staycation I

A few weeks before school was out the inevitable question always is, "What are you doing this summer?  Are you going anywhere?"  This year I cannot foresee a trip so my answer was that we would be enjoying a variety of "staycations."

The California Rodeo in Salinas is a yearly ritual.  This is especially dear to my heart having grown up in Salinas.  Here we say "ro - DAY - oh" not "RO - dee - oh."  Do not get it wrong or the locals will correct you on the proper Spanish pronunciation.

The Grand Entry is the big kick - off to the show.  Early Saturday morning, equestrians from all over the state gather for the Parade of 1,ooo Horses.  Well there are probably not that many but it is impressive.  Many, many beautiful horses are in attendance.

The Salinas Rodeo is especially exciting because there are two points of action:  the main arena and the track.  The rough stock events, as well as roping and steer wrestling, happen in the big arena.  The track events are equally exciting though.  Can you imagine standing up on your galloping horse like this!?

Could you rope a steer, then jump on him and wrestle him to the ground?  This guy did.

As for the bucking events, um, no thank you.  Though I do admire these cowboys and I am glad the smarter ones have started wearing helmets.

PETA was there this year and we waved and smiled because of course all real Rodeo fans know that a cowboy's life depends on the humane treatment of his animals, and the bulls and broncs only work for eight seconds at a time each weekend.  No animals are ever purposefully hurt in this sport.  It's just such an adrenaline rush!

We shopped the Expo too and outfitted the family with new belts; Little P. even scored her first set of real spurs.  We'll make a cowgirl out of her yet.