One Done Daddy

Believe it or not the 112th Cheyenne Frontier Days is now over.

Congratulations to Steve Woolsey for winning his first CFD title after riding three bulls for 245 points including a 91-point ride in the championship round. Over the years I’ve become friends with the 2000 World Champion Bull Rider, Cody Hancock. Cody proved once again that he is a contender recording an 85- point ride on Sunday and ultimately a second place finish overall.

Cheyenne Frontier Days is undoubtedly the most prestigious rodeo in the world. 2008 marked my seventh year to fight bulls at CFD and each year the western celebration improves. CFD has been named the PRCA’s Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year nine times and what an honor it is to be just a small part of their success.

In the 112th edition of CFD, Jesse Bail made perhaps the best ride I’ve seen him make when he turned in a 91-point ride in the first round to earn $6,300 for eight seconds of work. NFR qualifier J.W. Harris rode a previously unridden Thomas Taylor bucking bull for 86 points. Perhaps the most sentimental moment came when Jay Marrow made a qualified ride on a bull renamed for Cheyenne resident Hunter Jones. Despite the fact Hunter is fighting cerebral palsy he attends CFD every year. But it’s his smile that is contagious and his smile that has made him a big hit among CFD bull riders. After Jay’s successful ride, Hunter autographed Jay’s CFD Day Sheet. Jay might not have won the CFD championship but he will always remember the smile Hunter Jones had when he made a successful ride. Now that is priceless.

I knew Sunday was going to be a busy day for me and my wife, Jamie. We had to hustle from Frontier Park to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Stadium in Denver in order to make the Colorado Rapids game Sunday evening. There weren’t too many minutes to spare but we did end up arriving on time. Jamie had the truck running and I sprinted from the rodeo arena to the pickup as soon as the last bull bucked. I threw my gear bag in the back and made a mad dash for the back seat as Jamie spun out.

Cheyenne’s CBS 5 had previously done an interview with me regarding how busy Sunday was going to be but it wasn’t until the moment we pulled away that I felt the pressure to be on time.



At 7p.m. we got to the stadium with not a minute to spare. We were escorted onto the field where I was to meet with the Rapids team captain, Pablo Mastroeni (No. 25), and then participate in the coin toss.

After my duties as the Honorary Team Captain were complete Jamie and I enjoyed watching the game and learning more about my now favorite MLS Team, the Rapids. I have to say, the Rapids fans take the game seriously and aren’t afraid to let the referees know how they feel when a call doesn’t go their way. MLS is intense and action packed. It’s not just a bunch of people chasing a ball. I’m now an official soccer fan and can’t wait to return for another game.

While sitting on the bench getting ready to meet Pablo I told Jamie I think I could play this game. That’s something you most likely wouldn’t hear from Mastroeni should Pablo come to CFD next year to watch me in action.
Forever West,

Jeremy

Tough Enough To Wear Pink

The odds were stacked against me today as I had to fight bulls in the mud and unusual humidity created by yesterday's rain shower. Add that to the fact I was wearing a new pink jersey in support of Wrangler's Tough Enough To Wear Pink (TETWP)campaign and you have just the right mix for a potential hooking!

2008 marks the fourth year Wrangler has donated money for each contestant wearing pink on such designated TETWP performances. I would guess more than half of the cowboys competing today participated in this great event. I will try to get you the amount raised by CFD cowboys ASAP. I will venture to say that amount will be in the thousands.

Prior to the performance, Cheyenne’s CBS 5 reporter Alex Hannum interviewed me regarding the program. Be sure to check out the full TETWP interview at CBS5.

Speaking of good deeds, Locks of Love an organization which accepts donated hair in order to create wigs for children fighting cancer received a donation today that was certainly unplanned!

CFD Barrelman Cody Soesbee has been growing his hair out for over a year now. His hair had reached the minimum requirement to donate and it was getting hard to recognize him being his typical hairdo is similar to an Airman’s. Well today, front and center at CFD arena I arranged for Cody to get a surprise haircut courtesy of none other than myself! It was certainly entertaining as I tried my best to shave his head. He got away from me before I shaved him completely bald…but not before I could leave him with a nice Mohawk! He’s not ready to enter active duty but he did get a free haircut and Locks of Love will be receiving a donation.

