Shadow Bay Belgian's is not what you would call your every day farm. The Belgian Draft Horses at Shadow Bay are some of the best on the west coast. We have three mares and one gelding. Our gelding (Thor) used to be our herd sire and when he was a stallion, he was an All American nominee and Supreme Champion at the North Idaho Draft Horse International Show (NIDHI) at Sandpoint, Id. One of our mares, Shadow Bay's Supreme Em is a daughter sired by Thor and she is a good one. A past Jr. Champion and present Grand Champion Mare (2008) at the NIDHI. She is also a past All American. Another mare (Calie) is a present Res. Grand Champion Mare at the NIDHI. Em and Calie also won the Match Mare Team class at Sandpoint in 2008. Our newest mare (Abbie) is from the Midwest and was a member of the Huston Belgian Hitch. She is a great addition to the Shadow Bay mares. Our newest horse was born at Shadow Bay in February of 09. A stud colt out of Abbie and so far he looks like a keeper, at least for the time being.
Showing takes a lot of work and we could not do what we do without the help of fiends and Family members. Many thanks go to Bob and Bonnie Halstead of Woodby Island, Ken Fromm of Spanaway Washington and from the Cramer Classic Hitch (Dan and Tim Cramer) of Lyndon, Washington. Also to my wife Socco for putting up with all this craziness, time and expense.
Shadow Bay Belgians has a past history of breeding, raising and showing champion draft horses and we hope to continue this reputation as we get re-started showing after a few years break. We could not have done any better than we did at Sandpoint in 2008.
We also mix a lot of fun with the horse stuff. Horses is not what our barn is all about. Every now and then we open the barn area up and have a one of a kind barn party. Live musis, dancing, pot lucks, and just good ol' fashioned fellowship is what we enjoy whether at a show or at a barn event.
Life is busy on Lake Chelan's South Shore and it is hard to get away to have fun, so we have built a lifestyle where we not only work on the South Shore, but also enjoy life.
Music
Music is what we love and not just one type of music. There are styles that work for Shadow Bay Belgian events and styles that do not work as well. There are also some types of music we would sooner avoid. The dance bands that perform here tend to be a good mix of R & R, Country, Blues or any other type of music that is good for dancing. The crowds at Shadow Bay Belgians are about as diverse as they come. From the very young (newborn) to Sr. adults, all gather to celebrate an evening of fellowship, music and dance. I guess these crowds are kind of like the old time community barn dances that use to take place 100 years ago. A mix of young and old, all together enjoying the evening and enjoying life.
Listening events have also taken place. These events are more of a concert type event geared more around sitting and enjoying the music.
The events at Shadow Bay Belgians are usually for a mixed crowd. We encourage kids to attend in order to keep the adults in line. Now you don't here that everyday. Anyone who attends an event must do so in a honorable and respectful manor. This is mandatory.
Music is one thing our entire family loves. Where would this world be without music.
Movies
My favorite movies are Westerns. Of those, I love "The Duke". He may not have been the best actor but he was one of the best. I love Robert Duvall in Western Movies and one of my all time favorites, though it was a mini-series, was "Lonesome Dove". "Into the West" is also a great mini-series. Just about any western in color I will enjoy. I love the scenery you see in Western movies. I also like what I call "Thinker" movies. I loved "The sixth sense". A movie with an outstanding ending and one that caught me by surprise at the end. Anyone who has seen this movie knows what I am talking about. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you watch it. Another one I enjoyed was "Dajavue". That one is still not totally clear to me. From time to time, I also really enjoy an old classic or musical. Another great actor is Denzel Washington. I do not think I have seen a bad movie that he has been in. Others on my list would include Gene Hackman, ...
Television
I am not really into television per say. Ask me about today's weekly series and I know nothing. I do enjoy old series like "The Big Valley", "Little House", "The Walton's" and "Gun Smoke". Yes, more western types. On a daily bases, I watch Fox News and NWNC to keep up on things. I enjoy football and basketball on the television on a limited bases.
