Here are some needed thanks for this year since I didn’t get to thank many of them personally – since we were out there forever. We had big plans to finish early in the day, sit back and drink some beers, open some champagne, and party with you guys. . . . Well, I can say that I am walking today – that’s about as good as I am functioning. Another "story" will be sent your way about our view of the race – I’m sure it will be a funny one since we really try to have fun doing it. Right now though, I will say my thanks and return to bed for about the third time today!

To Leiza’s Mom: thank you so much for allowing everyone to utilize your wonderful ranch. What a great place to have an adventure race. Let me say . . . We had some adventures out there! I hope that you will continue to allow Rattlesnake Racing to use the ranch for future torture (I mean fun) events!

To Leiza, Jim, and Corey: Thank you guys for putting on two of the best races that we have ever done. Everything was great! And it was so encouraging to hear Corey continually doing the snake call for me! Fortunately we did our own snake dance the night before by the sacrifice of one of their kind! I can say only wonderful things about you guys, Rattlesnake Racing, and the events you guys put on. I think it really introduces people to West Texas. It brings us city folks out to the country. Someone asked me what we "won" or "got" for doing that race. I told them it’s not what you physically take home like a trophy, but the other things that you leave with: friendship, learning experiences, respect, and pride to name a few. Thanks for helping us attain those things.

To the "corn man": thanks for the corn, man. That was great after eating nothing all day except Gu and water, the food hit the spot! And the service was five star!

To the "food people": what a saving grace to have the food out there. Even though we were not finishing and trying to eat until after 10 p.m. they were there for us, getting us whatever we needed, cheerful, and supportive. You guys were great!

To Lee: You were a sight for sore eyes at checkpoint whatever number that was! We were beginning to think that we had been transported to some other planet where no humans live since we hadn’t seen anyone in a really long time! Thanks for being out there all day (and all night) for everyone and the support you gave.

To Ruby and Abe: I sure didn’t know you guys would be out there. Thanks for the support, and thanks for the place to stay! What great food and accommodations. We’re looking forward to next year.

To all the other volunteers that I didn’t mention: It couldn’t happen without you and the support is wonderful, especially after you’ve been cooking for almost 14 hours and there’s still people there at the finish cheering when you come across. What a wonderful feeling! Any other race everyone would have been packed up. You’re great!