As for the bullriding it wasn’t too bad. 2008 College National Finals qualifier Brent Menz made a good bull ride hanging on for the required eight seconds but it’s current World Champion Wesley Silcox who holds the second round lead with an 88 score.

Despite the odds being stacked against me with the mud and my new TWTWP jersey I managed to walk away in one piece.

It’s hard to think that we are on the downhill side of the 2008 Cheyenne Frontier Days but a lot of action will take place in these last few days so make sure you keep checking in with the Blogging Bullfighter for a first hand look at CFD.


Forever West,

Jeremy

Wild, Wet & Western

CFD wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t get to play in the mud at least once. In the middle of the fifth performance we had our chance to get wet and wild. We were in the second of three sections of bulls when the bottom fell out. Believe it or not I don’t mind fighting bulls while it’s raining. It’s the next day when it’s muddy that I have to work a little harder to get my job done.

I have been busy this week with parades, news interviews, promo appearances and a host of other CFD events and I hope that you have been able to keep up through it all.

I sported my Rapids jersey on Monday and guess what? I took a hooking. Bullfighters typically wear the same outfit as it always seems that when we put on a new article of clothing we get hooked. I’m not totally superstitious but I will say 60% of the time a hooking happens. Nevertheless, it made a great picture and you can see it online at the Rapids official website. In addition, the Rapids had this to say...

Let the Sparks Fly: In a sport where only the strong survive, Jeremy Sparks has excelled. Jeremy is an eight-year veteran bullfighter in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as well as the Professional Bull Riders. He is the only professional bullfighter in the United States Air Force, serving as the Commandant of Cadets at the University of Wyoming. In true Rapids supporter fashion, he's been wearing a Rapids jersey all week as he has competed at Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world’s largest rodeo and western celebration. He also wears shin guards and soccer cleats when he competes. Fans will get the chance to see Jeremy in person this weekend, as he will be the Honorary Captain at the Rapids game this Sunday.

Jamie and I are excited for Sunday when I make my appearance as the Rapids “Honorary Captain” when they face off with Columbus at 7:30pm at Dick Sporting Goods stadium. It is really nice to have my family supporting my career choice and attending so many events with me. I know it’s going to be blast.

As for rodeo action, my good friend, and Wyoming Secretary of State Max Maxfield, came out to support our Wyoming cowboys and they didn’t disappoint! Bobby Welsh was successful turning in a 78-point ride. He has certainly been on fire this year and you can bet he will represent Wyoming at the 2008 National Finals Rodeo.

Relatively unknown Cheyenne cowboy, Tyrel Nelson is tied for the lead in the bareback riding with two-time world champion Bobby Mote. I hope Tyrel carries his momentum into round two and earns a spot in the championship round on Sunday. How exciting would it be for this young man to win his hometown rodeo?

Despite the hurricane in Texas, it looks as if CBS News will make the trip to Cheyenne and report live from the pancake breakfast on Friday. Tune into “The Early Show” and watch my live interview tomorrow.

Well I have to wash muddy clothes but thanks for stopping by.

It is “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” day and I have a special jersey just for that. I hope I don’t get hooked for wearing a new jersey but if I do it will be for a good cause. We hope to raise both money and awareness for the Susan G. Koman and TETWP Foundations. If you’re a cancer survivor, my hat’s off to you for fighting the good fight…and WINNING!

Forever West,

Jeremy

Always Moving!!

Cheyenne Frontier Days is officially underway. It has been a whirlwind ride so far and we have only just begun.

The interviews I previously blogged about went really well. I’d like to thank Denver 7 and Fox 31 for their generosity and sharing my story. It was an early morning but well worth it.

I woke up at 5am and was on the road by 6am. I was scheduled for Fox 31 “Good Day Colorado” show at 8am so I needed to hit the ground running in order to beat the morning traffic. I fueled up in Cheyenne before heading south. To my dismay ten miles into the trip I realized I had forgotten the video footage they had requested so I had to return home in order to pick it up. Good news is I made it.

