01SEP07 - Kittitas, WA

Before we discuss today’s activities, first a little background on Dan’s cousin Steve Kiesel. Steve is one month older than Dan, and was born and raised in Seattle (and when we say in Seattle, we mean in Seattle living on the top of Queen Anne hill probably within a quarter mile of the Space Needle). Dan's family spent alot of time with the Kiesels including living with them for half a year, so Dan and Steve are more like brothers than distant cousins. We would give you some examples of their past adventures when they were “two wild and crazy guys” from 1969 to 79, but we are not sure the statute of limitations has expired on some of them.

Anyway under the guidance of Bonnie, Steve has morphed from full blown city boy to cowboy. Were talking owning and riding horses; raising organic hay (yes there is market for organic hay!); and being key volunteers for the rodeo, field and stream chapter, Moose Lodge, and county fair; just to name a few. We benefited from their volunteerism in the community by having expert guidance on what events to attend that the locals know about, and great parking.

Today was perfect example of being guided by true insiders at the big parade for the County Fair and Rodeo in Ellensburg. Because of our connections we were able to park right at the start of the route; and since Bonnie was checking-in all participants, we got great explanation and history of the participants. The parade was good example of small town event where everyone knows everyone and renews connections. For example, one of the participants was riding a horse Bonnie had raised and sold couple years ago, turns out the guy who bought the horse was afraid of horses and Bonnie’s was so gentle that he still thanks her to this day. In fact Dan thinks there were more horses than humans in parade!

We finished the day by touring the fair grounds and rodeo grounds with Bonnie. Tomorrow Steve promises us Rocky Mountain Oysters and bloody marys for breakfast!