infrequent due to distance but Grandad and the uncles would come down in winter when they could get free from the constant work of cattle and logging.  

My first horse was a Clydesdale grandad lifted me up on to mother’s horror and my astonishment. I was 6 years old and sitting on top of the world.  Later I’d ride lots of ponies as a young man. Later on trail rides, being tall I’d usually get the Morgan.  We actually made it to the Calgary Stampede a couple of times.  First was when I was 10 and I came home with a white cowboy hand at boots. Dad loved rodeo’s . Mom , being from Toronto, not so much. The chuck wagon races at the Calgary stampede remain forever etched in my mind. So much more exciting that cars and Bullittl.  I loved the barrel races young and was astonished at the roping. 

 Dad would take me riding with him when I was 12.  We’d get to the indigenous riders near home  Later I’d live in Mexico where rodeo’s were big too.  The tv show Yellowstone brought me back to my roots. Since I’d got my Harley it had been a decade since I even went trail riding.  Wayne Andrew’s , world champion Broncho riding, had a spread up in Mount Currie.  It started with me booking a trail rides with my friend who rode dressage.  A very proper riding lady.  Wayne would become friends and take us riding western and Man from Snowy River.  When I was a country doctor in Morris Manitoba I actually was there for the rodeo with Gordon Lightfoot singing and playing guitar at night.  There were evening dances with the rodeo. I thought about attending but was happier with the idea of going early to bed after a full day in the sun and fresh air. The weather has been a blessing all weekend.  Rain forecast but sunshine monstly instead. 

Now here I was blessed to be at the Nicola Valley Rodeo bleachers packed with families, dogs and children.  Horses every where. Gorgeous cowgirls and handsome cowboys.  What an event!!! The Broncho Riding was incredible. I’d loved the cattle roping especially team events.  I really am a barrel racing fan. And the kids trying to hold the ponies was delightful.  

The bull riding was extraordinary. It took me back to Crete and Minos empire with the games the Minoan cattlemen played in Knossos Palace Crete 3000 bc.  Ranching has a real history.  These cowboys are part of ancient traditions.  All over the world variations of cowboys and cattleman from Greece to Argentina to Merritt BC. And here I was watching these incredibly crazy brave men riding wild steers.  Cowboy chiropractics for sure.

I loved it. The main events were 1 to 4 Saturday. At intermission I took Madigan for a walk around the wide variety of sales booth and concession. I bought my friend Laura the most unique earrings. The leather work was beautiful and a real variety of cowboy hats and boots.  I’m going back today for the second day of rodeo. I really feel like this is something I can’t get enough of now and wonder how I went a decade or so without getting back to one or even riding horses.  I’m so thankful this Nicola Valley Rodeo has been so endearing and spectacular.  

Merritt, BC

Thank you God for this morning. Thank you for the light. Thank you for Madigan. Thank your for the trees and grass and shrubs. Thank you for my Thor home and Jeep Wrangler. Thank you for my fitful sleep with pleasant dreams of friendships and travel.  Thank you for the books I read. Thank you for family relatives and friends and acquaintenacnes .Thank you for colleagues. Thank you for my training. Thank you for my mentors. Thank you for the universities and all the wonderful education. Thank you for computers and word processors.Thank you for social media. Thank you for nationalities. Thank you for ethnicities. Thank you for cultur.e. Thank you for religion and spirituality.  May the saints of all religions bless my day. Thank you for protection. I call on St. Patrick for protection.  Thank you for St. Benedictine.  I call upon St. Benedictine for discipline. Thank you for St. Theresa and the Carmelite. I pray for the innner palace. Thank you for your love and kindness God.  Be with me in all my endeavours.

Thank you Jesus. 

It’s a grey morning.  A touch of blue sky is trying to break through. I have my Ethiopian coffee with half and half cream and a teaspoon of honey. I’ve berry granola and hav already eaten the peach yoghurt. I’ve downed my antinflammatories 800 mg of ibuprofen, 88 mg of ASA and the two tablets of  ARES formula eye vitamins. I’ve done the combination of Tai Chi and Dr. Goodman’s Foundation training stretching exercises.  Once I finish the granola and coffee I’ll walk Madigan to the garbage to dump my bag.

Last night I loaded my pellet air gun and hope to plink sometime today

There’s an AA meeting at 7 at Trinity. I normally go to AA then so I’ll continue the routine.  Thank you God for Sobriety.  Thank you God for your help with my anxiety and all the trauma I experienced, the betrayals and abuse from authorities.  Thank you God for my parents and family.  I pray for those who have passed and the friends as well. Thank you for all the good people who have balanced out the limited bad.  Help me to focus on the positive. Help me look on the bright side. Thank you for peace of mind.  Help me use all the tools I have to overcome fear and have faith.  

One day at a time.  

Thank you Jesus.  

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