This year, I have been to Colorado more than any other state. The two reasons I have been there are…
Pikes Peak or Bust!
This year, I have been to Colorado more than any other state. The two reasons I have been there are that it seems that the Denver Airport is one of the connecting airports between the west coast and the east coast. The other reason is because some of the best rodeos are held there.
One of my last “away” trips was to the Pikes Peak or Bust rodeo in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I was so excited for this rodeo because I had another opportunity to room with Miss Rodeo Washington Katie Garfield and Miss Rodeo Nevada Lauren Neil. Since we had already stayed with each other when they were in Oregon we all knew how to live together.
When I got off the plane in Colorado Springs I turned on my cell phone and realized that I had a text message from Lauren saying that she was going to be in Colorado Springs in an hour. I knew that we had to take a taxi to the hotel so I thought that it would be easier if I waited for her and we went together. While I was waiting there I was watching people go about their business when I saw Katie walk by. I immediately called her over to wait with me for Lauren. It was great to have a friend like her to sit with and chat before our event started. The rodeo that night was an experience. The rodeo committee really made me feel right at home. It was patriot night so all of dressed in our most red, white, and blue colored outfits. My shirt had fringe that is about two feet long and its pretty much from shoulder to shoulder and down my arms. While I was watching the grand entry, which was amazing because a man parachuted into the arena flying the American flag, I started to feel my fringe being tugged on. When I looked back there were three other girls braiding it! All night long my fringe was brushed and braided!
The highlights of the rodeo were helping with the mutton bustin’, getting a free massage with Miss Rodeo Washington Katie, learning how to trick rope, playing with kids in the on-foot barrel race and of course watching this wonderful rodeo.
While in Colorado Springs all of the girls and I had the chance to tour the Air Force Academy. I have to say, I have never seen such a square place. When I say square, I mean that there is almost no rounded wall, walk way, chair or window on the academy grounds. This is a very structured school. Everyone knew their place and adhered to the rules that governed them. Our guide was Jeff Sweet. He knew everything about the academy. One of the most interesting facts was that the new students were only allowed to walk along a marble walk way that stretched from building to building. They were literally not allowed to walk on any other surface when they made their way from their classes or their dorms. Being that this is a nation of many religions, there were four different churches to serve the needs of the students. The building was so beautiful. The windows were stained glass that gave each church a feel all to its own.
The biggest trip was to Pikes Peak. To be honest, I didn’t know that this was such a famous mountain. I also didn’t know that it was 15,000 feet! Oregon is very close to sea level; especially where I my home of Roseburg is. We took a trolley to the top where I was surprised to find out that we could see close to 200 miles away and we could even see New Mexico! Now that’s far away!
As the rodeo drew to a close I was sad to say goodbye to my friends and so Colorado. This was the last time I would be in this friendly state as Miss Rodeo Oregon.
I have to thank everyone for making this trip so much fun and to the Pikes Peak or Bust rodeo for hosting us and giving me so much to do while I was there!
