On to THE INN

The hours always seem to pass faster in Yellowstone. I’m not sure exactly how it happens but every day I find myself waking up early and going to bed late solely because I want to see as much of Yellowstone as I can and there just aren’t enough hours in the day.


It started early this morning when Jamie and I broke camp at Fishing Bridge and moved to Old Faithful Inn. I hated to leave behind the best campsite in the park - D128. But like most Yellowstone enthusiasts, I want to share the park with all its visitors and that means letting someone else get the chance to camp in that very spot. It’s the “corner lot” of campsites facing a forest known to house grizzly bears and wolves. During our stay this week one road was closed in the campground due to bears getting too close.

Moving to Old Faithful Inn was an opportunity we weren’t going to pass up. It is our first look inside the Inn with the exception of the gift shop. I can already tell Old Faithful Inn is my favorite lodge inside the Park. Don’t get me wrong, Lake Hotel is marvelous and the view is indescribable. However, the design and materials used building Old Faithful Inn create an illusion making it one with earth. And did I mention our room is in the direct line-of-sight of Old Faithful itself!

There will be more to come regarding Old Faithful Inn as I promise to do a little research of its history and dine in its restaurant. Please promise me this - when you visit Yellowstone spend at least one night at Old Faithful Inn.

After getting things situated, Jamie and I decided today would be a great day for a hike or two. The only obstacle we had to face was time. Time was of the essence this morning and afternoon. I previously booked a Xanterra fishing trip on Lake Yellowstone for 6pm this evening.

Nonetheless, we read a day-hike book and found a couple of trails to explore. First it was off to the Pelican Creek Trail. The hike is merely 1.3 miles but it is a great walk for bird lovers and water enthusiasts. Numerous species of waterfowl can be found on and around the Pelican Creek area to include: swans, ducks, geese and, of course, pelicans. The trailhead warns of grizzly bears in the area but today we didn’t stumble upon any. I asked Jamie what you do when you see a grizzly…her reply, “FAINT!”

We enjoyed the Pelican Creek Trail although it was short in distance and easy in difficulty level.

At 3:00pm we had just enough time to hike one more trail. The Majestic Falls Trail would be our perfect choice for a one, to two, hour hike. It starts in geyser country near the Old Faithful area. Along the Fire Hole River situated in the rear of Biscuit Basin is the trail head. Again, we were warned of grizzly activity.

The trail takes you through the boardwalk of Biscuit Basin along the path of springs and geysers such as Sapphire Pool, Jewel Geyser, and Shell Spring. Our timing was perfect both coming and going as we were able to see Jewel Geyser erupt!

The Mystic Falls Trail makes it way along the Fire Hole River and ascents for several hundred feet along some of the prettiest countryside in the park.
We were able to hear the falls roar long before we reached it. When that time arrived and we had reached our destination, I told Jamie I wanted to get as close to the falls as possible without getting wet. My plan worked out pretty well. I maneuvered my way from rock to rock and across a downed tree to a spot so close to the waterfall that I could feel its splash on my back.

It was now time to head back to Old Faithful Inn. I had just enough time to drop Jamie off, grab my daypack, and head to the Bridge Bay Marina for my fishing trip.
In my opinion, this is the best valued trip Xanterra offers. There are numerous great tours with exceptional guide service but when you’re seeking the total package look no further.

A guided fishing trip can accommodate up to six of your closest friends or family for the same price of a single. Not only that, but your guide is so well educated and prepared for the outing that you are bound to catch fish - even if you’re a rookie. The guides clean and prepare what you catch should you elect to keep it and in addition to all that, the scenery around Lake Yellowstone is second to none. I promise you, the wilderness areas that you come in contact with are some of the most remote areas in the lower 48.

My guide was Mrs. (Captain) Laura. She’s been at her job for 20-plus years and I was in great hands for catching fish. We headed out to Wolf Point Bay - an area I was able to backcountry hike in last year. It is full of grizzly bears, bald eagles and who knows what else.

So needless to say, we were at one edge of Lake Yellowstone where water meets the wild in hopes to land a big one. The lake is enormous in size and depth. Its deepest point is in the neighborhood of 450 feet and its average depth is 140 feet. Despite the summer heat, Lake Yellowstone’s temperature remains steady at approximately 45 degrees.

