What Batologists Do on Their Nights Off

I only have one night off every two weeks (unless there is inclement weather which is rare), so when I am given a night off it is a big deal and a very welcome break from my work. This past Saturday Liz gave us the night off and it was perfect timing because it was the weekend of the San Saba rodeo and country dance! San Saba is a very small town, but from what I had heard the rodeo would be well attended. I had never been to a rodeo before since I do not enjoy watching the bronco and bull riding, but I was eager to see the barrel racing event and just be around the smell and sounds of horses.
Before we could leave for the rodeo, which began at 7pm, we had a few small chores we had to finish so that we would be ready to mist net the next night. All we had left to do was check PNC traps and since it was swelteringly hot outside, we decided we would go for a swim in the river once we finished and before heading back to the house to get ready for our big night. As we were walking to the river we decided that swimming in and of itself was not exciting enough. Recalling Liz’s stories of skinny dipping in Costa Rica and with adrenaline pumping through our bodies at the prospect of our fun night, we found ourselves sufficiently motivated to strip off all of our clothes and dive into the San Saba River.
For those of you who have never experienced skinny dipping, I highly recommend it. I felt liberated and the thought that we might be caught red handed in the middle of the day made it all the more of an adventure. Usually we are the only people in this area of the river since it is on John and Jimma’s private property, however on this particular day voices floated down to us from up stream. It wasn’t long before we saw a person around the river bend, so we hastily grabbed our swimming suits from a hanging branch and surreptitiously exited the water. I think we made it safely to shore and I am hoping no one caught a glimpse of my pasty white backside.
Revived from our refreshing and adventurous trip to the river, Kristen and I rushed back to the house and prettied ourselves up for the rodeo. I have worn makeup only once this summer, so it felt strange to get ready. I also have not shaven my legs for the whole summer and decided to let them remain hairy for the rodeo. I have gotten attached to my furry appendages and the chance of attracting some attention from cowboys did not seem enough of an incentive to me. Not shaving just seems to go along with the atmosphere of this summer. Somehow roughing it and going natural makes the experience feel more authentic.
When we were finally ready, we drove into town, our spirits high with excitement. It was a gorgeous day and the sun was setting a brilliant red/orange. I brought my red and white spaghetti strap dress that flares out around me when I twirl for the dance, but was disappointed that I had no cowgirl boots to accompany it. The cowboys did not seem to mind my lack of boots or my hairy legs for as soon as Kristen and I stepped out of the car we were blinded with dazzling smiles from the cowboys. There is something very appealing about a man who dresses nicely and these cowboys knew how to dress. Shiny cowboy boots, colorful long sleeve button up shirts, and fancy cowboy hats to top it all off. Not to mention shiny silver belt buckles that gleamed in the setting sun. Yes, the men looked very nice, but I could not take my eyes off of the beautiful horses they were riding. I think I may have disappointed a few men as they realized my appreciative gaze landed on their mounts instead of on themselves. Kristen had a hard time pulling me away from the horses, but eventually we made our way to the bleachers and watched the rodeo events.
The bull riding and bucking broncos were unpleasant to watch, but I really enjoyed the barrel racing and the overall environment. Unfortunately, there was a rodeo clown and as most of you know I hate clowns. This one was particularly annoying as it took time away from the horses and made very bad jokes. During these boring intermissions, Kristen and I entertained ourselves by looking for cowboys to dance with later in the night. We spend all of our time on John and Jimma’s orchard and don’t run into the locals on a weekly basis, so the thought of meeting new people was very exciting.
Once the rodeo ended, most people made their way over to the outdoor dance floor. There was live music and it was a clear night so the stars were shining brightly overhead. There is very little light pollution out here, so the stars are extraordinarily bright; sometimes it is so bright I do not need to use my head lamp at night. Kristen and I were unfamiliar with any of the country dancing so we spent some time on the side watching some of the older couples and pretty soon the two of us picked it up. Unfortunately, none of the men had asked us to dance, so we decided to dance with each other for a song.
As we walked off the dance floor, Kristen was immediately approached by an Argentinean man who asked her to dance. His friend Frederico came over and began chatting with me. I found out that he and his friends are from Argentina and are polo riders on Tommy Lee Jones’ ranch, which is in San Saba! Liz and Juan Jose had met us at the rodeo, and they began chatting with the polo riders in Spanish and I was excited that I could understand almost all of what was being said.
