Thursday’s Activities
The annual trail ride is not all fun and frolic. There is work to be done. The trail ride is time for one of two business meetings held by the members of the CAA.
Immediately after breakfast everyone loaded into trucks and drove out to the pasture at the base of the mountains to watch the ranch hands move the buffalo herd from one pasture to another. It was to be a special memory for all in attendance. To see a thousand head of buffalo moving at the same time, within 100 yards of where we were standing is an incredible sight. It was time to get back to business.
The board established an agenda of items to be brought before the members and two representatives of Men’s Arts Council were on hand for a portion of the meeting to discuss the promotion, planning and various aspects of the coming Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition and Sale at the Phoenix Art Museum to be held in October 2004. The business meeting concluded and everyone was pleased to be brought up to date on the various issues needing to be addressed by the full membership.
After lunch is it was time to saddle up, head to the arena and do some roping. CA members Fred Fellows, Bill Owen, Joe Beeler, and Bruce Greene, joined some of the ranch hands and their family in some team roping. Many of the CAs brought their cameras to record the happenings and maybe get some good ideas for future pieces.
Emeritus member Grant Speed and guest Steve Todd handled chores in the “clean-up” chute, pulling ropes off the horns and hooves for the ropers. A good time was had by all until one of those mountain thunderstorms began to build in the Medicine Bow range to the West. And build it did! By the time a few more steers were run, lightning was poppin’ a little to close for comfort and everyone was heading for the barn and cover.
Everyone made it in time to see a classic mountain storm build with rain, wind and plenty of hail. It was enough to turn the ground white and pile up real good around the edges of the mess tent. As fast as it built, it was gone and the crisp cool afternoon air was fresh with the scent of rain.
The group gathered for ‘happy hour’ at the home of hosts Ray and Sally Duncan, where group pictures were taken. Dinner followed back at the main tent and was one to be remembered. The catering staff had prepared buffalo tenderloins in a slow oven served with what else, a fine cabernet sauce made of the Silver Oak Cabernet.
At the conclusion of dinner, the group paused to remember the life of Sharon Beeler, wife of founder Joe Beeler, who passed away in April. Ray Swanson made remarks and presented the hosts with gifts of remembrance from the CAA members. Ray also passed out the pins for trail ride attendance to the CAs based on milestones for the rides they had attended.
Our hosts presented everyone in attendance with etched bottles of Silver Oak. Each bottle bore the Diamond Tail brand, the date of the ride and name of the individual in attendance.
It was a fine evening to conclude a memorable ride. |  |
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Moving Day
It’s not every day a person gets to see a thousand head of buffalo on the move. There are over 1,000 head of cows and bulls in the Diamond Tail herd. CAA members witnessed the moving of the herd from one pasture to the other. What a thrill it was to see that many buffalo on the move. |
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Headin’ for the Barn
Thunderstorms in the Rockies can build in a hurry. One minute you’re ropin’ and the next minute you’re headin’ for the barn. Bill Owen, Bruce Greene and young Kane Butcher have seen enough lightning and are moving at a good pace for the cover of the barn. |
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Tellin' a Windy
Trail ride is a time for telling stories, or windies as they’re called. Here l to r, Robert Pummill, Don Crowley and R. S. Riddick (far right) listen to a tall tale told by MAC CA Chairman, Steve Todd, second from right. |
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Trail Ride Annual Portrait
No CAA trail ride is complete without the members, active, emeritus and honorary gathered for the traditional group photograph to be recorded in the history of the organization. Here, all are gathered on Thursday afternoon, on the back porch of the Duncan home at the headquarters of the Diamond Tail. At the far right is the late Ray Swanson who served the organization as President in 2004. Ray passed away just before Christmas 2004 and will long be remembered as a leader, a great artist and a true friend. |
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The Ladies of Vail
While the CAA members and guests were enjoying themselves up north at the Diamond Tail Ranch, the ladies had quite the time of their own in Vail, Colorado. Shops and restaurants reported brisk sales, much to the delight of local merchants. Here they gather for a group photograph outside of their hotel. |
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Annual Trail Ride / 2004 Ride 
