Blogging Bullfighter

My "Aha Moment" Makes the Top 10

2009-11-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

I received the following info from the Mutual of Omaha Aha Moment campaign staff this morning... "The final votes have been cast. Congratulations to our 10 aha moments, who will be included in Mutual of Omaha's 2010 TV commercials. Thanks to everyone who voted! We started with 75 aha moments, narrowed them down to 25, and finished with 10. And whether they made you smile, laugh or cry, our hope is that they inspired you to find your own aha moment."

I want to follow that by saying thanks to each of you who supported me in this effort and saw to it that I made the TOP 10! It has been fun to reconnect with old friends and make new ones throughout this process. I appreciate your vote and your commitment to forward this to friends and post on social networking sites.

It's going to be a great opportunity to get Wyoming into the homes of millions of viewers in 2010.

As more details develop regarding when my commercial will start to air, I will be certain to update www.jeremysparks.com so everyone can tune in.

Forever West–
Jeremy

Top 10 Finalist!

2009-10-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

You've cast your votes and picked your favorites…THANK YOU for getting me to the final round!

We are one step closer to being included in Mutual of Omaha's 2010 TV campaign and getting Wyoming and the Western Lifestyle into the homes of millions.

The Top 10 of these 25 are the WINNERS!

Until October 31, you can vote for my Aha Moment. Simply click http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/voting?momentSeed=1255960481 and vote for the Cowboy “Fighting For His Life” Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Be sure to spread the word...we're alomost there!

Again, thanks for your support.

Your Friend,
Jeremy

My Aha Moment

2009-09-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy summer and forgive me for not doing a better job staying in touch.

So many neat things have happened since my last blog and I will do my best to fill you in over the next month. Thinking back, there was Cheyenne Frontier Days, then a rodeo trail taking me to California. From there it was across the Atlantic to Europe, then back to climb Devils Tower! O yea, and then there's this nationwide search for the next Mutual of Omaha commercial I am cast for.

Many of you may know, I was recently cast for a potential nationwide commercial spot with Mutual of Omaha.

The campaign is known simply as ‘Your Aha Moment’; that moment when one realizes their passion and focuses their energy on inspiring others. As you can guess my Aha Moment focuses on rodeo and military service and how I’ve incorporated the two passions into one lifestyle.

Over 1,000 people were interviewed during a 25 state tour. Because of overwhelming response, Mutual of Omaha has selected the 75 semi-finalist that the general public will now vote for. The top 10 vote getters will earn a nationwide TV Ad featuring their Aha Moment starting early 2010.

I would like to ask for you to visit http://www.ahamoment.com/vote and vote for my Aha Moment. You can vote more than once!

The first round of voting is October 1-15. The Top 25 vote getters will move on to the final round of voting which will be open until October 31.

Thank you for voting and please forward to your contact list, myspace, facebook, etc!

Forever West
Jeremy

Frank & Senses

2009-07-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

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

Unfinished Business

2009-05-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

Our time at Devils Tower has come to an end. I encourage you to personally visit the tower at your earliest convenience.

A most sought after license plate for collectors worldwide is the Wyoming edition. Ever since I have lived in Wyoming, the plate has featured Devils Tower alongside the iconic Steamboat bucking horse. Seeing the tower in a photograph or on a license plate doesn’t do it justice. It is a personal experience you need to savor in life, not in a picture.

Granted photos of Devils Tower are spectacular but it’s impossible for a picture to capture the feeling you have when you’re lying under the moonlit sky with every star in the heavens illuminating the tower.

As a matter of fact, Jamie and I will be returning to Devils Tower after I perform at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, WY. We have a little unfinished business to tend to. We have arranged to climb the tower with expert Frank Sanders. Frank is a legend in Crook County, Wyoming. Frank has climbed Devils Tower 365 consecutive days!

We were able to spend a little time with Frank this weekend and with the encouragement of Matt Driskill we are entered in the rock climbing class. O, did I mention neither Jamie nor I have ever climbed anything higher than the bed of a pickup truck?

Frank owns and operates Devils Tower Lodge and Wilderness Climbing making it possible for a novice like myself and avid climbers alike to reach the top.

You can bet I will be blogging about this adventure. I am even going to try and wear a helmet cam so I can upload video with the blog.

Before I sign off this Memorial Day, let’s not forget the reason for our extended weekend. Yes, to some today was simply a day off of work but to others it’s an opportunity to honor those who have served our nation - many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

I want to send a personal ‘thank you’ to the troops serving outside the wire Memorial Day 09. Likewise, to my uncle Ronnie Sparks who served in Vietnam and a longtime family friend, Mr. EJ Hosey who marched with Patton in World War II and my Wyoming neighbor Mr. Smedley who survived the attacks on the USS Intrepid in WWII.