There was a break between the morning news interview and my taping for Denver 7. I crashed at a friends’ house just outside Denver. It’s always better to visit and laugh with good friends than it is to walk the mall.

At 1:30pm I headed back into Denver to start the taping. It was a fun interview and allowed me the opportunity to promote Wyoming and explain the role of a bullfighter. Perhaps you were able to catch it both Friday and Saturday on the 10 o’clock news.

Big thanks go out to Steve Kelley and his Fox 31 team as well as the entire Denver 7 Sports crew. Also, congratulations to my good friend Anne Trujillo of Denver 7 for earning the Emmy for Denver’s Best News Anchor!

Be sure to check back as we work to upload interviews.

Well I arrived back into Cheyenne just in time to make a promo appearance at the Wyoming Tourism booth located near the CFD Ticket Office. Don’t miss your chance to stop by and learn more about Wyoming and get your free Chris LeDoux Tribute DVD.

From there I met up with Jamie it was on to a CFD reception. It’s always a treat to visit with the many people who play a large part in making CFD the greatest outdoor rodeo. Among those in attendance were legendary stock contractor Harry Vold and his wife Karen.

There is no rest for the weary and that is certainly the case for me right now. Jamie and I walked through the night show just long enough for me to get a headache. That was the end of the night for me. We returned home and doctored my headache so I could be better for the first of nine PRCA rodeo performances.

The next morning (19 July) it was off to the CFD Parade at 9:30am. If you want to see a parade, the CFD Parade is a must. There are horses, wagons, Indians, queens, antique vehicles, bands, military troops and so much more. Good news is, there are three more parades (22, 24, 26 July) so you can be sure to get in on the action.

From the parade we headed to Frontier Park to get ready for the rodeo. Fighting bulls with me this year are NFR bullfighter Darrel Diefenbach and world champion Mike Matt. It’s always good to get the first performance under your belt. The first one went well and I hope for eight more just like that! Congrats to Wyoming native Clayton Savage for turning in the high marked ride of the day scoring 87 points.

P.s. - Happy Birthday Jamie!

Forever West,
Jeremy

CFD or Bust!

It’s getting to be that time of year again…time for Cheyenne Frontier Days. CFD is more than just the largest rodeo in the world; it is truly a “western celebration.”

Since I’m still recovering from my recent incident, I was in town this weekend to help kick off the 112th annual festivities.

My first appearance was 12 July when Jamie and I attended the 2008 CFD Queen Coronation Ball. Each year I get to promote CFD with two talented young ladies and this year is no exception. Miss Frontier Kari Ward and her Lady-In-Waiting Kim Kuhn were the featured guests of the first 2008 CFD event. It’s always exciting to see the queens receive their well earned trophy saddle, buckle and keys to a brand new Dodge Truck among other gifts. This year, my good friend Chris Brown from the Cheyenne Outback Restaurant catered the event. In the seven years I have attended the coronation I do believe this was the largest. Kudos to Col. Pond and the CFD Military Committee volunteers for putting on a first-class event. I would estimate 500+ were in attendance.

Jamie and I had plans to ride in the CFD Cattle Drive the following morning. Due to other commitments it did not work out. Nonetheless, the cattle drive is a great experience and always exciting. Over 700 cattle were driven down Hynds Boulevard some 10 miles before reaching the CFD arena. Spectators traveling Interstate 25 could see firsthand as real cowboys wrangled the cattle through Cheyenne

The public relations events that I do during CFD are numerous. It is not uncommon for me to appear at over 100 PR events in the ten days of action. It’s always a real treat to promote CFD and on Monday 14 July I had the opportunity to speak to 130 kids at Lebhart Elementary School. In Wyoming, everyone has a little cowboy spirit and it’s exciting to see the smile on young faces and excitement in their eyes when talking about watching the rodeo. Miss Frontier and her Lady-in-Waiting along with myself read a cute little cowboy story to the youngsters. Hopefully we appeared to be smarter than a fifth grader!

