Last day ,,, a perfect day ,,, at the rodeo!

Well, it may sound crazy, but, today we again spent a couple of hours on the rodeo grounds in Tucson, standing on the media platform above the chutes! It's been a good last day in the U.S.A., and, it closed the circle from Elko in the beginning and its Western culture to Tucson's cowboy culture. 

First thing in the morning, we checked out the monumental mural at the Tucson City Courthouse, painted by Ignacio Garcia, a well known Southwestern muralist. 

On the rodeo grounds: much more folks visiting today compared to yesterday! We were watching the horses and bulls and cowboys and officials - equally interesting than the competitions!

 

Judges, volunteers, rodeo clown and bull fighters (who keep away the bulls from the competitors) and all the people working to get the rodeo going - what an effort! Team of wranglers on photos below, "zamboni" driver, judges and bullfighters.

 

Horses and bulls seemed extremely relaxed and in great condition:

Every rodeo day starts with the Grand Entry, with flag presentation, a thank-you to the sponsors follows.

 Some more shots from today, bareback riding (my favorite discipline) below:

Barrel Racing

Bull riding:

A lonesome cowboy, getting ready for the ride:

... with his whole equipment:

 

Steer Wrestling below:

Team Roping:

Tie-down Roping:

More of "getting ready" below: horse and bull riding cowboys are usually very wiry and slim, and, very young. In this business you are considered "old" when you are 30 - no wonder,,,

Left a little earlier today to avoid the parking lot chaos, and, enjoyed a pleasant evening, first, with the owners of our place, then, by sitting outside on the patio, watching the stars for the last time!