Books
Honestly, I do not have time to read Novels and so forth though I do admire those who do (so long as it is not over done). I do enjoy reading about Draft Horses, Local History and local news.
Heroes
Oh my! Where do I begin here. I guess I will start with the family. My wife is like a great book from front to back. She also comes with a beautiful cover. She is a wonderful Mother. That in itself makes her worthy of the title "Hero". She is a happy and fun person to be around. She balances out the scale so to speak and with me being half of that scale, that in itself also makes her worthy of the title "Hero". She is without question, the better half of the two of us and I am not afraid to say that. My kids Mandy, Bo, Donny and Hayley are all Heroes to Socco and I. Where would our life be without all of our wonderful children whom we love and admire. In our kids list we must also include JoJo. Our daughter who is not really our daughter but we sure wish she was. Also on that list is Edith, Socco's sister who lived with us for a couple years. My Parents and Socco's Mother we owe so much to both past and present. We are so grateful for the parents we have. My sister Vic, Brother in law Noel and Socco's sisters and brothers are vital in our lives. Where would one be without great brothers and sisters. In this list I must also add my Little Sis Christina. Friends like Brother Ken, Tombo, PD, Mark, Little B, Darin and that list just goes on and on. There are to many to list. There is a very special lady who is a true hero to me. That is my third grade teacher and close friend Mrs. Pingrey. Oh how I admire this lady. Those who serve our country in the armed forces (past and present), are Heroes. There are Heroes who are no longer with us but were so important in my life. Heroes like Jerry, Elizabeth, Walt, Coach Goble and Uncle Carl and that list goes on as well. Their influence is recalled every day. Musically, Mr. Sturtz starts this list as he was the one responsible for making me love and appreciate all types of music, both vocal and instrument. Scott Smith. I admire you and wish you great success. Peggy Ann. God gave you a special gift. Keep making music. and all others who have performed at Shadow Bay Belgians. Now I have really done it. Once you start naming names, you get in trouble, but all of you out there know who you are. As I look way back in life, Wilt Chamberlin was probably my first real hero. I loved watching that giant play ball for the Lakers. I guess I better stop now. I could go on and on and on with those who I admire and could consider Heroes.
Amongst towering Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir which rise up as if to reach for the heavens, the sounds of lake activities forgo a change. Gone will be the man made sounds of recreational watercraft and the crisp South Shore evening air will be filled with the vocal harmonies of performers seeking to please those who are willing to listen. Another night of memories is in the making and shall once more be embedded in the minds of those who attend a function at Shadow Bay Belgians.
The sun sets behind the great "Stormy Mountain" to the west and dusk turns to an ebony black as carefully placed illuminating lights highlight natures majesty with a multitude of colors.
Nestled on a small bench high above "Harverene" and the wondrous body of water known by natives as "Tsillan", this place, once better known for its Champion Belgian Draft Horses, has become more widely known in recent years for its summer events.
The Shadow Bay event venue, while small in size, is enormous as far as the talent it attracts. The little country stage, with its relaxed and low keyed atmosphere, changes as high energy fills the surroundings. The talent and variety of its performers are amongst the best in North Central Washington and all who perform here love to perform at Shadow Bay Belgians. Groups such as "STANDING ROOM ONLY", TILLER'S FOLLY" and "INDY NILE" have performed for young and old alike, for the events at Shadow Bay Belgians have always been geared toward the entire family, with crowds at times totaling upwards of 250. Shadow Bay Belgians has been honored to have individuals such as "SCOTT SMITH", "PEGGY COURTNEY" and "KIMLAI"; as well as youth talent from the "OKANOGAN VALLEY NASHVILLE COUNTRY STARS". The facilities at Shadow Bay Belgians have also been used for other small events such as weddings, birthdays, and other private group events.