Capt. Laura’s first cast resulted in a bite. We were in prime fishing area and I was as excited as a Wyoming Cowboy at the Fourth of July rodeo. Soon after I had a bite and landed a nice cutthroat trout. Cutthroats are the only native species of trout in Wyoming and it is against regulations to keep them. It was my first catch in Yellowstone and I had to throw it back! But that’s ok, there is now no record of how big or small it was. So it’s my story and I’ll tell it how I want to. It was 30 inches and so big that when I printed the picture of me holding it, the picture weighed at least six pounds! Just kidding. It was a nice sized trout topping the scales at three pounds.

Thanks to Mrs. Laura for helping me land my first Yellowstone fish. So far, I’ve caught a rainbow, brown and now cutthroat trout, all in the greatest state in the USA…Wyoming!

Forever West,
Jeremy

Yellowstone Activities

Lake Yellowstone is arguably the prettiest feature in Yellowstone. It offers beautiful mountain scenery, access to wilderness areas, fishing, boating and so much more.

Xanterra Parks and Resorts operates in Yellowstone as well as numerous other national parks. Where it is the National Park Service’s job to regulate the park, Xanterra’s mission is to create recreational opportunities within the park.

Today, I thought about taking a cruise on Lake Yellowstone in hopes for catching a few cutthroat trout; however, I’m going to save that for possibly Friday’s outing. To get my fishing fix I hiked into the wilderness area along the Lake. It was only a two mile hike but the sign of grizzly bear was quite obvious. I was the only drifter on this trek and trust me, the mind can run away from you while you’re seeing fresh sign of grizzlies! The good news is I didn’t see one but I did jump a Mule Deer…pretty cool.

The two hours I spent fishing were certainly peaceful…but not productive! I’m going to try my luck at fishing a few more times before leaving the park and I will catch a fish even if I have to use my bare hands!

Xanterra provides a host of activities including: guided fishing trips, horseback riding, stage coach excursions, vehicle tours and of course the famous Yellowstone yellow bus tours.



Jamie and I were able to be a part of the Xanterra tour known as the Lamar Valley Wildlife Excursion. It’s a 5 hour tour through the vast Lamar Valley. Lamar Valley is the perfect habitat for bears, wolves, elk, bison, pronghorns, eagles and bighorn sheep. Even though we were lucky enough to see all of those yesterday, it was nice for me since I didn’t have to drive!

Our driver/tour guide was Kelly from New York state…the same guide we had this winter aboard the Xanterra snow coach. Although it was a 5 hour trip, she made it entertaining and informative. Kudos to Kelly for a job well done. Along our route we were thrilled to see two black bear, several bighorn sheep, tons of buffalo, antelope, mule deer and even a coyote. Our hopes for spotting a wolf in Lamar Valley didn’t pan out but that’s ok since we saw a grey wolf yesterday! O yea… the scenery was breath-taking. Overlooking Mount Washburn was a double rainbow that seemed to burst from the earth below and had no end in sight.

Many times during my trips to Yellowstone I feel that I can’t adequately describe the sights I am seeing. That’s why if I could grant one wish to each human being, it would be that they too visit Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park. Today was yet another one of those days when I saw sights so glorious that they will forever be etched in my memory.

I would highly recommend a Xanterra Tour. There are numerous trips to choose from, ranging in various locations and duration. Plus, I promise your guide will be a wealth of Yellowstone knowledge.

To learn more about the exciting tours provided by Xanterra check out www.travelyellowstone.com

All the R&R I’m able to catch this week is needed. My knee is still sore from the hit it took at the recent College National Finals Rodeo. Being in Yellowstone has a way of taking your mind off the stresses of everyday and I really like that. I’ll be headed to the Cody Stampede fully recharged when I leave Yellowstone.
Cody, the “Rodeo Capitol of the World” is home to a nightly rodeo which runs all summer long. However, for five days in July Cody plays host to one of the nations best professional rodeos, the Cody Stampede. In addition, for the second consecutive year it will be the home of a PRCA Xtreme Bull tour stop known as the Cody/Yellowstone Xtreme Bull event.

