Mule Day's

This past week was a big week in Bishop. It was the annual Mule Day's. It is a rodeo of sorts celebrating mules (they used to be a big part of the economy around here). We went to the festivities last year as well. This year Samuel volunteered to help. One of our members helps out each year and thought Samuel might enjoy it. Before the Mule Day's actually started though we went up to the Gilliland's house so Samuel could learn how to harness the mule's.

 

First, Samuel and Doctor (that's what we call him, he used to be a family practice dr. in town) went out for a ride with Elsie and Emma. Then once the mules were tired out he took Abel for a ride and then they even let me hop on board. :) It was a fun day (and check out the beautiful scenery!!).

This is what Elisha did while all the excitement was happening.

 
So, this is basically what Samuel did a lot of while volunteering. He is in the blue shirt sitting on the rail. His job was to help set up the obstacle courses in the arena and take them down. I think he did a lot of gate opening too...Abel and I went one morning early in the week so we could see Dad being a cowboy.

We went to the parade on Saturday. Abel got all dressed up as a cowboy and had a fun time. The highlights of the parade are the horse drawn fire truck (with a real dalmation dog on board too!) and the Borax 20 mule team. They used teams like this to haul borax out of Death Valley.

We just happened to sit next to some of our neighbors at the parade.

The 20 mule team....

 

...and this is what they hauled...if I remember correctly this wagon is a couple tons (when it is empty!). 

Dad the Cowboy with Abel at the fairgrounds

Mule Day's may sound funny, but it is actually a pretty cool thing around here...it is what puts Bishop on the map (actually I'm pretty sure Bishop is on many maps and none of them have to do with mules...). Anyway, if anyone wants to experience mule day's we would love to have you!! :)