Few men have seen the splendor of Texas in the spring as it was this year following the plentiful moisture of the past winter. One can’t help but ride the country and almost hear Red Steagall singing the words to the famous lines of, “I’d like to be in Texas for the Round-Up in the Spring.” The color green takes on new meaning and the wild flowers a special radiance. The cattle are as much in bloom as the flowers. The calves are healthy and the horses fit.

Few men have experienced the camaraderie of the campfire where stories, and songs, poems and “windies” keep the conversation lively and the moment something to be cherished. The cool air falls into camp at sundown and makes the fire the gathering place after dinner at the wagon. The light of the half-moon on a crystal clear night is bright enough to give the range a soft glow. Whether it is Bill Nebeker with a joke, Red with a poem or Don Hedgpeth with a tune, it’s all about being together and sharing the trail.  Those gathered around the campfires of mid-May on the Four Sixes won’t soon forget the time spent together.

The 40th Anniversary ride had its share of special moments to be sure. Emeritus members Tom Ryan and Grant Speed attended the ride. Tom, now 83, drove all the way from Scottsdale, Arizona to spend the days with his fellow CAs and mix with the cowboys of the 6666 who were the subjects of so many famous Tom Ryan paintings. Grant shared a ride from Utah with new CA member Clark Price. New members T. D. Kelsey and Dave Powell were also on their first ride.