Every year during CFD it seems as if I am afforded the opportunity to participate in unique PR events. Last year, a couple of unique events were appearing on the nationally televised cooking show “Pressure Cook” with Ralph Pagano and being a contestant on the “Power of 10” with Drew Carey.

This year, I have already been invited to do a very unique PR event that I can’t stop thinking about. I am excited beyond words to tell you I will be the “Honorary Team Captain” for the Colorado Rapids major league soccer game on 27July! Visit www.coloradorapids.com to purchase your ticket for the 27July game when they battle Columbus at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Come out and watch with me and help rally the Rapids to victory.

To help promote frontier days and talk about bullfighting, I will be appearing on Denver’s News 7 with sports anchor Lionel Bienvenu 17July on the four o’clock news. On 18 July wake up a little early and catch me on Denver’s Fox 31 with “Good Day Colorado” host Steve Kelley as we create early morning buzz at 8am.

I will do my best to keep you up-to-date during Cheyenne Frontier Days. It’s going to be a busy ten days but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Be sure to stop by the Wyoming Tourism tent near the CFD Ticket Gate as I will be there signing pictures and handing out the ever popular Chris LeDoux Tribute DVDs.


Forever West,
Jeremy

A Cody Fourth

The 2008 Cody Stampede and Xtreme Bull events are now in the books.

Jamie and I had a great time in Cody despite my injuries taking me out of competition for the remainder of the week. As reported, I did have to make a trip to the West Park Hospital in Cody. I was admitted and ended up staying overnight for evaluation but was discharged just in time to watch the rodeo on Thursday. I can’t compliment the West Park staff enough for taking great care of Jamie and me.

I know they think I’m crazy because the entire time I was trying to talk the doctors into letting me to fight bulls upon my release. Well that didn’t happen but I am only out for ten days and will be good to go in time for Cheyenne Frontier Days. So, I’m excited about that.

We really want to thank everyone that came by and called to check on my status. The Cody Stampede committee went out of their way to ensure our needs were met. In rodeo, it’s not about the money or fame. The people make it worthwhile.

At our hotel a young lady introduced herself and thanked me for saving her brother. Turns out he was the rider trying to make his escape when I moved in to take the bull away. Helping your buddies is truly what cowboy protection/bullfighting is. Truth be told, she didn’t have to thank me. Like Donny Sparks said: “I was simply doing my job.” But it is nice when people recognize your sacrifice.

Due to the turn of events, Jamie and I weren’t able to make it back to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. However, I can promise you the BBHC is worth the price of admission.

I was able to ride in the July 4th parade despite my injuries. Literally thousands of spectators turned out to see the parade and later returned to watch the spectacular fireworks display put on by the City of Cody.

We certainly enjoyed watching it with friends from the newly built hotel, The Cody. Without a doubt, The Cody is the finest lodging in town. The wood used for the interior was salvaged from the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone.

Congratulations to Wesley Silcox the 2008 Cody Stampede Rodeo Champion Bullrider as well as Zeb Lenham for capturing his first Xtreme Bulls win.

It was an honor to fight bulls with my lifetime hero, Donny Sparks. When he came to see me in the ER, I told him he was the reason for all of this. I don’t think he wanted to take credit for me being in the ER but he certainly knows he is the reason I dreamed of becoming a professional bullfighter.

Buffalo Bill & a Bull’s leg to the Head

I told you I would get to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and I have kept my word. I can honestly say, the BBHC is the largest museum I have ever been in. It is a must see! The center is so large that your ticket is redeemable over two consecutive days.

A bronze sculpture of Buffalo Bill Cody greets you at the front door. Upon entering the BBHC visitors get a sense of the larger than life atmosphere the staff has created. The center features five separate museums under one roof. The museums include: Plains Indian, Cody Firearms, Buffalo Bill, Natural History and the Whitney Gallery of Western Art as well as over 20 bronze sculptures situated around the center.

Jamie and I were in awe of the Plain Indian displays. The bald eagle is my favorite bird and to see the craftsmanship of Native American head-dresses, war bonnets and other authentic creations incorporating the bald eagle was a real treat for me. I could literally spend an entire day in the Plains Indian area alone and not see everything.

