Thread: Brrrrrr, it's cold out there

Originally Posted by Wullie

I've got a funny story about some Canadians.

Back in the mid 60's we lived in N, TX not too far from the Red River. Primarily wheat farm/ranching area. One of the neighboring ranches raised Charolais cattle. THey had a pretty big spread. Couple of gents came to TX from Alberta to look at some of the herd for purchase. The foreman called over and wanted to know if I would help gather the cattle. I saddled up and rode a couple miles over to their ranch.

When I got there the Canadians wanted to know why I had a heavy coat and slicker tied on my saddle as it was about 60°F at the time. I told them to look to the North and they could figure it out. Guess neither of them had seen or experienced a "blue Norther" in TX. Most of the North sky was a bluish black color at the time. They chuckled and told me it didn't get cold in Texas. I shook my head and headed off into the pasture to gather cattle. The Canadians had saddled up and headed off with the owner to another pasture.

About an hour later that front came in like a freight train. Winds blowing 40 to 50, temps dropped into the 20's after half an hour or so, and then the rain started. It was rank. I stayed with it and brought the cattle in about 5 hours later. I had icicles hanging off my reins and my hat brim. My feet were numb and I had trouble telling when they were on the on the ground when I closed the gate on the pen. I looked around and saw the owner coming in with a fair sized bunch so I mounted up and rode out to help him. When we got situated he asked if I'd seen those )#*&$@!!!!! Canadians. Told him I'd not seen hide nor hair of 'em. We got the rest of the cattle penned and I saw the two horses they were riding, tied up, in the rain, with their saddles still on 'em. I dumped their saddles in the mud and put the horses in the barn.

We found the Canadians sitting in their truck with the heater running full blast.

The did allow as how that was the coldest they'd ever been.

I called 'em candy asses and then I rode home unsaddled, put my horse in the barn, and spent a while thawing out

Well done Sir!

They brought shame to my fellow Canucks not only for their wussiness, but for their shameful treatment of their mounts. May their saddles always be muddy.

Wullie

What a bunch of idjits, you always listen to the locals. Anytime you see a bluish/black sky you got a storm coming in and usually a good one. Got to agree with Cangooner, you look after your horse and tack first your body comes last. Never thought that an Albertan would be so insensitive.

Bob

Originally Posted by Wullie

When I got there the Canadians wanted to know why I had a heavy coat and slicker tied on my saddle as it was about 60°F at the time. I told them to look to the North and they could figure it out. Guess neither of them had seen or experienced a "blue Norther" in TX. Most of the North sky was a bluish black color at the time.

\\

Ohhh, bad memories, very bad memories.

I was up on the rig floor just south of San Antonio one night wearing a T-shirt and jeans. It was warm and foggy. Mosquitos were the biggest concern and also the odd rattler brought in by the rig vibrations.

The "Blue Norther" hit with no warning. By the time I could get back to the truck I was shaking so hard I could not talk. One of the guys wrapped me up in a blanket and I finally warmed up. Luckily, no snow or rain just bone chilling wind. I know whereof Wullie speaks.

Originally Posted by rolodave

\\

Ohhh, bad memories, very bad memories.

I was up on the rig floor just south of San Antonio one night wearing a T-shirt and jeans. It was warm and foggy. Mosquitos were the biggest concern and also the odd rattler brought in by the rig vibrations.

The "Blue Norther" hit with no warning. By the time I could get back to the truck I was shaking so hard I could not talk. One of the guys wrapped me up in a blanket and I finally warmed up. Luckily, no snow or rain just bone chilling wind. I know whereof Wullie speaks.

LOL. Been there. Ain't fun. Maybe it's because I live in the city now, but I haven't seen a "blue Norther" in over ten years. We get the storms with the ice and snow, but I can not recall seeing the whole Northern sky looking like it did when I lived out in the boonies when those things would come come barreling in.

As for the two idjits? I've met a LOT of Canadians since then. All of 'em have been stand up gents, with the exception of one. The truckers from Western Canada are some good hands. I guess the two mentioned in the story had some bad up bringin'.