Frank & Senses

Well, it’s time for actions to speak louder than words! Over Memorial Day Weekend I was introduced to a true rock climbing legend, Frank Sanders.

Frank is the owner of Devils Tower Climbing and is the most experienced Devils Tower climber on record. He has conquered Devils Tower in less than twenty minutes, climbed 22 hours straight, reached the top over a dozen times in one day and set the majority of courses climbers follow today.

During my initial meeting with Frank I was somehow roped into climbing the tower. If that’s not bad enough, I volunteered Jamie to join the fun.

I’ve been excited for this opportunity for a month now and when Frank asked me to show up at 7 a.m. the morning of July 5th I could hardly wait. We arrived at his place at 7 a.m. on the dot and I was raring to go. Jamie…not so much.

We were fitted with gear, warmed up on the training wall, and received our first lesson. The schoolhouse on Devils Tower would handle the next lesson. But for two hours as we trained on the climbing wall all I kept saying was, “Frank are we going to get to the top today?” Frank would consistently reply, “We’ll give it our best shot.”

As we continued our training Frank would say, “breathe.” “You can’t do pull ups all day” and other catch phrases that proved to be so true.

Guys tend to think big, work fast, measure success by winning, not learning, etc, etc and I didn’t show up to learn. I wanted to win. I wanted to stand on top of Devils Tower.

We loaded our gear and headed to what Frank calls the “schoolhouse.” It’s a column in Devils Tower that soars to the sky just like the other hundred columns but the schoolhouse has a moderate difficulty level and provides a perfect place for a second lesson.

Rock climbers measure difficulty using a scale of 5. - 5.14. According to the park service Devils Tower ranges from 5.7 -5.13. According to my experience the entire Tower is a 5.14!

Nonetheless, we hiked the walking path to the north end and trekked up the rocky base of the Tower. Along the way we passed many tourists and each one asked if we were headed to climb the tower. Jamie and I were nervous yet excited to say “Yes!” As we continued along the trail, Frank said “you know, everyone of those people is jealous of you.”

By this time it’s 9:30 a.m. and I’m as excited as a grown man in the Bass Pro Shop.

We unpacked our gear which basically included 250 feet of rope, climbing shoes, and a hard hat. Frank set the line and asked who wanted to be first. I’ll give you one guess who went first and a hint: it wasn’t Jamie.

As soon as I was tied in I set the tower on fire. Well, for at least ten feet. It was at that moment I knew what Frank meant when he said you can’t do pull ups all day.

As I struggled to get higher and higher my mind started to tell me something wasn’t right. I was working so hard and moving so slow.

I would yell down “You got me Frank?” about every ten feet until I got to the top of our first test run. When I stood on the small rock platform that was just big enough for two size 12 feet I had a feeling as if I was on top of Mount Everest.

Even at merely a quarter of the way to the top there was a sense of accomplishment as I was forced to stare down my fears. Rock climbing is a lot like bullfighting. They both involve fear and an opponent bigger than you.

For the next two hours Jamie and I would alternate climbing a run and rappelling down in an effort to get comfortable with the task at hand. Each course Frank set was harder and higher than the previous and truly tested my will to win as I inched closer to the set mark.

I didn’t stand on top of Devils Tower today but I didn’t back down from my fears either.

We are going back to the tower Aug 15th and I will climb for the top. I now have the knowledge to go with my determination.

Rock climbing gets a rap much like rodeo in that people say it’s crazy. But I encourage you to personally challenge that theory and put climbing Devils Tower on your bucket list.

I’ll wager to say you will learn rock climbing requires patience, endurance, confidence and perseverance - characteristics crazy people don’t have.

I certainly learned that much. But more importantly, Jamie and I made a lifelong friend.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Independence Day ~ Wyoming Style

July is a busy month but as previously stated in my blog, Jamie and I decided to slow down long enough to enjoy the Fourth of July with my parents.

We are camping at Devils Tower KOA and loving every minute of it.

Today is a day of celebration for Americans across the country and if you’re in a big city, small town, or national park I bet pride in the USA is heartfelt this July 4th.

Devils Tower is located in the northeast corner of Wyoming in Crook County. Crook County covers 2,871 square miles of pristine landscape and has approximately 6,000 residents. There are no big city lights, theme parks or fancy theater shows.

The values of community, honesty, and friendship still exist here and were demonstrated during the annual Devils Tower Fourth of July bash held at the KOA.

At 6 p.m. we made our way to the free BBQ that is open to the public. While visiting with locals and travelers alike, talk of a fireworks show started to spread. Come to find out, the KOA not only hosts a free BBQ but also leads the charge for an over-the-top fireworks display held annually at 10 p.m. on Independence Day.

After eating we decided to walk into the national monument and try our luck photographing the tower at sunset. It’s a sight that everyone needs to experience. There is something about the tower that is inspiring and creates a feeling that is impossible to duplicate.

When night fell we made our way back to the camper and got ready for the fireworks show. We weren’t alone. You can imagine when entertainment is to be had in Crook County, people turn out.

