Sage brush, rock and sand cover the hill side of interior BC, the smell of the sun-beat sage is intoxicating. Watching train cars pass by, admiring the cross country Canadian art show, hoping to recognize a tag. Dirty nails and gas station food, Coors beers snugged in 15 year old cozies you haven’t pulled out since last season. Camp chairs, hugging early seasons fires, just watching the glow and designing the perfect flame.  Much appreciation for the warmth,  knowing it’s only a short time before the fire ban hits. A gentle reminder of  what's coming down the timeline while July and August are in full swing and the province is on fire once again.  

Stories of past times, while 5 sets of speakers battle in music taste along the camp ground alley. Ours is always the best, of course. The wide range of what is considered “country music” is incredible. Folk, blues, blue grass, and a little honky tonk to me is the perfect combination next to a fire and a beer in hand. “Americana” seems to be taking over the music and festival scene, or at least my algorithm, which is about time in my opinion. Outlaw country has been the very foundation for so long, and has been inspiring artist for decades now, in multiple genres. Thankfully we have a few artists coming up that can start to compete with the greats. Time will tell.

 

A single, poorly printed flyer hangs on the outhouse stall advertising the event, in hopes other campers would be inclined to check out the noise. It’s rodeo season in BC, and you can find one almost every weekend throughout the province, and most likely North America. I attended my first ranch rodeo in Quesnel BC in my early years and was immediately drawn to the cow sorting.  Why organizing cows on horse back is so satisfying and addictive, I honestly am not sure. You talk to anyone who's done it and they’ll tell you the same.

“It’s in our blood and heritage”, moving cattle up and down the mountain sides, cross prairie lands and even through water and into ports. Highways in BC were decided by how many cattle survived the pass. The sea to sky being one of the  failures in putting together BC, as you can only imagine, when thinking Lilloeet would be the main hub. It  wasn’t until the 60s that it became a drivable road.

 

The love of the horse and cattle goes deep in North American culture and we can thank the Spanish for that. The “Cowboy” started with the Vaquero and the Cowpuncher, in those names it almost describes itself. 

 

The Vaquero was found in Mexico/California,  moving it’s way up the coast to become the “Buckaroo”,  which is the telephone version of the same name. The culture of the vaquero was to take things slow, “Mañana” is their saying, “take time today for tomorrow”.   Years to create a prized bridle horse, each stage celebrated with artistry, the spade bit being an absolute work of art. Their ropes (reatas, or riatas) at least 60 feet of perfectly braided raw hide. Craftsmanship, artistry and grace were key features to the slow lifestyle of the Vaquero.

 

Meanwhile in the middle, inland, the hurry of the Texas Cowpunchers were moving along influencing the culture. “Get er done” mentality was imperial to beating the heat, cant work cattle in 50 degree sun.  Up at 3 am pounding down breakfast, moving out, no time to dilly-dally. Tough terrain makes tough cowboys. The efficiency, team work and drive from these cowboys is astounding. It became a competition of toughness, speed and effectiveness; creating the rodeo. Being able to sit a bronc for 8 or tie down a calf in 3, became a career for these cowboys. 

 

Though important to note, and something to chew on; the first people had been working bison long before the Spanish introduced cattle. Influencing all aspects to cowboy culture;  tack, fashion, skill and artistry. 

 

Rodeo is a way of life for many people within the nation, it’s become a way out for some, while a deeply spiritual tradition and pride for others. What they offer for community is like nothing I have ever seen.  A gathering of talent, traditions and honouring the animals that have supported our survival since the beginning. A welcoming for all on to sacred land; sharing ceremony, music, costume and dance. In a time of polarization while an attempt at reconciliation; Rodeo holds in neutral ground. 

 

The cowboy is an abstract description of a pioneer and steward to the land, and animals that have paved a way of life. Full of community, music, art, fashion and purpose, inclusive of all genders and race. Where equal pay for cowboys has existed through out history; being next to nothing. It’ s the shape of your hat, ultimately, that will give you away in the end.