Winnemucca's 21st Annual Ranch Hand Rodeo

OK, it's been a while, so we should catch up on things. Let's throw out a town.
Winnemucca, Nevada. Where is that, and why would you ever go? Well, For the Annual Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend.

That's right. This small town just off I-80 (somewhere between Lovelock and Elko) and one that you could so easily pass by on your way to "some place else," comes alive during Rodeo Weekend. Time flies, but we do remember back to the first weekend in March when the

21st Annual Ranch Hand Rodeo brought Cowboys, Cowgirls, Stock Horses, Stock Dogs and so much more together for great competition and a good time. The weekend kicked off with the stock dog challenge. Always a highlight for us. There is no finer team to watch then a horse, rider and dog working together to move cattle. It is amazing what little it takes for a dog to bring a herd through some challenging obstacles. It is focus, dedication and drive combined with speed, smarts and ability that make these dogs truly "All Grit...No Quit." The events are timed and competitors make it look much easier than it is. (My dog "Huck"doesn't have a chance!)
The Ranch Hand Rodeo brought some 30 teams together to compete in about five different events. The Stock Horse challenge, bull sale and ranch horse sale rounded out the weekend.

Winnemucca is about a 41/2 hour drive from home. Just about 20 miles east of Reno you really get to know what "out in the middle of no-where" feels like. But, after a while (and if you look close) the high desert sage country takes on a beauty and peacefulness all its own. This year we took the time to meet up with friends (some from back home that we hardly ever see!) and dare I say....Good Food. I know it's getting to be a thing here with the traveling and the food, but there are just two must eat places and two key reasons we visit Winnemucca on a regular basis...The Martin Hotel (a must-for dinner) and The Griddle (the best-for breakfast). You could say we raced into town just in time for the Stock Dog challenge and well, we did make it in time to see the finals, but in the end...it was really about dinner at The Martin!
The Martin Hotel
The Martin Hotel has the finest Basque food, served family style, at long tables seated next to strangers, that quickly become friends. As the wine flows and the food follows, I can honestly say there seems to be no happier, louder or friendlier place to be. Great fun! We did have to wrestle just a little with the rodeo team from Idaho for more salad and soup, but by the time the bread pudding desert showed up, it was peaceful.
I'll save breakfast at The Griddle for another time.