I can’t say I did an official head count tonight but I can say with certainty the large majority of Crook County’s residents were lined up along the road waiting on the show. Cars were parked for miles along the roadsides, lawn chairs lined the ditches, kids squirmed in their parent’s laps, and many hearts were grateful to call America home.

The fireworks were so powerful campers shook, kids screamed with excitement and dogs ran wild. It was quite the display and just goes to show, you don’t have to live in the big city to have a big time.

Stay tuned as tomorrow I will try to conquer the tower with Frank Sanders of Devils Tower Climbing.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Third Time’s The Charm

Since our Memorial Day trip to Devils Tower I have tried to see the Vore Buffalo Jump.

Since the site doesn’t open until 13 June, I was too early Memorial Day. My hope was to see it when Jamie and I came back to climb Devils Tower. On Friday we set out to see the Vore Jump only to experience some scattered thunderstorms causing the site to be closed.

It’s an easy little trip from Devils Tower full of wildlife viewing opportunities and arguably some of the most pristine scenery in all of Wyoming. So we don‘t mind the getting there part...however, it was disappointing to strike out twice.

Good news is, third time’s a charm! Today we had a truly unique experience touring the Vore Buffalo Jump.

Wyoming as a whole has this feel of community. I‘ve seen this firsthand with the thousands of volunteers that put on the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days and experienced it with new neighbors who welcome you to the neighborhood with a homemade pie. After experiencing Vore site, I’m starting to believe that sense of community is bred into Wyomingites.

Vore Jump was used for over 300 years ranging from the 1500s-1800s by as many as five different Native American tribes often working alongside the other tribes (perhaps rivals on occasion) to harvest a winters’ supply of buffalo.

Today, visitors can see layer upon layer of buffalo bones as well as Native American arrowheads and tools, all preserved in pristine condition. Archeologists have been digging at the Vore Jump over 30 years reaching depths of twenty feet. Each inch of the way, remains and artifacts are perfectly preserved. An estimated 20,000 plus buffalo have been harvested where my feet stood today. How wild is that?

Perhaps what is even more mind boggling than the number of buffalo harvested is the method in which they were taken and the various uses the buffalo had in sustaining the tribes.

Vore Jump is merely a sinkhole in the earth - a resource that was vital to hunting large game before the introduction of horses. Working as a community the Natives (on foot) would herd mass numbers of buffalo toward the sinkhole and just before reaching the rim, a stampede would take them over the edge. The goal was simply to trap the buffalo below making the harvest more achievable. Once the animals were inside the bowl, shooters would take position around the upper rim and open fire, or should I say open fling?

The buffalo weren’t merely a source of meat. They were the livelihood for a people. Every bone with the exception of two neck vertebrae are said to have been used. Uses included: clothing, tools, medicine, containers and many more.

The Vore Buffalo Jump is a historical site capable of being a major educational and tourist attraction. The site is in its infancy of development but plans are in place to expand on this truly amazing Wyoming wonder. If you would like to get involved or financially support the Vore Jump check out their official site.

The moral of the story is simple: Community Matters.

Forever West
Jeremy

Wyoming Tourism is Alive and Well

Of all of the places I have been there is no place I’d rather be than Wyoming. As you know it’s the Fourth of July and we are headed to Devils Tower, Wyoming!

In route from Cheyenne, Jamie and I passed more travelers than normal and enjoyed playing the license plate game. You know the one where you try to identify a plate from each state? Well, I’m starting to think folks from all 50 states and Canada are headed to Devils Tower.

Around Wright, WY the weather turned dark and a rainstorm moved in. We managed to miss the heart of the storm but did experience some rain and wind. By the time we arrived at Wright it was time to stretch our legs and walk our dog. While there, locals told us we just missed a tornado and softball size hail.

Nonetheless, we were thankful we snuck by the storm and arrived at Devils Tower KOA as scheduled.

July is commonly referred to as “Cowboy Christmas” since numerous major rodeos are kicked off near the 4th of July. Wyoming plays host to a few of the best. Cody, Cheyenne, Casper and Sheridan all have July rodeos.

For 10 years now, rodeo has been the focus of my summers. This year however, I’ve decided to take the Fourth off and spend time with my family and take care of a little unfinished business. If you recall my last Devils Tower blog, I said Jamie and I were going to climb the tower with Frank Sanders, owner and operator of Devils Tower Climbing. Well, time has come to put my money where my mouth is.

I will still fight bulls at 10-12 rodeo performances this month but I’m relaxing this weekend. My parents drove in from Arkansas to spend the holiday with Jamie and me and there’s no better place to camp than Devils Tower KOA.

I’ve heard there is a big July 4th celebration at the campground so we’re here for the party and I will keep you informed.

Forever West
Jeremy

Citizen – Soldier – Cowboy

Tonight (18 Jun) was a big night for Jamie and me. After nearly 8 years of serving active duty in the US Air Force, I made the switch to the Wyoming Army National Guard.

It was a whirlwind of media activities leading up to my transition and it continued after the rodeo performance. The story was on Casper K2 News live at 6pm just prior me putting on the Army uniform and followed up on the front page of the CNFR section in the Casper Trib.