Be sure to visit www.codystampede.com for ticket information and check your local ESPN listing for air dates. I hope to see you there.

Forever West,
Jeremy

O What a Day!

Yellowstone is a must see for every living human being. There is something for everyone here. I love seeing the wildlife and yet also the peaceful scenery. I love the waterfalls but also the stillness of the lakes. I love Hayden Valley and yet also the enormous mountain ranges…and then there is the Yellowstone Grand Canyon. The bottom line is I love Yellowstone.

Today I wanted to show Jamie a glimpse of some of my favorite places in the Park. Although it is impossible to do this in one day I wanted to give it my best shot. The ultimate goal was to reach Mammoth Hot Springs. We headed north from Fishing Bridge for a stop at Upper Falls. Last year I discovered one can stand at the brink of Upper Falls and I have since been fascinated with that location. The water is roaring so fast that even a daredevil like me wouldn’t dare touch it and then in the blink of an eye the earth falls out from under the river creating Upper Falls…water then splashes hundreds of feet in the air after meeting back up with the river some three hundred feet below. It is amazing.



From Upper Falls it was back on the road again…but not for long. The wildlife was out in force today and merely five miles from the falls, we spotted two nice bull elk in velvet. One of which was a 5x5, the other a respectable 4x4. We loaded up with digital photos as they grazed and moseyed around. A mile down the road, still in Hayden Valley, we joined a group of tourist watching a wolf from a distance. Buffalo were out in full force but the wolf seemed to be content feeding on a previous kill.

Our next wildlife treat was in the form of a black bear! Just shy of Tower Falls this black bear was taking it easy feeding in the meadow. A park ranger was on hand to corral over zealous tourist…that didn’t include Jamie and I. I have learned my lesson when it comes to a bear…that’s another story but they get my respect! We really enjoyed watching it from a distance though. Later we were able to see two more black bears!

The wildlife was on the move today and our timing couldn’t have been better. It was elk, bear, a wolf, more bear and then as we stood at the overlook facing Tower Falls, we were able to see a beautiful bald eagle and two little ones in their nest which towered over the falls. Just as we snapped the first picture, it was bye-bye for the eagle. I asked Jamie, “How would you feel if you were one of those babies and it came time for Momma Eagle to push you out of the nest?”

Along the route to Mammoth Falls via Tower-Roosevelt loop situates a 50 million year old Petrified Tree! History tells of three petrified trees where the lone tree stands today. However, eager visitors in search of the perfect souvenir destroyed the other two trees and in the early 1900’s a fence was placed around the remaining tree. After all, the March 1, 1872 Act of Congress was put into place to preserve and protect the area and for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.

It was only fifty three miles by the odometer to reach our destination. However, due to the enjoyment of seeing the natural wonders and various species of wildlife it took us over three hours to accomplish our mission.

Jamie had never been in Montana and although technically part of Mammoth is located in Montana, we decided to visit Gardiner. We grabbed a quick bite at the Two Bit Salon and back into the park we headed.

The kid in me caused me to scare Jamie once again but I talked her into climbing the North Gate entrance arch for a photo opportunity! It was my first time to the North entrance. I’ve now entered Yellowstone via the North, East and South entrances.
No sooner than 1 mile into the Park we spotted two Big Horn sheep: one Ram and one Ewe. What I would give to have balance like the Big Horn sheep. We watched in awe as they climbed up and down a rock cliff. The Ram even dared to come down to the Yellowstone River to quench his thirst. At that point we were only twenty yards from him!

It was back to Mammoth Hot Springs for a tour around the boardwalk. But before we arrived, we crossed the 45th Parallel of Latitude and I had to stop. The 45th Parallel is the halfway point between the Equator and North Poll.

Back to Mammoth Hot Springs…along the boardwalk, tourists are dumbfounded by the thermal activities such as Devils Thumb, Living Color and Liberty Cap. It is here that heat-loving microorganisms known as “thermophiles” live. Billions of thermophiles create an ever changing sculptures ranging from what appears to resemble stair steps, cones, hills and valleys.

