On we go...
Last weekend, Labor Day, we had our last who-rahh at the Ellensburg Rodeo in Eastern Washington. It was truly a blast! We spent the weekend base camping at the E-Burg KOA with another family and day tripping to the festivities in the Windy City of the West, the Columbia River, and to Vantage for a little columnar basalt rock climbing. All in all a great time for everyone involved.
The rodeo, listed as one to the top 25 in the nation, was a wonderful combination of Kitittas County Fair and rodeo events. 
The standard roping, riding and family fun. One of the highlights occured when a bull, who just threw its rider decided the arena was too small and crashed through a fence into the "warm up/staging" area. He bent the gate, blew out and ran free for a bit only to be eventually wrangled and brought back to the arena by some amazing ropers. As he was throwing his fit one of the ropers accomplished a very timely roping of his neck and with the help of his well trained mount, delaying the bull just long enough to safely remove or at least warn the unsuspecting folks under the grandstand. It was an incredible lasso at a time when it NEEDED to happen.
The standard roping, riding and family fun. One of the highlights occured when a bull, who just threw its rider decided the arena was too small and crashed through a fence into the "warm up/staging" area. He bent the gate, blew out and ran free for a bit only to be eventually wrangled and brought back to the arena by some amazing ropers. As he was throwing his fit one of the ropers accomplished a very timely roping of his neck and with the help of his well trained mount, delaying the bull just long enough to safely remove or at least warn the unsuspecting folks under the grandstand. It was an incredible lasso at a time when it NEEDED to happen.
Day two we ventured to the Columbia River to swim and play. We found a small beach with a sandstone cliff and lots of space for the kids to play. The water was refreshing and a welcomed break from the hectic fair.
Day three we made our way to the Feathers climbing area near the Gorge. The Dave Matthews Band was completing their weekend of shows and the traffic was clearing out as we were heading in. The climbing area is a dry desert with columns of basalt. Most of the climbs in walking 
distance are rated very difficult for recreational climbers of our caliber but we found four routes in the 5.1 to 5.7 range that met our needs and as it happened all four were in the shade. 
Later, after a few hours of pumping our arms and legs on the climbs, we ventured to the Wild Horse Monument 
along the highway for a short hike to enjoy the views. Cheryl even got to shoot a few barn photos, one of here favorite subjects.
Day three we made our way to the Feathers climbing area near the Gorge. The Dave Matthews Band was completing their weekend of shows and the traffic was clearing out as we were heading in. The climbing area is a dry desert with columns of basalt. Most of the climbs in walking 
distance are rated very difficult for recreational climbers of our caliber but we found four routes in the 5.1 to 5.7 range that met our needs and as it happened all four were in the shade. 
Later, after a few hours of pumping our arms and legs on the climbs, we ventured to the Wild Horse Monument 
along the highway for a short hike to enjoy the views. Cheryl even got to shoot a few barn photos, one of here favorite subjects.
Today school started and summer officially ended for the boys. Jonathan is now a third-grader and Gabe ventured out into first grade. I have to run and pick them up here in about half an hour.
Cheers, Tony
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