This page was established to promote those who have performed at Shadow Bay Belgians as well as those who may perform and other entertainers we just enjoy listening to. All events and activities at Shadow Bay Belgians are either private or invitational events. We do not allow open to the public events. If you are interested in being placed on a list for one of our events, or you know someone performing and would like to attend, please contact Bob Watson Jr. at watsons@watsonsresort.com
A list of summer events may be seen by going to the Watson's Resort web site. So far we have an invitational funraiser concert lined up for the end of June featuring The Okanogan Valley Nashville Stars. There will be a dance in mid July feature "Standing Room Only". Peggy Ann Courtney, Scott Smith and a couple of the Nashville Stars will also be performing this night. "INDY NILE" will perform the first weekend in August. We also hope to feature one or two single performers during the bands breaks. Plans are to have "Tiller's Folly" back to perform Labor Day Weekend. This is one of the most talented group of musicians in then entire Northwest. Shadow Bay Belgians will also host the third annual "Lady's Karaoke at the Barn". This is for Watson's Resort ladies and their guests only. Sorry, no men allowed at this one. We also hope to add one or two single performers to our list to entertain at Watson's Resort, so it looks to be our busiest summer ever as far as entertainment.
Please feel free to visit the Watson's Resort web site at www.watsonsresort.com for more detailed information about the events as well as information about Watson's Resort itself.
If you are a single performer and you are interested in performing at Lake Chelan and Watson's Resort, please let me know. We would like to keep a list on hand for small performances at the resort or to sing during breaks at one of our larger functions. Our email address is watsons@watsonsresort.com
Note: The events at Shadow Bay Belgians are not affiliated in any way with Watson's Harverene Resort Inc. These are private events put on by Bub and Socco Watson, owners of Shadow Bay Belgians. The facilities at Shadow Bay Belgians is closed at all times to the general public and one is only allowed on the property if invited.
well that is really cool..so abe did a good job with them then i take it?? how will gunny and calie match up ya think?
well i had a good weekend..went out to tanya's moms at like 1 and had a bbq and swam in the river which was really warm then left there bout 6 and went over to brittany's we had a few friends over then brandon my friend from auburn came over and stayed the night there with us all and brought his girl friend and his dirt bike and we rode around in the field for a while..was really fun!! nothing like bein on the lake but still had fun!!
well good to hear u guys had a good weekend both personal and business wise!!
Sounds like a typical summer for you... busy, busy, busy! I'm sure the place is looking good and that people there are having a good time.
Also sounds like you're happy with the trailer and the horses, though it also sounds like the horses will be glad to be home too. I have no doubt that they'll be looking good very soon.
Have had a great day here so far. Hit the golf course for the first time and really had fun. Granted there were some frustrating times as well (mainly when the ball was intent on doing the opposite of what I wanted it to do! LOL!) but it was really fun playing, visiting, doing some walking (though we also used a cart) and stuff like that. We also lucked out as it is sort of cloudy today and much cooler. Anyway, I'm excited for the next time we go down, which could be the end of the week.
Happy Monday night! Don't know if your computer is up yet or not, so figured a quick note to say "hi" here would work either way.
Having a heat wave down here. It's been near 90 the last several days and looks to be the case through the weekend. It seems especially hot without my shark swimming pool and without a grass for the breeze to blow across. LOL! Mainly just trying to stay cool, though we have hit the driving range to hit golf balls several times and will hit the golf course tomorrow morning at 8:00. As long as we're home by noon, we should be okay. Anyway, it's been fun giving the golfing a try.
Hope all is well with you guys and that the summer's off to a good start.
yeah the trailer turned out really well looks good!!
and yeah i talked to them yesterday and they were in havin a few drinks with some people..they drove gus and ken said he drives so nice..he's the on that tried killin ken! i guess he has someone back here tho that might buy him so thats good!
Just a quick note to say "hi". I've held off forwarding e-mails to ya until I know you have a new computer. Didn't want you to think I'd forgotten ya though.
A little cooler morning down here. It was hot yesterday but there are a few clouds out this morning and it's breezy. May even put on my wind breaker when I take Tracks out for his run. In some ways it's nice though. In fact, I wouldn't mind a little rain either.
Hope things are going well and it sounds like Ken's having a good trip. Will be anxious to hear how you like the trailer when you see it first hand. Looks like you got a beauty based on the picture though.