What a day it was today! All calculated we drove 102 miles and were able to see over one dozen species of animals including elk, black bear, a wolf, coyote, bald eagle, antelope, otter, muskrat, Big Horn sheep, mule deer, swans and our Wyoming’s flag symbol, the buffalo!

Where else can you do that!

Forever West,
Jeremy

Entering Yellowstone

As alluded to previously, our “Big Day” - aka marriage ceremony - will be taking place in Yellowstone on 28 June. By law, one must have a marriage license to officially be married. Since we won’t be back to Cody until the Cody Stampede and Xtreme Bulls (July 1-5) we thought it would be wise to visit the Park County Courthouse for the license. It’s almost official now. We just need the preacher to sign the dotted line. From there it was on to Accent Florist in Cody to pick our flowers. I think we’re going to really like the selection. We went with our two favorites: lilies and tulips.

We were only in Yellowstone for one minute when Jamie realized why it is my favorite place in the world. Standing in a shallow stream merely yards from the East Entrance Jamie spotted a nice size bull moose with his “fiancé.” This is the first time that I have seen a bull in the wild. My goodness, the size of these animals make bucking broncs look small.

A quick stop at Fishing Bridge Campground to unhook the trailer and we were back on the road again to explore more sights.

Since time was of the essence, we opted for a shorter trip out to Hayden Valley and then back to Lake Yellowstone before returning to Fishing Bridge.

Our wedding is scheduled to take place in Hayden Valley but there are so many beautiful locations here that we may move the special spot several times prior to the 28th.

We stopped by to stand next to LeHardy Rapids and feel the energy created by the nonstop action of the Yellowstone River. We noticed several trout hanging out in the calmer pools of water located just feet above the rapids. It was neat to see so many fish that close. Although I am now 31 years old, I am still a kid at heart. There is not too much I won’t do for a little excitement. I couldn’t take seeing so many fish within reach so I eased my way down to the edge of the river and tried to catch one with my bare hands. It didn’t work out too well but, trust me, before this trip is over I will be catching fish. Most likely with bait though.

From there it was on to Hayden Valley. The buffalo were out in full force. Even though I have seen bigger herds in the valley, we were able to get up close and personal with several. But we did keep our distance when we spotted a black bear. Yep, we saw a bear, buffalo, elk, trout, swans, geese, and ducks all within the first 20 minutes of leaving our camper. O wait, did I forget to mention a grizzly???

I really wanted to take Jamie to see Lake Yellowstone prior to sunset. I knew we also had a good chance of seeing more bears along the route. The bears weren’t in the spot I had in mind but we did see a griz with her two cubs grazing within sight of the Lake Hotel. Park Rangers were on hand and yes, they did have to tell us to back up. I promise we were being careful. My camera just sometimes needs a little help with the zoom.

More Yellowstone Adventures

Jamie and I headed west for Old Faithful hoping to see a lot of geyser and thermal activity. Old Faithful is a must for all Yellowstone visitors. Not only is it impressive in size, it is the most predicable geyser in the park. Give or take 10 minutes, Old Faithful erupts every 90 minutes.

Just as we pulled into the parking lot Old Faithful was starting to boil over. We made it to the seating area just in time to see it shoot water hundreds of feet into the air.

We took the long way around via the wooden walkway to explore the various geysers and thermal hot spots in the Old Faithful area. Super hot springs such as Heart Springs and Crested Pool are easily viewed from the walkway. The clearness of the water in such areas is hard to describe. It appears to be crystal clear for several feet and then it takes on a beautiful blue tint.

Making our way around the boardwalk we passed Beehive Geyser. It’s the most powerful geyser in the park but due to its unpredictability not all visitors get to witness the splendor. Our timing wasn’t on queue with it today and we had to keep walking. We did however get to see a few rare geysers erupt making the long route worth our while.

While on our journey today we also found yet another ideal location for our wedding. We really liked Gulf Point Bay as it features a more secluded section on Lake Yellowstone with a beautiful background of snow-capped mountains. We liked it so much we called the Park Service and had our outdoor wedding permit changed. So if you are planning on surprising, be sure to come to the new location.

I won’t spoil the wedding photos by posting the shots we took today but I promise they won’t disappoint. Plus, my good friend and photographer Cody Brinton (www.thewayeyeseeit.com) will be on hand to take our wedding pictures making my work look even more amateur.

