24th ANNUAL BIG
BEND ~ STILLWELL RANCH TRAILRIDE
February 12 – 17, 2011
Frigid Arctic ice, snow and sleet was holding much of
Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Louisiana hostage for days
during late January
and early February. My main barn doors were frozen up for five days; access was restricted thru the stalls.
Extreme Cabin Fever was spreading like
wildfire among trailriders!
They started their escape for warmer weather and dry
trails several days before the ride was to begin. Once you passed the city limits sign
at Marathon, Texas, the skies cleared to breathtaking blue, and the Trans-Pecos
Desert sunshine and temperatures welcomed you and your horse or mule.
The Arctic front had even dipped to this remote area
several days before the ride, creating havoc on water lines for the Stillwell
RV, ranchers and
even up into the Big Bend National Park Basin where it was 8 degrees.
By the time we rode out on Saturday, Feb. 12, the
skies were clear with gentle breezes to match the 70 degrees temperature. Every
day the weather got even better; like it
does every year!
Repeat riders expect enjoyable weather and new ones
are amazed by it!
The
State of Texas honored this year's ride with a distinguished proclamation.
Rider R. L. Wright from Sulphur Springs spent the first day
of the ride at the Ft. Stockton hospital. The cause of his mini-stroke was
eliminated and his speech was back and mobility improving. Two of his buddies
set a new land-speed record from Sulphur Springs to the hospital in time to pick
R. L. up and bring him back to the ride.
They helped get him home safely. Our best wishes
to R. L. that he will have a full recovery and join us next year.
Everyone was pleased to have our Official
Photographer Claudene Cooper concealed along the trails.
She took over 2,700 pictures, including
action at the BBQ & Dance this year.
Earlier the day off, she and I enjoyed a trip up into
the Basin we frequently visited FORTY EIGHT years ago with our Grandmother, Twila Elmendorf,
from Marfa.
Cowboy Caterer Wally Roberts escaped
frozen Hobbs, NM and pulled into camp, got his Canteen white tent up, fired up
his rolling kitchen and had dinner ready in no time.
Having Wally’s full Dutch oven breakfast in the
mornings and dinners at night can’t be beat. There’s always a pot of Cowboy
coffee ready. Some of the appetizers were Bottle Caps, Date Bombs, Tropical Salsa
and homemade corn chips. Then bring on the generous servings of Pot Roast, Bacon
wrapped Pork
Loin, Enchiladas and Chicken Fried Steak with all the side dishes and topped off
with a variety of cobblers a la mode!
With food like that, you will forget those little
nagging pains you had while riding that day!
Valentine’s Day was celebrated on the “Off” day.
It made the BBQ, Drawing and Dance even more fun. A
special presentation of a Customized Country Basket adorned with conchos, cowgirl signs,
miniature western décor
and braided leather was made to Nanette Potter for her
assistance in handling reservations and countless other needs. We thank her for
all she does to make this a great ride.
best dances to date.
They entertained during the BBQ and following the
Pasture
Prizes drawing out came the cornmeal!
Once Craig
steps up to the microphone, the boots and
spurs go into action.
The dance floor stayed busy as the band played the
crowds favorite dance music. Check out Craig’s website and listen to some of his
music at: CRAIG
CARTER
Pasture prizes included a couple of stick horses with sound
effects, earrings, bracelets, buckets & grain scoops and t-shirts from
Valley Vet Supply,
caps, bird feeders, candles, a Wally Roberts Dutch oven and some pretty fancy
horse or mule sunglasses! Thanks to W. T. for some beautiful, custom made buckles and
the Stillwell Store for some serape blankets. Thanks to riders for bringing some
of the prizes for the drawing too!
As everybody knows, next year is going to be a SPECIAL trailride.
The 25th ANNIVERSARY of the BIG BEND~STILLWELL RANCH TRAILRIDE
will be celebrated from February 11 thru 16, 2012.
We encourage everyone that participated in the 25 years of the ride to come;
even if you no longer ride or drive a team.
This anniversary will also be a Memorable Reunion of the trailriding
family that grew through those 25 years.
Reservations can be made now (1-432-376-2244), and MUST be
reconfirmed after January 1, 2012.
Failure to reconfirm by January 10, 2012 will allow
your spot to be given to someone on the waiting list.
