Riders in the Sky and Bobbie at Buck Lake Ranch, Angola, Indiana, Photos here Sept 13,1998 Show #3825 for RITS, #54 for me (27 for Al,15 for James, 8 for Jessica, and 2 for Sarah) Three hours later, as the alarm rang, and knowing that I had not had near enough sleep, I downed a cup of coffee and started the next leg of my adventure. Forturnately, Al was going to do the driving, so all I had to do was get ready, pick up James, Jessica and Sarah, --- get us all packed up and on the road, -------- and then I could rest a little more. The three hour drive passed quickly, as we sang Rider's songs and ate the many snacks that we had brought along, and before we knew it, we were following the signs into Buck Lake Ranch!! Then another, -- and another, and we were there!!!!! All RIDER'S show are wonderful, but Buck Lake Ranch has to be one of their more perfect venues, and today WAS perfect!!! Prefect day, - Perfect weather, - Perfect show! Cap't Carl looked great in a red ranger shirt with 'Cactie' as he greeted us when we arrived, and we had great seats waiting for us in the third row!!! The photos were taken after the show, --- while we were waiting for the crowd to thin out a bit. Buck Lake Ranch is a bit of history, as it was very popular in the 40's and 50's. Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Elvis, Loretta Lynn, Tex Ritter and Dolly Parton are but a few of those who appeared on their stage. And Trigger was not only on the stage, but he also went though the stage, when one leg found a weak spot in the floor! As you can see by the photo, most of the seating is on a hill, but we chose to be in the reserved in the front section, so that we did not have to worry about being late, and not getting good seats. There was a show going on when we arrived, but since our seats were reserved, we chose to walk around a while after sitting in the van for so long, but as time for Riders came closer, we made our way to our seats, - hot dogs in hand- and settled down for another wonderful show. Before Riders came on, some autographed frisbees from a local radio station were thrown to the crowd, --- and ol'e long armed 6' 4 Al managed to grab one! A real treat of a souviner, as we have all the RITS stuff already. Our cowboys were in their usual magnificent form, and gave yet another wonderful performance, complete with kids on stage...the hit of the number being a little guy called "Ranger Pete" who was dressed like the sharpest little Ranger this side of the Rockies! Jessica and Jamie did not go on stage, of course, but they enjoyed it just the same. The play list was the typical list that they have been doing recently with the addition of "160 Acres", as requested by Al. I didn't have time to take notes, as Jessica was sitting on my lap most of the show. The seat in front of her was occupied by a lady with a huge sun hat, ---- so we just left her seat empty and I held her. (My favorite way to watch a show anyway!!) One monent she would be bouncing up and down to the spirited music, and the next nearly asleep as she melted into a softer tune. There is no nicer way to watch a show! When it came time for "questions", there were many, -- but I don't remember then. I do however remember the one that Jamie talked me into asking. --- After taking a real deep breathe, I proceeded to ask --in a much longer form -- why Palendrome's name is not a Palendrome. --- It made the guys think, --- Woody said it was a really good guestion, and then Slim remembered that Palendrome's name is really "Bob Ottobob", so it isn't his name in the first place. (But then --- "Palendrome, Palendrome, what's in a name?"........???) I do, also, remember the winning question... It was a young boy who won the 8 track tape by asking "Can I have that thing in your hand?" My only complaint is that the show ended, -- but then they all seem to do that. :( Of course we stayed around long enough to get pictures of the kids with the guys, and talk a few minutes, but then after a short play on the swings, and posing for a couple pictures, it was back in the van, and off to Ponderosa for dinner. After that, with full tummies and the sun down, Jessica, Jamie and Sarah shortened their rides home by sleeping most of the way. I chose to stay awake, and relive the show - over, and over and over................. Bobbie