After leaving Gulf Point, we headed to Kepler Cascades to witness the massive waterfall that seems to never end. I promise you, from the lookout point you can’t see its end! The water is so powerful that even at 200 yards away one can still feel a good breeze created by its thrust.

I have to sign off now because I’d like to get a little fishing in before dark. I’m headed to the backside of the Fishing Bridge Ranger Station to fish off the bank. Yesterday, one lucky lady caught a 22-inch cutthroat trout from that very spot.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Yellowstone or Bust!

Chris LeDoux’s song “Photo Finish” starts out:

“At seven this morning I got on the phone and said to hold my bronc as long as you can….”

Well my day was pretty similar yesterday. At seven in the morning I got on the phone and asked my good friend from the Cody Stampede committee, Tim Mahieu, if we could park our camper at his place in Cody, Wyoming.

Our “Big Day” is getting near, June 28th to be exact, and we are on our way to Hayden Valley. Before we drive into Yellowstone we need to take care of a few last minute details in Cody…flowers, etc.

Jamie and I decided to take our time getting into town and enjoy some of the sights along the way. Believe it or not, I’ve been through Thermopolis, Wyoming, multiple times but have never stopped to see the natural, mineral hot springs. Today I made it a point to stop. Thermopolis is home to the world’s largest natural hot springs. It is a must see. The Best Western and Holiday Inn are located in the park so it makes for a very convenient layover.

We shared a long walk taking in all the sights and natural wonders at the park. Be sure to bring a swimsuit and have a soak.

After leaving Thermopolis it was off to the Wind River Canyon - another amazing Wyoming sight. The Wind River Canyon area is perhaps one of the most scenic stretches of highway in Wyoming. It features mile-high cliffs, tunnels, never ending rapids, outstanding fly fishing and so much more. Although we didn’t have all day, we did make time for a short walk along the river. Several species of butterflies in various sizes and colors were prominent along the river today - small, medium and large ranging in colors from yellow to black and even some purple.

It was back to the truck and time to put the white lines beside us in search of Cody.
We made it to Tim’s just in time for supper! On the menu was Wyoming raised Buffalo. My o my, I bet I ate a 25oz of buffalo steak all by myself.

The plan is to be in Yellowstone National Park by 2pm today. I’ll be camping at Fishing Bridge several nights before moving into Old Faithful Inn. I hope you stay close to your computer and follow our trip through the most beautiful place on earth!

Forever West,
Jeremy

College Finals Completed

The 2008 CNFR is in the books! Governor and First Lady Freudenthal were in attendance as were many of the founding members of National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

I’ve stated previously that the CNFR Championship Round ranks among the best in all of rodeo. Saturday night was no different. I’m always eager to see the talent compete for a national title at such a young age. Believe it or not a lot is on the line for these young adults including thousands of dollars in scholarships.

The electricity was outstanding and the Casper crowd provided an amazing atmosphere to compete in. The bull riding was intense as each of the Top-12 were focused on winning and determined to give their best effort plus a little extra college try.
I was really happy to see my buddy Seth Glause (of Rock Springs, Wyoming) ride his short-go bull and climb to the number 3 spot overall. His ride was flawless and was rewarded with 84 championship points. But my hats off to Montana bull rider Dustin Jenkins as he was the only man to ride all four bulls during the 2008 CNFR and was ultimately crowned the Collegiate World Champion bull rider.

Photographer Wes Mostaert was kind enough to share a few photos he captured of me in action this week. His vantage point for several of his shots was the catwalk some 300 feet above the action.

I can’t compliment Al Sandvold enough for a job well done. Our bullfighting at the CNFR was noted as the highest quality bullfighting the CNFR has seen in recent years. We both already look forward to CNFR 09.

Special thanks go out to the City of Casper for playing host to the CNFR and making me feel so very welcome. Likewise, the Days Inn of Casper - my home away from home the past nine days.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Best of the Best

Note: this blog was written Saturday, June 21, 2008

The stage is set for what promises to be an exciting CNFR Championship Round. Only the Top-12 contestants in each event have earned the right to compete for a national title. The CNFR is always a thrill but the Championship Round vaults that energy to the next level…it’s certainly among the best performances in all of rodeo.