Check out the website for the BBHC and learn more about the 2500+ gun collection that makes up the Cody Firearms Museum. All firearms are beautifully displayed in rooms, wings, and hanging from the ceiling. It is a must see for all gun enthusiasts. I promise you that if it was made, it is on display. Guns dating back over 300 years grace the walls and visitors can read information about each individual item.

The Cody Firearms Museum was so large that my brain could no longer process the information I was taking in. I would venture to say it could easily take a week to get an adequate feel for all the guns on display.

The last area within the center we walked through was the Buffalo Bill Museum. Buffalo Bill, a “true friend to the Indians,” was an accomplished military scout who later set his sights on creating the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. His creation of such show made the cowboy a true American hero while also employing numerous Native Americans in re-creations of various Indian wars. Thousands of memorabilia items from the show are now on display for visitors to enjoy. Among them are several silver show saddles weighing in at over 75 pounds.

Before I close, I do want to send out a report regarding a little injury I received last night while performing at the Cody Stampede in Cody, WY.

While protecting a fallen rider, I was hooked by a bull and forced to the ground. While still on the ground the bull’s hind leg caught me in the head and briefly knocked me out. I was able to stagger out of the arena with assistance. After being checked out by the Justin Sports Medicine a CT Scan was performed at the Cody Hospital.

Results show a concussion and a contusion. I did spend the night in the hospital last night but hope to be released today. I am currently awaiting the results of a second CT Scan.

Good news is I will be able to fight bulls at Cheyenne Frontier Days later this month.

Please pray for Jamie, our families, and me. I’ve been here before but I do know the toll it takes on family and loved ones.

Take Care,
Jeremy

Cody Stampede & Extreme Bulls

Jamie and I have been non-stop since we arrived in Cody, Wyoming. It is always my intent to partake in the activities made famous by each town I travel to while on the rodeo trail. In Cody, Wyoming, there is always something to dive into.

Whether it is the Cody Stampede PRCA Rodeo & Xtreme Bulls you want to see or the parades, river rafting, shopping, museums, hiking or fishing Cody has it.

As soon as we arrived, it was off to book a rafting trip with Wyoming River Trips. The in-laws were with us as they too wanted to witness the Cody Stampede and enjoy the friendly Cody atmosphere. All total, there were 10 eager beavers ready to ride the rapids! We elected to take on the Lower Canyon of the Shoshone River. This 12 mile trip usually takes 2 ½ - 3 hours but thanks to the record levels of moisture this year the water is higher and the currents are faster. Currently it is taking closer to 1 ½ -2 hours to travel the same 12 miles. Faster waters not only equal quicker trips, it means bigger rapids and more excitement!

We all had a great time riding the waves with our guide, Joe. He is was an excellent guide helping us spot over 60 Mule Deer and of course keeping us all in the boat! Our trip was certainly a family bonding experience as we toughed out the cool temperatures, waited out a thunderstorm all in the name of fun.

After drying off, it was time to relax and get ready for the first performance of the Cody Stampede. The Stampede is a huge 4th of July rodeo featuring the best professional cowboys on tour and a $300K purse. With so much on the line, I wanted to be rested and ready to perform at the highest level.

The rodeo started just as another thunderstorm rolled in. It was violent lighting and cold rain. The good news is the storm didn’t last the entire rodeo! Kudos to the Stampede committee for being flexible on the fly as lights, timers and scoreboards all needed power reestablished after losing it momentarily due to the storms. Without missing a beat the rodeo continued.

Bull Riding was the last event. Believe it or not, I had been waiting for this day since I was fourteen years old. It was at that time that professional bullfighter Donny Sparks became my hero; he is the sole reason I wanted to be a bullfighter. Donny has been a superstar at the Cody Stampede for 15 years now and although this will be his last rodeo before he hangs up his cleats, it was the first time we performed together at a professional event. This will always be a highlight in my rodeo career. It would be similar to a young basketball player getting to play with Michael Jordan.

