I was fortunate enough to get to go to Wasilla, Alaska in the beginning of May as a part of my travels as the 2016 Miss Rodeo Oregon. It was such an amazing opportunity because it was a place that I never thought I would get to go and this is why these state titles are so amazing with their endless opportunities.

My ties with Alaska drop all the way back to high school for me, when I was recruited by both the Universities of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Fairbanks for basketball. The week that I was going to take my official visit to Anchorage I got offered to stay at home at Oregon State University so I jumped at the chance.

I would never take back my decision but a part of me has always wondered what was up there, “Way up North… to Alaska!”

I met Laura Stockemer at the 2016 Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant when I tried out for the title. She had been appointed the position of Miss Rodeo Alaska so, in order to be eligible for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, she had to audit a full-sized pageant: they had her come to Oregon. I could not have been more grateful for our paths crossing like they did!

We became close friends and so I excitedly came up for the pageant for the 2016 Miss Rodeo Alaska, to meet the 2016 queen, the 2017 Lady-In-Waiting and invite them to our Oregon pageant in August. I am excited for Shyanne, the 2016 Miss Rodeo Alaska who will be going with me to Las Vegas, Nevada for the big show!

Also, I like to create humorous updates on my thoughts on my travels: here is the Oregonians thoughts on Alaska!

Friday, May 13, Day 1 in Alaska:

Saturday, May 14th, Day 2 in Alaska:

Sunday, May 15th, Day 3 in Alaska:

Monday, May 16th, Day 4 in Alaska:

The trick riding scene here in Alaska is HUGE! I mean probably not as big as Texas, Colorado or California, but compared to Oregon, it’s quite a significant amount. The young women here have all been involved with rodeos, doing different tricks with their horses. They have even traveled down to Colorado where they got to meet the Vold Family and train with them!

What an amazing opportunity I had as they didn’t try to hinder me, but instead channeled my enthusiasm for all things equestrian and got me on the horse ripping around the arena doing crazy tricks! (By “ripping” I mean at a casual walk and the occasional brisk trot!)

Tuesday, May 17th, Day 5 in Alaska:

Wednesday, May 18th, Day 6 in Alaska:

 

My trip to Alaska was more fun than could be imagined! I think about the only thing I didn’t include in my updates was when Laura and I went for a “quick” four wheeler ride and I was a total rookie and got stuck on a steep, rocky cliff overlooking the mud flats and ocean when the tide was coming in! Thank heavens for a wench and Laura’s mad skill for getting me out… and also getting me to the airport in time to catch my flight!

I can’t believe all the new friends that I made, I also can’t believe that my good friend from the Corvallis Knights was working in Anchorage and we were able to catch up with him! Lou’s dad is a top Thoroughbred racehorse trainer so I love talking racehorses with him just like the good ole days hanging out in the dugouts before Corvallis Knights games! Also, I am hoping he can get the Miss Rodeo Alaska and Rodeo Alaska groups on the TV station that he works for up there!

Until next year Alaska, I can’t wait to come back and see you all again!