return to jamboree
Last year, my trip to the Woodchopper Jamboree was marred by a twisted, throbbing, black-n-blue ankle (hard-earned at pick-up basketball the weekend before), which affected my ability to fully appreciate the wonder of the day's events.
Happily, this year, my ankle is much better, and the trip to Riverside/Encampment was fabulous. As Julie pointed out, the atmosphere is really supportive. Obviously a couple of the contestants (especially in the mixed-pair handsaw competition) were first-timers, and the crowd really cheered them on. Here are the royalty of Walden's Never Summer Rodeo taking their turn at the handsaw. The girl on the left is only 12. The girl who sang the National Anthem was only 7. The oldest competitor in the events was a guy who's been coming for 41 years.
Also, the weather was fully cooperative. After days of mediocre weather, Saturday turned out sunny and warm. Shortly after arriving, we caught up with Addie Goss, and around midday we decided to head uptown for a stroll. Happily, we discovered free ice cream at the local whatchagot store, and across the street some random folding chairs in the shade. What hospitality!
We also walked up to the park and museum, where we laughed at the double-decker outhouse and Julie and I got our picture taken in the old ore cart, Calvin-style:
After taking in some of the rodeo events, we headed out to Ryan Park, dipped our toes in Brush Creek, set up the tent, chopped some firewood (see my best lumberjack imitation below), ate some grapes and drank a tasty Apricot Ale, and then bid Addie Goss a fine drive back over the Snowies. After parting ways with Addie, Julie and I headed back down to Saratoga, where we had fine dinner and a too-hot soak in the hobo pool. We intended to put in an appearance at the street dance in Riverside, where Alicia's band was playing, but we decided to spend a quiet evening at the campfire instead.
All in all, a mighty fine weekend. It's better in Wyoming.
Happily, this year, my ankle is much better, and the trip to Riverside/Encampment was fabulous. As Julie pointed out, the atmosphere is really supportive. Obviously a couple of the contestants (especially in the mixed-pair handsaw competition) were first-timers, and the crowd really cheered them on. Here are the royalty of Walden's Never Summer Rodeo taking their turn at the handsaw. The girl on the left is only 12. The girl who sang the National Anthem was only 7. The oldest competitor in the events was a guy who's been coming for 41 years.
Also, the weather was fully cooperative. After days of mediocre weather, Saturday turned out sunny and warm. Shortly after arriving, we caught up with Addie Goss, and around midday we decided to head uptown for a stroll. Happily, we discovered free ice cream at the local whatchagot store, and across the street some random folding chairs in the shade. What hospitality!
We also walked up to the park and museum, where we laughed at the double-decker outhouse and Julie and I got our picture taken in the old ore cart, Calvin-style:
After taking in some of the rodeo events, we headed out to Ryan Park, dipped our toes in Brush Creek, set up the tent, chopped some firewood (see my best lumberjack imitation below), ate some grapes and drank a tasty Apricot Ale, and then bid Addie Goss a fine drive back over the Snowies. After parting ways with Addie, Julie and I headed back down to Saratoga, where we had fine dinner and a too-hot soak in the hobo pool. We intended to put in an appearance at the street dance in Riverside, where Alicia's band was playing, but we decided to spend a quiet evening at the campfire instead.
All in all, a mighty fine weekend. It's better in Wyoming.
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