In March , Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. hosted the RODEO. From the moment we arrived we knew exactly where we were since the aroma captivated your sense of smell. Personally I can't say it was earth-shaking excitement, but there were those who expressed their devotion to the show by wearing their finest western attire and getting connected with western traditions.
Howdy, Cowboys!
The show began with an all star parade.
Calf Roping
There were animal rights activists on the boardwalk and I certainly appreciated their sentiments regarding the treatment of animals. There were times that I cringed when the calves were booted to exit the the holding pen only to be roped and forcefully put down.
Bucking Broncos
If an individual enjoys being tossed into the air by a large bull or bucking horse ---way to go.
Cowgirls
The barrel racing event was entertaining, the horses deserved the applause.
The show did not keep me on the edge of my seat. Perhaps the return of the rodeo next year might entice me to say, "Saddle up ."
It was an interesting day today. Evening was approaching and a moderate wind prevailed. A perfect time for the planes to release their cargo of fertilizer on the precious Pinelands cranberry bogs. Farmers must follow a chemical and fertilizer schedule religiously. Any applications of fertilizer or pesticides must be carefully monitored and approved making certain the grower follows appropriate guidelines. It never becomes boring to watch the pilot dip and dive the plane as he tries to cover all ground area in need of the necessary application.
The pilot watches carefully as the ground crew prepares to load the fertilizer.
As the propellers quickly turned the noise became quite loud but exciting. It was intriguing seeing the preparation for lift off.
Two planes were serving the area that day. There are many acres of cranberries in the Pinelands and conditions must be right for the pilots to fly. Wind, and general weather conditions are factors and the right chemical or fertilizer must be applied on schedule for the vines to grow and produce their valuable crop.
Suddenly the plane appears. As the pilot uses his skills to guide the plane over the bog, once again it becomes a job well done.