The United States will remain the land of the free so long as it is home of the brave.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Back in the Saddle Again

2009-05-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday , Jamie and I were able to ride horseback over a portion of the 10,000+ acre ranch the Driskill family homesteaded in the late 1800s.

I don’t get the opportunity to ride much anymore but I sure do enjoy it when I do. In the last few years my riding has been rodeo parades, filming movies or photo shoots. But nothing takes me back to my teenage years like riding horses.

Jamie was even up for the adventure. I’m pretty proud of her. We crossed the Belle Fourche River twice and once jumped the “Red Canyon.” Well, I told Jamie we could call it the Red Canyon but it was really more like a red clay ditch. Nonetheless, she did a great job keeping up with Matt and me as we rode in the backcountry. Along the way, we spooked a turkey, several deer and even a red fox.

Devils Tower is spectacular from the road but seeing it from the backcountry on horseback is simply euphoric. If perchance you are looking for a perfect wedding site, keep in mind Devils Tower.

I’m not sure how many acres we covered or even how long we were out. But the one thing I do know is as we were riding home the sun was setting over our nation’s first national monument. As the American flag gently waved in the cool mountain breeze all three horses stopped and faced the setting sun. It was inspiring to take in that view one more time.

As night fell we thought it would be a good idea to stoke the campfire, make smores and roast hotdogs. And yes, we did it in that order. If you have never made a smore follow these simple directions:

Build a fire
Find a small tree branch (or wire clothes hanger)
Stick a couple of marshmallows on the stick and roast over fire
Break a graham cracker in half
Break a Hershey chocolate bar in half
Sandwich the roasted marshmallows & chocolate between the graham crackers
Eat
Email me simply saying “Thank You!”

Sitting around the fire I couldn’t help but think about days gone by. As a kid my parents would load up the vehicle and search out a campground. Many a vacation was spent under the stars roasting hot dogs, building smores and making memories.

Living in this hurry up, hustle & bustle world, I want to encourage you to slow down long enough to make memories your children will always cherish. Truly, it is the small things in life I hold dear – family time, a good saddle, campfires, and being immersed in nature.

Forever West,
Jeremy

First-Time Close Encounters

2009-05-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Devils Tower is more than I anticipated. The Tower has a way of stirring something inside you that until you experience it you can’t fully comprehend the majesty.

This morning Jamie and I saddled-up the bicycles and peddled the three-mile stretch between the park entrance and the visitor’s center.

It’s a moderate ride in and quite literally it’s uphill the entire time. However, I found it was rather enjoyable. On our ride we spotted deer, turkey, and even got a up-close look at Devils Tower most famous species – the black-tailed prairie dog.

My goodness, as soon as we entered the park we were greeted by 1,000 plus of these little guys. On the map the area is called “Prairie Dog Town.” I tell you, the Prairie Dog President must have been in town today because all the dogs were out.

The real treat was watching a turkey strut for fifteen minutes as he tried to impress a nearby hen. We ended up leaving the bikes in the ditch, walking in the forest a bit, and taking a seat on a fallen tree in order to enjoy the show. The gobbler would sound a few notes, fan its feathers and strut around until the lady had no choice but to notice him. It reminded me of some of my cowboy friends from my early rodeo days.

Well we made the 1400 ft incline and couldn’t believe how massive the tower appeared. From afar, Devils Tower looked big but standing right under it, that emotional stirring really starts to happen. The rock tower doesn’t fit into its surroundings. It’s not like there are several smaller rock towers and then the grand tower. Devils Tower erupts from rolling hills and looms over trees that are a part of the Black Hills National Forest.

There are at least three scientific theories regarding the origin of the tower and at least three more legends. You can read all about those theories as you walk along the Tower Trail. I prefer to side with the Native American’s tale. Legend has it (and I paraphrase) that seven young girls were playing on a small boulder in the distance from the tribe’s camp and a big grizzly bear spotted them. The young girls, scared for their lives, began to pray that the rock would save them. The Great Spirit answered their prayers and the boulder grew and grew, taking the young girls into the sky where they remain today as a group of seven small stars - The Pleiades.

The only question now is how did the tower ridges form? Continuing with the legend, the ridges are the result of that big grizzly scratching and clawing his way toward the young girls to no avail.

It is easy to make a full day inside the park’s perimeter. We only scheduled a half-day before we were off in search of the Vore Buffalo Jump.

In route we came across Aladdin, WY - population 15. Throw a one on the front of the population and you get the age of the town general store (mercantile), which at 115 years old is still open. East of Aladdin, we found what we had been searching. During the construction of I-90, the Vore Buffalo Jump was discovered. Turns out, this is a natural sinkhole providing an exceptional means for the Native Americans to harvest buffalo in numbers hard to comprehend. Ranging from the 1500s to the 1800s at least five native tribes used this sinkhole to trap and then harvest buffalo.