The rodeo went well; thankfully there were no accidents that we couldn’t handle. Thanks to World Champion Wesley Silcox for putting on the best ride of the night…he was 88 points and sits on top of the leader board. There are still three performances left so only time will tell if he is the 2008 Cody champ.

Stay tuned to the Blogging Bullfighter as I plan to tour the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in downtown Cody, Wyoming.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Our Big Day

“In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities.” -- Janos Arnay
When Jamie and I were discussing wedding plans, the location of our wedding was never in question. Yellowstone National Park is the only place we ever considered for our perfect day.

There were some logistical issues to deal with since I have been on the road traveling the rodeo circuit and couldn’t oversee several of the key factors that go into putting on a wedding. For example, you need a cake, chairs, preacher, music, etc.

Our wedding was to be small and simple, yet elegant. We overcame all obstacles thanks to great friends and family. Jamie’s family passed through Cheyenne two days prior to the wedding to pick up our wedding cake provided by expert cake decorator, Mrs. Deb Hottle. With our cake on dry ice, the Jordan clan headed north to Yellowstone. While the cake was in route, my good friend Rick Hoeninghausen, of Xanterra Parks and Resorts, was working hard to ensure we had chairs and transportation. When I say transportation, I mean first-class transportation that can only happen in Yellowstone.

Jamie and I sent a handful of invitations out prior to the event stating our ceremony would take place in Yellowstone’s famous Hayden Valley. Well that all changed after we arrived in the park and found a beautiful location on Lake Yellowstone known as Gull Point Shore. So it was off to the park headquarters to adjust our outdoor wedding permit. I’m sure everyone was thrilled to learn of the last minute move but one thing is for sure, the only thing that never changes is change itself.

With Rick’s help, we were able to connect with Mr. Lee, our minister and Lincoln, our guitar player. I certainly needed to contact them regarding the location change. For some reason having a minister to officiate the wedding is more important than cake and chairs no matter how good the cake is!

In the knick of time, it all started to fall into place. But the highlight of the wedding, besides marrying your soul-mate, came in the form of a phone call. Rick called at 8am on the morning of the wedding stating he was able to arrange to bring one of the historic Yellowstone Yellow Buses (touring car) to our wedding. In addition, the yellow bus would also serve as transportation for Jamie and her parents to the wedding followed by our departure to Hayden Valley.

The ceremony was just what we were looking for; small and simple yet elegant. The weather was perfect with the bluest of skies. The scenery was certainly the best in the world and we were surrounded by friends and family. The yellow bus was the perfect touch and most importantly Jamie and I were able to start the first day as Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Sparks together.

Following our return from Hayden Valley we arrived at the Lake Hotel dining room to have a wedding day feast. Lake Hotel was created in 1891 to entice the white collar people living in the east to travel west. Still to this day Lake Hotel provides the most elegant dining in Yellowstone.

When our dinner was complete our waitress informed us that the bill had been paid. When we inquired further we were handed a note that read: “May the Lord bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you give you peace.” It was signed by our friends Bo and Marita Jackson. How sweet and thoughtful.

Thank you to everyone who traveled to be a part of this special occasion. Thanks to all who spoiled us with gifts but a special heartfelt thanks to Rick H. for proving that in our Yellowstone wedding there were no impossibilities. Simply put, we couldn’t have done it without him.

Enjoy the photos taken by our photographer and good friend, Cody Brinton. You can see more of Cody’s work at www.thewayeyeseeit.com

If marriage is in your future I encourage you to look no further than Yellowstone for that perfect place to say “I Do.” The scenic backdrop of Yellowstone National Park is simply amazing. You can return to Yellowstone year after year and recall memories that will last a lifetime. I already look forward to our return to Gull Point Shore.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Top Ten Yellowstone to-do List

Our Yellowstone adventure has to come to an end. We are now off to Cody, Wyoming, for the Cody Stampede PRCA Rodeo and X-treme Bull Riding competition.

