Steamboat Two

View from the top

Steamboat concluded with the open ranch running twice on Labor Day, but Sunday marked the 2nd running of the open. Mirk finished 6th on poor outwork, and an otherwise sterling performance. He listened, he flanked cleanly, he saved us at the pen, and took a slick single that brought cheers from the crowd and my contemporaries. I was happy with him and feel good about Meeker and the finals.

Emil and Spot wow the crowd

Star man struggled late in the afternoon on wisened sheep that were hot, hungry and stompy. I retired on the cross drive realizing it's better to maintain confidence than perservere on a losing effort. His outwork was spotless, but after a nice lift the sheep became unwilling. After frosty mornings, the weather turned off hot, in the 80's, and it effected the running, and the runners.

The Yampa River

Bridget came over after the running was finished for dinner at the Schreeder trailer, and we had grilled flank steak after cocktails and appetizers with friends. Larry and Joella came to watch Star, and joined us along with the Swifts, Chris Jobe and newcomers Missy Parker and Sue. The food was excellent, the company hilarious, and then we recevied an impromptu violin serenade from Lise Anderson after dinner that brought tears of joy to my eyes.

Pah-tay Schreeder

Unfortunately this trial may be no more. Marianne Sasak is tired of fund raising, and I understand that. With hope, the town will rally behind a well-written newspaper article explaining her reasoning, and offer some much-needed help. After my first trip ever to Steamboat, and inaugural running at the trial, I hope she gets it. The field was extraordinary, the weather was stunning, the sheep were excellent, and the atmosphere was all about the fun. I would come back again...and again. Hope we all get the chance.

Ron Burkey, Terry Murray and Laura Hanley find shade