I’m eager to see what bull rider will step up to the challenge, block out all of the hype and rise to the occasion.

A few bull riders to watch include:

Craig Begay, a three-time CNFR Qualifier from Central Arizona (Coolidge) is in great shape heading into the final performance having been successful on every ride thus far. Should he hold on to win the title it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. Dustin Jenkins competing for the University of Montana has also been successful on three rides.

But then there are the sentimental favorites: Hutch Haslasm, Brent Menz and Seth Glause. Hutch, the recipient of several stitches thanks to his bullrding attempt in the “Bull and Broncs” performance has fought his way back to the Championship Round despite riding with one eye swollen shut. Menz, a southern boy riding for the University of Tennessee-Martin has been here before only to see his national title hopes fall short. He’s an outside shot to win the overall title but that beats no shot at all. But you have to pull for Wyoming native Glause! In my opinion, Glause provided the CNFR with the best ride of the week when he rode Wyoming raised bucking bull “Q” owned by Bill and Donna Larsen. Seth doesn’t have a shot at the national title but he is very capable of winning the Championship Round.

No matter who you root for one thing is certain, the CNFR Championship Round won’t disappoint!

Forever West,
Jeremy

There’ll Be No Golf For You!

Once a year I trade in my bullfighting cleats for golf spikes. I’m no Tiger Woods but I have always enjoyed playing golf at Casper’s Paradise Valley Golf Club during the annual CNFR Golf Tournament.

As blogged previously, I wasn’t too sure if I was up to the challenge this year since I was hooked in my right knee just two days prior. My knee is going to be okay but it can bother me when I’m on it too much. Since youth isn’t on my side anymore I have to use my common sense. My better judgment was to take it easy and avoid twisting and turning my knee on the golf course. It was the first time in my CNFR career that I haven’t competed…bummer!

Although I avoided playing eighteen holes, I couldn’t avoid taking in some of the local Casper attractions. Jamie, Ty (our Black Lab) and I opted for a little fishing. The North Platte River flows right through Casper merely yards from our home away from home so we thought we would give it a try.

Needless to say, very little fishing was done due to the fact Ty couldn’t stay out of the water! I didn’t manage to catch any fish but we all enjoyed being outdoors. The City of Casper has beautiful paved trails which make it very easy to walk, bike, and run along the river. Don’t fear, I still have my fishing gear with me and I’m sure some lucky fish will find its way to my bait before I leave here.

I needed to get cleaned up and ice my knee prior to a 1pm interview with Corey White with Casper K2TV. Our interview will air on K2TV’s Sports Corner and we’ll do our very best to get a link added to the blog ASAP. Corey and I had a nice interview covering topics such as: Wyoming, the US Air Force, the CNFR and more.

Speaking of videos on my blog…a big “thank you” goes out to Lori and all the Wyoming Tourism staff responsible for the recent face-lift of the blogging bullfighter. Now, easier than ever you can find links to all the places I visit, watch videos from interview and more.

My decision to take it easy and fish versus play golf paid off as I was able to fight bulls with very little pain in my knee. Overall, it was an uneventful performance from a bullfighter’s perspective. Al and I could get used to days like that.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Can’t Keep a Good Man Down

The CNFR is in full swing. Hopefully you’ve been keeping up via the internet with all the highlights thus far. Several media outlets from across the nation are in Casper to capture just that - the thrills and spills!

Al and I had our work cut out for us Tuesday making it very easy for the media to fill their tapes and cameras. We finished the morning slack performances and returned to the Casper Events Center for the first night performance since the “Bulls and Broncs” event. Al seemed to have a “magnet” on his body as the majority of the action seemed to go his way in the morning slack. I really enjoy fighting bulls with Al and everyone seems to think we make a great team.

Al’s “magnet” found its way to me for the night performance! The first bull out ended up hooking me as I moved in to protect a fallen rider. The bull's horn hit me square on my right knee. It always puts a little scare in you when you take a shot because as we all know, it only takes one shot to be a career ender. Fortunately, I will be fine. The Orthopedics Center of the Rockies staff examined me after the rodeo and found no broken bones or torn ligaments. I’m very thankful.

