Holbrook here we come

It's Thursday before a contest and that means I run around like a chicken with my head cut off making sure the last things are done before heading out in the morning.  Suitcase needs to be packed, ice chests need to be loaded, truck get hooked up and the trailer is almost ready to go.
Cassy always knows we are leaving and she is well aware that she needs to be going, too.  If the back door on the truck is open, she'll be sittin' in the seat waiting patiently.
Holbrook, Arizona is waiting for us...and we don't want to keep'em waiting.  We hope to bring home some cash and hardware this time around.  Wish us luck.

Independence Day

Wishing all our family and friends a safe and fun filled holiday.  Give thanks for those who have fought and sacrificed so all can enjoy our liberties.

Northern Arizona BBQ Festival 2013

Another great weekend in Williams at the Northern Arizona BBQ Festival is in the books.  The weather was a real treat with highs in the mid 80's and lows near 50 at night, especially after the extreme heat we cooked in the weekend before at home in Vegas. 

We got there early on Friday morning and set up while it was still cool...even at that, Cassy still seeks out shade. 

Sin City Smokers came back again this year. 

VooDoo ZomBQue came back to compete again this year as well.  We enjoyed having them as our neighbors again this year.  (Love the new wrap on their trailer)

Little Miss BBQ herself, Vivian is now 14 months old.  Bekke and Scott are proud parents...as they should be. 

Timm working on ribs.

Crystal working on chicken. 

P.S.  We love our trailer. It's works really well for us. 

Prepping box for pork turn-in.

Cherry cheese cake dessert turn-in.

Waiting for awards...why can't they start on time. 

Our first time to win a 1st place...in any category.  We received it in dessert...woohoo...cherry cheese cake. To make it even better...it received a perfect score of 180....and paid $600. 

We finished in the 11th spot, tying with 10th on total score...however, the first tie breaker (brisket) had our score just a bit lower, bringing us to 11th overall. 

Other placements we received...

chicken, 11th

ribs, 7th

pork, 18

brisket, 16

Congrats to Little Miss BBQ for their repeat performance of Grand Champion and Rhythm'nQue for Reserve Grand Champion.    

We had the pleasure of meeting several great people including some guys from Great Britain.  They were interested in the smoker and how it works, they came back on Saturday for samples and were super excited to taste the food.  We were talking with another gal we gave samples to about Operation BBQ Relief...she and her husband lost their home in Joplin MO and actually received meals from OBR.  What a small world it really is.  We sent a box of meat home for her hubby, we received a really nice and sincere email from them. We gave the rest of our prepared meats to folks from Camp Civitan.  They operate a special needs camp in the area and were super excited to receive the donation.  They assured us the campers were going to be very happy to enjoy great bbq.  It's a blessing to be able to share with such wonderful people. 

We stuck around a few extra days to enjoy the area.  It's a great place to explore.  We didn't go into Grand Canyon NP...my knees just weren't up to a whole lot of walking.  But we did drive through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, and took Cassy swimming in Dogtown Lake and White Horse Lake.  We also visited Bearizona.  You can see photos from those adventures at our other blog, Trailhound Adventures.

Heading for some cooler country

That's right, we are header for higher, cooler country this weekend.  We'll be in Williams AZ for the Northern Arizona BBQ Festival.

Last weekend Timm cooked both days in the record breaking heat.  It was 114 degrees on Saturday and 109 on Sunday.  It's a good thing everyone enjoyed and appreciated their food.  ;)

We are so looking forward to highs in the mid 80's with a low of 50...it will be like heaven.  Cassy will enjoy as well.  She'll also enjoy time spent at a lake or two in the area.  It's been a long time since she has had a chance to play in the water like that.  She has a kiddie pool here at home, but she only stands in it. 

We hope to hear a name at awards and bring home a few bucks but just being able to spend time in the Williams area is a winning time for us.  We'll even hit Bearazona...it's such a neat place.  

9th overall in Best Dam BBQ

Best Dam BBQ is in the books.  It was a great weekend, the weather was pleasant, we had great neighbors, and we came out of it with a decent placement.  

Although the chicken had great flavor, it was too dark.

The ribs were tasty for sure. 

I gotta say, the pork was amazing!  We changed up the recipe on it this time and I think its a keeper. 

As far as brisket goes, it was way too peppery for my taste but it was our highest placing category.  It was a thinner brisket than I normally like to use. 

Scott and Christy came out to help.  They helped out with the NVBBQA potluck Friday night and came back out on Saturday.  Christy ran all the boxes for me...such a big help!  Scott and Timm watch the pit and the meat.  Thank you so much you guys!

I painted up a few signs for the event.  Didn't sell many, but that's okay.  They'll be on Etsy this week.  

Cassy loves on daddy while waiting for awards.  She is such an awesome dog and mascot.  

Devil Pups did an amazing job once again.  

I think one of the most exciting things I am happiest about all weekend is the 2nd place call in ribs for Satisfied Hogs!  They also got 6th in brisket.  They finished just in front of us in 8th place.  We're so proud of them.  

We were pleased with our results.  

14th...chicken

14th...ribs

12th...pork

10th...brisket

9th overall

We decided to donate our winnings to Operation BBQ Relief.  It's something we really feel good about and we know it will do lots of good in the Moore, OK area. 

Nevada BBQ Association was well represented.  We had a great time with many of them on our row.  Timm got to visit with many of the teams, I tend to stick close to our site.  

Hats off to Kathy Hicks and her team at the Rotary Club.  They put on a fabulous event that has really grown since she has been in charge.  We look forward to next year's event!

Memorial Day

As most of us gather for a barbecue, remember those that sacrificed so we are able to so.

Happy Memorial Day.

Operation BBQ Relief deploys to Moore Oklahoma

The devastation of tornadoes hitting the midwest is almost impossible to comprehend...especially for someone like me that has never really been through anything sooooo devastating and scary..  People in Moore OK have been practically wiped off our map with a huge tornado with winds in excess of 200 miles per hour.

  

Operation BBQ Relief is deploying Tuesday morning to Moore OK to help feed the victims, first responders and other volunteers that are also heading to the area to help out however they can.  Operation BBQ Relief is a non-profit 501-3c corporation that started in 2011 when they gave food and aid to Joplin MO.  You can help them by making a donation of any amount you can spare...every little bit helps.  They will be there for weeks to come.  If you are near enough or just feel the need to help out even more, contact them  about being there on the ground to help cook for the thousands of people that will need to be fed.  

Prayers are needed...pray for all the victims of these recent tornadoes, pray for the first responders, pray for all the volunteers.  

Also, please go donate blood.  It will be in high demand as victims go through surgeries and recovery.