Frederico’s friend Jose asked me to dance and I had a fun time teaching him the country dance I had just taught myself  Jose explained that after each song, everyone leaves the dance floor to grab a quick drink and then heads back onto the dance floor. If a guy asks you to dance again, it is a sign that he thinks you are a good dancer and is interested. I think this was a hint, because Jose continued to ask me to dance. After a few songs we decided to take a short break and went over to talk to his friends. I noticed that Carlos, the guy Kristen had been dancing with, was moping and I also noticed that Kristen was not around.
“Where did Kristen go?” I asked him. “She is dancing with another man,” he dejectedly waved his hand in the direction of the dance floor. “I don’t want to cry in front of everyone, but…you know…my heart, it is breaking.” I did feel sorry for him, but I had to hide a smile. Latin American men can be very melodramatic. Eventually Kristen returned, and Carlos swept her off her feet to the dance floor again and monopolized her for the rest of the time he remained. It was not too long, however, before the Argentineans said their goodbyes as they headed off to a party at a friend’s house. They tried very hard to get us to come, but we insisted we wanted to stay at the dance. Jose asked for my email (since my stupid phone has decided not to work!) and pecked me on the cheek goodnight. I am really hoping he emails so that I can visit Tommy Lee Jones’ ranch. He has 320 horses!
Liz and Juan Jose headed home shortly after, so Kristen and I were left standing alone for a bit. A group of cowboys that we had seen earlier in the night was standing next to us and I was desperately hoping that they would ask us to dance. Unfortunately, they were surrounded by a throng of girls from the rodeo who were way too young for them. Kristen and I were just about to go dance with each other when a striking cowboy in a pink long sleeved shirt and a white cowboy hat walked over and asked Kristen to dance. Following his cowboy booted heels was his friend who asked me to dance. I was so ecstatic and excited to be dancing with a cowboy! The Argentineans were a lot of fun, but I wanted the authentic Texas experience 
The cowboy and I introduced ourselves and asked where the other was from and what we were doing in San Saba. His name was Cody and he had come to San Saba to ride in the rodeo! He had ridden a bucking bronco earlier in the evening and I was surprised he was up for dancing. I really dislike the bronco riding, but it was interesting to hear him talk about the sport. He was a nice enough guy, but was quite full of himself and was a terrible teacher. Everyone else was doing the dance I had learned earlier, but for some reason Cody decided to mix it up. This would have been fine except that it resulted in him smashing my toes with his cowboy boots since he ignored my requests to teach me the song. Despite all that, it was still really fun.
He led me off the dance floor at the end of the song and we started chatting. Eventually his friend Blake strolled over. Blake is not what my type is typically: very tall, burly and gruff looking, but I had the most fun with him. I think Blake had wanted to dance with me earlier, but had been too shy to ask because he looked over questioningly at Cody who then said to me, “You should dance with this guy. He’s a great dancer!”
“I would love to, but I don’t know all the dances.” I replied, hoping that Blake would offer to teach me.
“Oh I’m a great teacher, don’t worry! Come on!” Blake enthusiastically explained and then led me out onto the dance floor. Despite his large size he was very graceful and he really was a patient and knowledgeable teacher. We must have made quite the picture: little me in a red and white striped dress and his stalwart frame towering over me in his cowboy boots and hat. Blake and I had a great time dancing and talking. He asked about me and I explained that I went to school in Boston and was here for the summer researching bats. He was the most enthusiastic listener I have found thus far. He kept asking me questions and at one point exclaimed that I was “like the people on the Discovery channel.” I found that rather entertaining.
When the song ended, we left the dance floor and started talking with some of his friends. I danced with Cody a few more times, but I really looked forward to the dances with Blake. As I got the hang of the dance, he started twirling and spinning me around. We made a very good dance couple and I really enjoyed the night.
Eventually the band packed up and we had to leave, but by the time the night ended, I had seen my first rodeo, danced with Argentinean polo riders from Tommy Lee Jones’ ranch, and danced the night away with Texan cowboys! I think it was quite a success and I can’t wait for my next rodeo.