The soreness did make for a little longer/tougher night but again, Al and I seemed to be flawless in our duo of cowboy protection.

Speaking of tough, Super Bowl Champion and PRCA cowboy Walt Garrison was on hand last night to present the annual Walt Garrison Award. His award is given to a college student who has been selected by peers for demonstrating leadership, sportsmanship, and academic excellence. I always enjoy visiting with Walt and this year was no different. Did you know that Walt once played an entire NFL game with a broken ankle??

The annual CNFR Golf Tournament takes place tomorrow. I’ve competed there the last three years taking second in 2005. I hope my knee feels up to the challenge.

For other news and results regarding the CNFR visit: http://www.cnfr.com/

Forever West,
Jeremy

Bulls and Broncs in Casper

Wyoming plays host to several of the best rodeos in the country. If you are a rodeo fan you already know Casper, Wyoming is the host city of the prestigious College National Finals Rodeo.

The CNFR kicked off with the Bulls & Broncs specialty section on Sunday. The ladies also had a chance to showcase their skills in the Breakaway Roping which is a fairly recent addition to the “Bulls and Broncs” event.

ESPN U is covering the event and I will try to get a broadcast schedule for you ASAP so you can get in on the excitement of the CNFR.

Speaking of excitement - Seth Glause takes the cake! Glause is from Rock Springs and he drew one of my favorite bulls going down the pro rodeo trail, “Q” owned by Wyoming residents, Bill and Dona Larsen. Seth had “Q” once prior to the CNFR and failed to make a qualified ride. However, Sunday night would be different. Not only did Seth win the round with an 87.5 score, his next closest competitor was a distant seven points back.

“Q” is widely known on the pro circuit and has produced round winners at the famed Cheyenne Frontier Days and the National Finals Rodeo alike. Be sure to keep your eyes opened for this 1700 pound black and white spotted bull the next time you are at a rodeo event. “Q” is an amazing animal athlete and certainly worth watching.

In terms of bullfighting, it was a good performance with only one minor injury. One cowboy was jerked down on a bull’s head and hung in the bull rope causing us to work a little. All in all that was our only issue and it was fixed with a few stitches. Did I mention rodeo is not a sport for the faint of heart??

Speaking of “us” in regards to bullfighters, the CNFR has a new one working with me this year. Al Sandvold, a Montana resident, has made the trek to Wyoming for his first appearance at the CNFR.

Check back often as I update from the CNFR. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, the CNFR has a lot to offer: fast times, wild rides and overall high flying action. Couple that with the Casper fishing, golfing, hiking and more you might find yourself having the time of your life merely miles from home.

The CNFR runs through 22 June.

Forever West,
Jeremy

I'm Back!

Since my recent stay in ICU I have been cleared to rodeo again. It has been an uphill battle regaining my strength and trying to pack on the pounds but I’m determined to get back in the shape I was prior to my hospital stay.

I was a little curious regarding how I would hold up at my first rodeo since the kidney surgery. The doctors cleared me to rodeo on 2 June and by 7 pm on 6 June I was headed to New Jersey to fight bulls at the historic Cowtown ProRodeo Series.

The flight was delayed due to engine trouble resulting in our arrival being pushed back an hour-and-a-half making a midnight arrival even later. Knowing the plane you’re about to be on for the next four hours has engine trouble makes for a real relaxed mind. Needless to say, I didn’t get much sleep.

It was my first trip to the Northeast with the exception of a taping for the CBS show “Power of 10” with Drew Carey in New York City last summer. I landed in Philadelphia and was able to see the baseball stadium but all in all that was the extent of sightseeing in the Liberty City. I didn’t even have time for a real Philly cheese steak.

New Jersey was nothing like I had imagined. The Cowtown Rodeo is merely 30 miles from Philadelphia. However, driving east you leave the big city behind and enter lush countryside and rural communities. The weather was exceptionally hot - 105 degrees with 100% humidity!

After a little R&R at the Harris’ Ranch it was time for the rodeo.

I picked up a day sheet to see how many contestants were entered and to my surprise several of the cowboys entered were guys I’d rodeo’d with in previous years. That’s what I love about rodeo. No matter where you are you’re always with friends. And get this: three of the guys participating were from the Cowboy State!