Well, better go. Just wanted to personally touch base and let ya know I was thinking about my little brother.
yeah it was a really fun trip up! good to see them and for them to get to meet brittany! we had a good time..then on the way back we went down to the docks and looked at boats! holy cow are there some nice ones lol and then we went whidby island on the way home and stopped on deception pass and walked out on the bridge! (scary) and then down to the water..it was fun!
yeah stopped an saw bo..he is lookin really good..specially compared to how he looked when i got him! he is friendly now to..before he wouldnt let ya walk up to him or anything and now he walks right up to you! pretty cool
well got some stuff to do so i got to go..but ill talk to you later!
Figured it was time to drop by and say "hi". Hope things are going good for ya.
We had a good time at Kayzia's graduation. Amazing how quick the kids grow up. We're really proud of her.
Got an update from Celtic Thunder and they are going to be in Spokane on November 13th. May check into getting tickets when the time comes around. Would be great if you guys could make it over too. Definitely should be a good show. Anyway, it's just a thought.
Not much else. Will be heading south for a short visit before long. Hope to get in my first golf game down there. (With luck there won't be anyone else on the course! LOL!) Then we'll have about 10 days with the kids the end of July. In the mean time our house-sitter will keep Hoke company, enjoy the house and catch up on some movies.
Hugs to Socco and the kids and will try to do a better job of keeping in touch.
and yea thats what bob was sayin he said he was one little wild dude haha!
and okay that would be I've been doin alot of stuff lookin into this truckin stuff so i will keep doin more and talkin to the bank as far as payment and that stuff goes. and ill let ya know more to when i find out more info!
planning on goin up on friday for the day to suprise papa nana before they leave..cuz i havent seen them since i was there last and since i wont get to see them till they get back i figured that would be a good suprise and way to start there trip off so thats my plan for friday!!
as far as the van yea idk if he plans on using it for anything else..cuz so far the only shows he is planning on doin is P&E and Sandpoint and he mentioned something bout Montana but the ones i he has said for sures on on P&E and Sandpoint so idk..
i was gunna see what on the wagon u want all sanded cuz i was gunna maybe do some on the wagon but didnt know where to do weather to go over the lettering or not! and i was gunna see when u wanted them there and was gunna maybe take a weekened and haul them back over there for ya!
its goin well here..just been doin some work on tryin to find out if i get find anyway to get a loan to do the truck school..so been busy with tryin to find that but so far aint havin to good of luck gettin approved with out a signer!
greetings!! i just wanted to see how the family was doing. my family and i just got back from san diego, (my brother's marine boot camp graduation) so ill be home this weekend to spend more time with them before my brother heads to Missouri on another journey.
Ravinwolf Live at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop Memorial Day Weekend! (Sat & Sun night from 7-10pm in the Beer Garden) Hope to see you there!
and no im not yet..i went around yesterday and put some job apps in and doin it again today..so hopefully something comes up..!
and so i was talkin to kenny and idk if ill be able to make it for the car show cuz thats the weekend of the rodeo! so yea jsut thought i would let ya guys know!!
home Safe! Very Rainy! Thank you so much again for the much needed rest and musical inspiration! Your family is wonderful Bub, I will send you pictures we took and look forward to the 4th! I LOVE IT THAT I PLAYED AT THE BARN!
Hi Bub! It has been very busy for sure, but good! I've been traveling a lot, which is fun :D Thanks for stopping by, I was just thinking about you a couple days ago! Hope you are doing well!! Thank you again for all the support.
Hi Bub, How's it going? Hope all is well with you. Time is moving so quickly, it's already been nearly two months since our last hello. Thought I'd stop in for a visit and to wish you a beautiful weekend.
Hey there! Finally getting around to getting a note off.
Hope you've made progress on the broken pipes. What a hassle, huh?!? Hopefully you'll have them taken care of soon and can take a little breather and rest up a little before the official start to the season.
We're doing good. Still on the go a lot and also waiting for a nice day to maybe get some flowers planted and stuff. Seems like this winter will never end. We had a little snow in the air again last week and hail day before yesterday. Nuts!