During tonight’s opening ceremony the CNFR paid tribute to the Soldiers and Families of the Wyoming National Guard. Just so happened, I needed to take the Oath of Office on the 18th as well.

It was pretty neat to see patriotism is alive and well in Wyoming. Two humvees were parked along the bucking chutes, the Wyoming National Guard - Color Guard was on hand to present the colors and the Casper Troopers performed the National Anthem. Applause was thundering all around the Casper Events Center as the announcer thanked the Wyoming Soldiers and their Families.

Brigadier General Olin Oedekoven, Commander of the Wyoming Army National Guard was gracious enough to drive in and administer the oath of office to me in front of a standing audience of 4,000.



Jamie and I knew a transition would be taking place in life and began the decision making process over a year ago to see what direction our future should go. A couple of things were certain. One, we wanted to continue to represent and live in the Great State of Wyoming. Two, I wanted to continue to fight bulls. Three, I wanted to continue to serve the country in some fashion.

My time in the Air Force was truly a great experience and helped elevate my bullfighting career through the positive publicity. However, the active duty career path would eventually take me out of Wyoming. In effort to achieve all of my goals, the Wyoming Army National Guard stepped-up.

So tonight, my official title of being the ‘USAFs Only PRCA Bullfighter’ is over and I embarked on a new chapter in life representing the National Guard. I will continue to serve the country and rodeo even more than in years past. My military role will again be dually related. I will work a recruiting mission while rodeoing and also serve as the Officer-in-Charge of Wyoming’s Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon program is designed to support the deployed Soldier and their Family throughout the deployment process.

For years, the National Guard has been made up of people just like me – Citizens who have a unique role in the civilian world and are not scared to put personal goals on hold for the greater cause.

Again, thanks to everyone who helped make this event possible. I look forward to being a Citizen-Soldier!

Forever West
Jeremy

Time Flies

Time sure does fly at the CNFR. It’s Tuesday afternoon and the two days of slack are in the books and our sights are now set on Round 3.

Since arriving in Casper Saturday night I have been going at full speed. The good news is that the CNFR slows down a little after today.

Through two mornings of slack, 39 bulls were bucked and 11 cowboys managed to ride for the full 8 seconds. Among the qualified riders were once again, LCCC freshman Justin Thomas, making him only one of four riders to cover both bulls thus far. I’m starting to think he will be in Saturday's Championship Round!

From a bullfighter’s perspective, slack went really well. I enjoy working with Al as much as I enjoy working with anyone. Sometimes in this line of work, you end up working with guys who are not team players. Al and I are not those types…our goal is to keep the rider safe no matter who has to step up to the plate.

So far, when called to perform, both of us have done just that. Today was perhaps the biggest test we’ve seen in the arena and once again, we were both ‘Jonny on the spot’ to do our job. Bullrider Luke Dodson was thrown off his bull only to land right in front of it. It was at that moment Al and I moved in to take a shot. ..after all that is what we are paid to do! I was able to jump over the bulls head and land in between it and Luke just in time to take the shot.


I hope you like the photo from the Casper Trib

http://rodeo.trib.com/features/article_723ca242-5bc2-11de-8ae4-001cc4c03286.html

In other CNFR news, look out for the University of Wyoming Women’s Rodeo Team. I’m going to go out on a limb and say they will be the 2009 National Team!

Forever West,
Jeremy

Bulls, Broncs & Broken Bones

The 61st edition of the College National Finals Rodeo got off to a great start Sunday (14 June) with the Bulls, Broncs and Breakaway performance.

Thirty-nine bull riders from across the US and Canada qualified for the CNFR. On Sunday each cowboy attempted to ride the first of three bulls in hopes of securing a spot in the coveted Top 12 championship round.

In rodeo, momentum is everything. For the eight riders who successfully covered their first bull Sunday, it was a step in the right direction to earning a national title.

Joining me in the bullfighting duties again in 2009 is PRCA Bullfighter Al Sandvold of Belgrade, MT. We work really well together and certainly got off to a good start. Much like the riders, bullfighters rely on momentum to help carry them through a long event and we were happy with how things started Sunday.

I didn’t break anything but did manage to tear a ligament in my middle finger. It’s not a bad deal, I just can’t fully extend my middle finger. The ligament I tore is in the fingertip so for six weeks I will be wearing a splint in efforts to get it to heal straight verses straight down!

Just so happened a rider ended up in a precarious situation and the bull was headed for him. I was able to step in and grab the bull's head allowing the rider to walk away… but in doing so, the bull lunged at me and somehow managed to mangle my finger. All in all, it’s no big deal.

Justin Thomas carried the Wyoming flag for bull riders Sunday as he was the only cowboy with Wyoming ties to successfully cover his first round bull. Thomas is a freshman at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne. The freshman gitters didn’t deter this young cowboy as he turned in a 72 point ride.

Well, it’s off for a good night rest as Al and I have to be ready to fight bulls in the morning during the slack portion of the CNFR. Oh yeah, did I mention slack starts at 7am!

Forever West,
Jeremy