All things considered, I thought I held up pretty well. It certainly gave me a much needed confidence boost helping reassure me that my body is ready for the upcoming College National Finals Rodeo next week.

After the rodeo, I caught a ride to the airport. I’m not much for sleeping in airports but it beats missing an early morning flight. I couldn’t afford to miss this flight back home as I was scheduled to speak at the 2008 Wyoming Boys State in Douglas, Wyoming.

The American Legion and various Wyoming legislators are responsible for ensuring the states’ best and brightest high school students are offered this leadership opportunity. Kudos to Dan Zwonitzer and his staff for putting on a first-class event and making me feel very welcome.

After my speech I opened the floor to questions. I’m used to the typical “How many bones have you broken? Is bullfighting dangerous?” etc, etc…but one student, having recognized the Wyoming logo on my shirt, asked, “Would you rather be sponsored by your birth state or by Wyoming?” My reply was simple, “Wyoming! Nothing compares to a cowboy getting to represent the Cowboy State.”

Well, I’m back in the office for four days and then it’s off to one of the best rodeos in Wyoming – the College National Finals which is held in Casper. Stay updated as I blog from the CNFR.


Forever West,
Jeremy

My $20 getaway

I have always heard kidney stones can be brutal. I found out they are the hard way! I knew for several weeks that I had multiple stones in each kidney but it wasn’t until 14 May that I could get in the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center to take care of the stones via the “outpatient” procedure known as Shock Wave Lithotripsy.

I booked 14 May as my surgery date because that would give me a week and a half to recover and I could continue my rodeo schedule uninterrupted.

Cheyenne Urological Center Dr. Lugg performed the “routine” procedure. Knowing that my rodeo schedule was full for quite some time, he asked if I would be willing to have both kidneys done at the same time…should it look doable. I agreed.

Well, to make a long story short, after a seven-day stay in the hospital, a visit to the ER and two nights in the ICU the moral of the story is: only have one kidney blasted at a time.

I’ve been well overdue some R&R. My strength is coming back since my procedure and after all, 31 May was my birthday! My fiancée Jamie gave me a BassRaider fishing boat for my birthday and I couldn’t wait to get it in the water. Jamie is not much for being on water but since it was my big day she agreed to go. With a little help from Mr. Dramamine.

Curt Gowdy State Park is merely 25 miles from Cheyenne and with the increasing fuel prices a real affordable trip if you live in southeast Wyoming. There are various activities offered outside of the main attractions of Crystal and Granite Reservoirs. Outstanding mountain bike trails are scattered throughout the park. Camping, biking, archery targets, hiking and of course fishing are just some of the activities that highlight Curt Gowdy.

Jamie and I picked a stream in Granite Reservoir, west of the main road to put in my new boat. The water was calmer and that was a big plus for Jamie. We trolled all the way to the end of the stream, fishing along the way. Doesn’t it just break your heart when the fish are jumping all around you and you don’t have the bait they are hitting? Well that was the case. The scenery was so pretty that at times instead of fishing we simply gazed at the sites - large red rock hills, timber, and clear blue water abound.

After two hours or so, and no fish to show for it, a small rain cloud developed and the temperature dropped. That was Jamie’s sign to call it a day. Being the good woman she is, she decided to sit in the truck and let me try my luck in Crystal Reservoir…and being the good man that I am, I took her up on that idea.

It is only a five-mile drive from Granite to Crystal. I knew exactly where I wanted to put in - Medicine Bow Point. This area is only accessible by foot and small boats. I have just the boat for getting there now. I trolled into position where I thought the fish would be but again they were jumping out of the water all around me and I couldn’t catch them.

I drifted downstream where the water tapered to 3-5 feet and finally I was able to catch two small rainbow trout. The people who had hiked in were catching their limits. Curiosity got the best of me and I had to ask what bait they were using. “Worms and Eggs,” said one lady. The two things that I didn’t have in my tackle box!

I can promise you I will be back. Curt Gowdy State Park is a wonderful day, weekend, or even week-long trip. You should put it on your “To Do List” for summer 2008.

Happy Casting,

Jeremy