35 Degrees, Running With The Bulls & Running On Empty

Saturday came early, and surprisingly, Sheldon claimed to feel just fine. :) Apparently the lack of sleep hadn't caught up with him yet. He headed off to the production meeting while Shaina and Matt made a quick run to the ranch to shower and squeeze in a little more sleep.

Renn's baby and trying out her new goggles

By noon, we were off to our rodeo gate duties, and Mother Nature decided to turn up the heat. The thermometer hit 35°C, making it the hottest day of the year so far—and there wasn't a speck of shade at our spot. It was going to be a long afternoon.

This is Lennix Girletz, darn the luck

As well as Edgar Durazo getting bucked off again, maybe I am bad luck for him :)

Shaina and Matt made it back in time to catch some of the rodeo from the rush seating before joining us right at the end as we transitioned into the first night of Running with the Bulls.

Unbanding the new panels

We made a quick stop at the trailer for a much-needed refreshment before heading back to the infield, where S gave the big speech and got all the volunteers lined up and on the same page.

Tonight marked Year 23 of Running with the Bulls, and it was every bit as chaotic and wild as you'd expect. There was plenty of mayhem, and unfortunately, one participant ended up with a broken femur. It's always a reminder that beneath all the excitement and spectacle, this event comes with some very real risks. But seems many risk it for the fancy buckle and the $1000.

Darren's video of the broken leg guy from his panel perch view

Instagram footage of todays events, watch to the end for more bull crashes

Darren and Sharon volunteered this year, Shannon and her boyfriend Tanner were also helping out tonight. After Heat 3, Darren and Sharon headed home, while the rest of us went back to the trailer for a bit.

Shaina and Matt had helped with the mutton busting before heading off to find some food before meeting us at camp. B, who had spent most of the day in bed recovering from the previous night's late night, headed off to feed the horses.

 Harley listening to the chucks running by

Once B had fed the horses and grabbed something to eat herself, she was back and feeling up for a little more fun. She headed over to Amber and Grady's campsite for a visit while the rest of us settled back into the evening.

Our neighbour Brian came through like a campground hero, bringing food back from the directors' booth. It was delicious and exactly what everyone needed after such a hot, exhausting day. He also brought out the fire pit, and before long people were gathering around it, visiting and unwinding.

Eventually, a carload headed off to the Origins party. A little later, I drove Shaina, Matt, Shannon, and Tanner over before returning to the now-quiet fire.

Shaina FaceTimed back at 12 midnight to wish her Dad a happy birthday!

S called it a night first, heading inside for a shower, while I stayed out a little longer visiting with Brian. I finally called it a night around 1 a.m.

Shaina and Matt weren't far behind, but once they returned, they sat outside visiting for a while before finally ending their very busy Saturday.

Another rodeo day in the books—35°C, hours on our feet, volunteers everywhere, bulls running, people laughing, injuries, food, fires, and friends. Exhausting? Absolutely. But there's something about these rodeo weekends that keeps us coming back year after year.