In the last two years, I have spent 20-plus days inside the wonderland known as Yellowstone National Park. If I had my way, I would never leave its boundaries. This year alone I was able to experience numerous lifelong memories. In doing so, I also encountered people from 49 of the 50 states who were doing the same. Only Alaska wasn’t represented in the form of a vehicle license plate. In addition to the Americans who were in search of adventure, the international community was also represented as I visited with numerous people from every continent with the exception of Antarctica.

In my travels to Yellowstone I would offer to you my Top Ten things to do. When you have to opportunity to visit, please do. You only live once so go ahead and take that trip you’ve always dreamed of taking. And when you do, take along this list and see how many you accomplish:

10. See the sunset from Lake Hotel
9. Hike a day trail
8. Bike along the Yellowstone River
7. Walk in the Yellowstone wilderness
6. Wake up at 5am to look for wildlife











5. Stand at the brink of Upper Falls
4. Fish on Lake Yellowstone
3. Take a Xanterra tour
2. Stay at Old Faithful Inn
1. Get married in Yellowstone

Forever West,
Jeremy

Old Faithful Inn

Jamie and I have a new found appreciation for our home at Old Faithful Inn. The design and construction rival the detail found in many European structures. Although different in style, the craftsmanship is phenomenal.

I have since learned that Old Faithful Inn was constructed in a brisk 13 months - a feat that is hard to believe still to this day. The doors opened to the first guests in June 1904. The Inn originally contained 140 rooms and is known today as the “Old House.”

This magnificent creation is thanks to Robert Reamer, a 29-year-old architect. A pamphlet provided by Xanterra Parks and Resorts states: “The lodgepole pine, including twisting supports, was cut 4 miles south of the site. Five hundred tons of rhyolite rocks were quarried five miles to build the mountainous lobby chimney.”
Everything about Old Faithful Inn is jaw dropping. The lobby measures 76 feet, 6 inches. It is impossible to enter the Inn and not look up at such creation. I have watched over one thousand guests enter the Inn over the last 72 hours and all have fallen victim to the “Old Faithful Inn head-snap!”

The Inn has since been expanded. East and west wings were added to accommodate the overnight requests of tourists in 1913 and 1927 respectively. Jamie and I are in the east wing and have a direct line-of-sight to the Old Faithful geyser. Don’t sweat should you book a room on the west wing. Great viewing of the geyser is made possible by the multiple viewing decks. It is a priceless event to see Old Faithful erupt from within the Old Faithful Inn!


Speaking of Old Faithful Geyser. It erupts more frequently and more consistently than any large geyser in Yellowstone. A century-long history has shown a proven track record for Old Faithful with eruptions occurring approximately every 90 minutes. Each eruption can last anywhere from 1 ½ - 5 minutes tossing 3,700-8,400 gallons of boiling water to heights of 184 feet!

Watching Old Faithful erupt never gets old. We have seen this event firsthand over one dozen times over the past 3 days. After one eruption, I overheard a couple say that they “didn’t need to see anything else in the world because nothing could be more amazing.”

Yellowstone is amazing. There is so much in addition to Old Faithful to stand in awe of. Whether geysers, wildlife, lakes, mountains or one of the most unique lodging places in the world you can find it inside the gates of Wonderland.

Also inside the gates of Wonderland, the food rivals that of the Las Vegas casinos.
Old Faithful Inn houses a premier restaurant known simply as the Old Faithful Dinning Room. The elegance of sandblasted glass creates an illusion of light making it seem as if the sun is setting. A 100-year-old painting by Paco Young capturing Old Faithful erupting as buffalo graze demands ones attention as it hangs on the large dining room chimney.

The menu is just as impressive, from first-course to main-course meals and certainly dessert, one can find the perfect fix for any size appetite.

I found myself eating profound portions of buffalo prime rib, boiled shrimp, Alaskan salmon and lobster pasta these past few days. But perhaps the best dessert I have ever ordered was in the form of their chocolate brownie sundae. My goodness did Jamie and I overdo it attempting to eat a full meal and dessert all in one sitting.
It has been our pleasure to reside these past few days in the east wing of Old Faithful Inn. I invite you to research more this one-of-a-kind structure and hopefully our paths will cross inside the lobby as we do the “Old Faithful head-snap” together!

Forever West,
Jeremy