Pit Crew Fun

The ACTRA McDonald's Run in Wickham, NB August 4th & 5th was the place to be for me and Marie! Neither of us were riding (this year!) but man! didn't we have fun! Some highlights:
Laughing until tears on Friday night waaaay too late for poor Lynn who had 45 miles to ride over the next two days. Sorry about that Lynn, I'll try to behave more responsibly next time - but it was Pam's fault.
A quiet call from Troy each morning that coffee was ready. Nice!
Lunch and supper provided by the ride host's crew each day, delicious and much appreciated.
Filling all the empty buckets we could find on the halfway truck for the CTR ride on Saturday. Watching all the riders and horses looking fit and having fun. Even in all that heat. They rode 30/35 miles, I think.
Noting how Lynn and Troy were monitoring their mounts' condition during their ride and hoping to remember all that when it's our turn.
Blowing my "great navigator" rep by waving at a couple of riders just as they were at the Northrup Road sign  and missing the turn. This caused some tense "how can we be lost" moments on our way to the halfway.
Returning to camp to await the JP riders' return and finding a relaxed and beautiful Pam sitting in the shade after having done all the camp clean-up and prep. She even thought to have a basin of cool water with facecloths for the tired, hot riders.
A Selenium discussion with Chester.
More fun in the tent Saturday night, although maybe not as late/loud this time due to everyone's hard work.
Seeing Kathleen and her friends cleaning her tack on Saturday night for her JP the next day.
Chatting with Betty about Florida. And Sherry about her Standardbred, Zack. and many other great people.
Admiring Jody's determination to ride her first ACTRA ride by herself and listening to her horse, Mischief, calling throughout the night - sounding much like my Willow.
Seeing Nicole riding her 20-something year old Canadian, Benjamin.
Asking everyone where they got their horse. And their horse's name, I remember quite a few!
Meeting Molly Malone, who has an lovely owner that didn't mind me rubbing her "ass"! and seeing her Fjord friend.
Watching Tammy get all her special JP supplies ready.
Seeing Kathleen lead the way through the gate at the finish of the ride.
Seeing Tammy's proud smile at the finish, looking for all the world as if she could do it again RIGHT NOW!
I had Hersey's Drops in my pack for Tammy when she looked a little nervous, just to distract her with something delicious but I'd forgotten all about them 'cause she never looked at all worried. She was a woman on a mission. Mission completed. Next!