Before leaving Texas,there was one thing we had to do. It all started in Colorado Springs where we used to enjoy a chuckwagon dinner with the Wranglers at the Flying W Ranch.  They sing in the style of the legendary Roy Rogers and the Sons ofthe Pioneers. The last time we were there in 2007, we learned that there are Chuckwagon dinners throughout the West, including our partof Texas! In fact, one of the Wranglers we had met the first time we ever went to the Flying W Ranch in 2001, was Wes English.  He and his brothers now run the Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show.

     Last Saturday we got to go!  We had a wonderful time!  It is much smaller than the one in Colorado Springs.  But that is because the one in Colorado has been in operation for years (the first oldest group of this type is the Sons of the Pioneers) and the one here is quite new.  In fact, this is their second location, having only opened a few weeks ago. 

     We were met in the parking lot by one of the brothers, who said he was the handsome one.  (They use a lot of lighthearted family style humor in their show.)  He spent some time asking us where we were from.  We said we were from nearby San Antonio.  Somehow my husband got on the topic of how San Antonio is getting too big for us (we really like the hill country where this group is located).  With dry whit I informed him that San Antonio was getting so big, that we are now moving to Washington DC.  (Remember our ultimate goal is Williamsburg!) 

     Then we went indoors and another brother assigned us terrific seats at the front table!  Then we met Wes, again. There had been trouble with our reservation so we had just been on the phone with him.  He was nice enough to act as though he remembered us from 2001.  =)  We found out we live rather close to each other.  While this business is getting built up, he is also a music pastor at Oak Hills Church, where Max Lucado is pastor. (Some of you may have read his books or seen movies he's written screenplays for.)  

     Then another brother took us outside to teach us how to rope cattle!  I've lived in Texas most of my life, but this is something I've never done.  I guess it was about time!  

My son started first.  It took him a while.  We learned a lot of appreciation of the guys in the rodeo!

 Finally he got it! 

Then my husband tried.  He had a lot of trouble too. 

Watching the instruction, I started practicing with my wrist, trying to follow the instructions.  It's all in the wrist.  Finally my husband got it! 

Then my daughter tried.  After a couple of tries, woo hoo, she got it! 

Uh oh, now it was my turn!  I had trouble the first couple of times.  He gave me a few more tips, and then I got the hang of twirling that rope.  I got so good with twirling through the air, I couldn't figure out how to let go! But one sure could hear it zing through the air!  Finally by my fourth attempt, I got the cow! 

Overall, to our surprise, the gals got the cow quicker than the guys!

We went inside and looked at the animal collection.  Most of these had been caught by their dad, and some by them.

Mr. Moose...

Put up your dukes!  This polar bear was caught in Alaska.

Pretending to be on the Lewis and Clark expedition, running away from the grizzly (which was caught in Alaska)...

More of the collection...

Flags of Texas...

While waiting for the show to start, we could watch a power point presentation of old time cowboy pictures on the large screen/scrim.  In fact, there was a Roy Rogers movie playing upstairs.  The brothers have plans to expand the preshow entertainment over time.

Finally the dinner started in typical Chuckwagon dinner style.  Like in ColoradoSprings, it began with instructions of how to proceed down the food line efficiently, with tips of how to juggle the silverware, plate, and drink, with lots of great jokes!  I confess, I do not like the food at the Flying W Ranch. gasp  The kids feel the same way. Last time Igot the steak which was much better than the brisket. Therefore, I did not expect to enjoy this meal. Too bad they were piling on the food.  I hated to waste it. We did not have a steak option here.  I was given a good portion of brisket so I moved my plate to the baked potato section.  Wes plopped more brisket on to my plate!  Was he trying to fatten me up? (I have lost thirteen pounds since Christmas, due to nerves and busy-ness with this move.)  When I sat to eat the food I was surprised at how wonderful it tasted!  It was the best BBQ I ever ate!  The brisket was tender and smoked.  The pinto beans were nicely spiced and flavored.  The biscuits were the most tender I've ever eaten and piping hot.  The applesauce was spiced with cinnamon.  Even the potato was great!  I ate everything.  I wish I could have had a take home box like I usually get.  I couldn't bear to waste anything.  Then the spice cake was wonderfully spiced and moist and flavorful.  The brothers helped serve us, seat us, and serve us refills on drinks.  During dinner one of the brothers told funny stories while telling the history of Texas through the story of longhorns and cattledrives. (At the Flying W they tell ranch stories.)  It was great!  The kids remembered it all as review from what I taught them a few years ago! Yea!  And we learned a few new things too!

     Then they sang for us.  It was wonderful.  They have a terrific range of skill on various stringed instruments. Wes is the best yodeler in the West.  The jokes were funny!  We were sad when it was over an hour later.  When you're in the area, I highly recommend a visit with The English Brothers!