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It didn’t rain. That was just one of the many highlights at the Shootout on the Santa Fe, hosted by the Fort White Cowboy Cavalry on October 13th, 2007. After experiencing somewhat less than ideal conditions during the previous two years, the weatherman cooperated and the sun shone bright and warm all day long for the 108 shooters who enjoyed a Founder’s Day celebration in the community of Bodie. The little town of Bodie had been quiet for years, ever since the gold played out at the Lost Chance Mine. But when a new vein of pure gold was struck, the riches were cause for celebration. The town fathers threw a party, and a momentous affair it was—snake oil salesmen and territorial governors attended, the stores got a fresh coat of paint, the telegraph connected Bodie to the rest of the world, and a new public outhouse was installed right down on Main Street. But all the attention attracted a few more unsavory elements as well, who tried to use the day’s distractions to relieve the good citizens of some of their recently acquired affluence. It all made for an exciting day in Bodie, with shootouts and shenanigans worthy of the shindig! The shooting was fast and furious, with (mostly) big targets, and only a couple of places where you had to think a bit. You did have to be careful not to get burned along with the outhouse, and you had to watch out for those bullets flying by you and hitting the watering trough. Everyone seemed to enjoy shooting from the palisades of our new fort on Berm 8, which we spent several days building during the weeks leading up to the match. The match ran smoothly, with every posse finishing at 1:00, followed by lunch from Sonny’s BBQ and the door prize drawings and awards. Gun Dawg was the winner of our “Name the Livery” contest, so we’ll have a new sign painted there in the near future. The fastest shooter of the day was Badlands Drifter, who was also rewarded with a lovely teddy bear for his efforts at the shooting gallery. The quickest lady was Slow Loadin’ Katie, who also beat all but five of the gentlemen. And, in the man-on-man shootoff, Kid Hawkins somehow proved the old adage about blind pigs and acorns. Our thanks go out to everyone who assisted with the match, either by working on the many props, targets and other details, or serving as RO’s: Deadly Sharpshooter, Purdy Sharp, Slow Loadin’ Katie, Sapphire Kid, Major Mishap, Susie Swiers, Messe James, Dani Oakley, Redeye Roy, One Eye Bullseye, Delta Glen, Hawkeye Gin, Jesse Toothpick, Whistling Drifter, Yadkin Hawks, Crooked River Bob, Zack McGee, Wigley Down Yonder, Oakley Mouse, Turkey Creek Red, Night Train Kate, Greta Dee, Brucester Diamond, Alligator Jack, Blue Run Nellie, Colonel Thomas, Trooper Brown, Cherokee Firehawk, Pat McAlhany, Linda Evans, and Doc Caraway. We’d also like to thank our vendors who set up at the match or supported us through generous donations: Bullets by Chance, Happy Pappy’s Kit and Kaboodle Cowboy Clothing, Cowtown Katy’s Emporium, Andrews Custom Leather, Pickett Weaponry Service, Brownells, Space Coast Bullets, and Starline. Our match could not have been the great success it was without everyone’s contributions. And finally, our sincerest thanks to all the cowboys and cowgirls who came to our party. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Shootout on the Santa Fe! Kid Hawkins
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