Although limited digs have taken place, bones of an estimated 20,000 buffalo have been found buried and perfectly preserved along with countless Native American artifacts. Despite being directly off of I-90, I would guess not even 1% of the passersby stop to experience Vore Buffalo Jump.

Well it’s suppertime at the KOA and I need to get going. We arrived back just in time to fire up the grill, help start the community campfire, and set up for the nightly showing of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” - a movie shot right here where I’m sitting now! No wonder Devils Tower KOA has earned three consecutive KOA Presidential Awards. They have free WiFi, campfires, movies, playgrounds, and a priceless view of Devils Tower. What else could a tourist ask for?

Forever West,
Jeremy

Memorial Day Weekend, Here We Come

2009-05-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

My summer rodeo run is merely three weeks away and there’s no better way to clear my mind and finish prepping for a grueling schedule than to travel Wyoming. Highlights of the trail will include the College Nationals Finals (Casper, WY), Cheyenne Frontier Days (Cheyenne, WY) and the Santa Barbara (CA) stop of the PBR tour.

But today, Jamie and I are off to the northeast corner of Wyoming in search of Devils Tower National Monument, the first national monument in the USA!

Since starting the Blogging Bullfighter, I have wanted to visit Devils Tower and capture my experience in words. However, don’t merely take my word for it, get out and experience Wyoming yourself.

Thanks to Matt and Kathi Driskill of Devils Tower KOA Campground this trip has become a reality.

We left Cheyenne at 1pm yesterday and began the easy 300-mile trip to Devils Tower. I bet we counted over 500 Antelope between Cheyenne and Gillette.

In my eight years living in Wyoming, I have never been east of Gillette. To my surprise, the plains faded in the background as we entered plush, green, rolling hills and acre upon acre covered with towering pine trees. We spotted at least fifteen turkeys and a dozen mule deer. You gotta love that.

The GPS showed 20 miles remaining and it was nearing 7pm. W were making good time despite three pit stops along the way to include a FedEx drop box. You want to talk about fun, try pulling a 33-foot fifth wheel through a FedEx drive-in.

Out of nowhere Devils Tower appeared! I have heard others remarks regarding the same thing but until that moment I didn’t fully understand what they meant. The hills roll, a deep red-rock canyon is winds its way along the roadside, and then “BAM” a massive neck of chiseled rock towering to the sky.

It’s obvious we have arrived. Our home for the next several days is at the beautiful Devils Tower KOA Campground at the base of the national monument. I’m positive I will scout things out and report my findings.

Hey, do yourself a favor. Get off the internet, pack up the vehicle and travel Wyoming…you won’t regret it!

Forever West,
Jeremy

Sleigh ride through the elk

2009-03-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

Wyoming is a state where a person can experience what life may have been like long before towns started springing up in the West. Obviously travel and the abundance of wildlife are two areas that have changed greatly.

While in Jackson, I was able to have one of those experiences thanks to the National Elk Refuge.

Jamie and I signed up for the National Elk Refuge sleigh ride tour at the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitors Center. While waiting on our 10am tour, we enjoyed exploring their great educational displays and browsing the massive collection of wildlife found in the area. On display were elk, wolves, eagles, bear, sheep, coyote and several other species. In addition to learning a thing or two about the refuge we were also able to purchase souvenirs there.

At 10am, we departed the visitor center in route to the refuge. When we arrived we were welcomed by wranglers who drive the teams of horses responsible for pulling the sleighs.

Being it is now officially spring and temperatures have often exceeded the freezing point combined with the fact snowfall isn’t what we have seen in previous years, the wranglers decided it would be best if we took a wagon tour.

Nonetheless, we were excited to be able to get up close to the elk. My sister-in-law and her family were able to join us so it was a real treat to have this time together.

By 10:20am we had the wagon loaded, cameras ready and were and headed out.

In no time we were among a herd of 2,500 elk. Talk about every outdoorsman’s dream. At our fingertips were elk that would land in the record books should they be harvested. But what a beautiful way to see a 6x7 bull elk scratch its head with its hind leg. Looking at a large herd of elk with the Grand Teton Mountains in the background is a moment none of us will soon forget.

Prior to western settlement elk ranged freely from east to west in the United States. Native Americans livelihood was dependent in part to the massive number of free ranging elk. Every part of the game animal was used to sustain life. Many artifacts can be found in Wyoming museums across the state to include a pristine collection in the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming.

In the late 1800s when settlers arrived in the Jackson area, the elk population in the Jackson valley is said to have been 25,000.

By 1912 residents knew a protected area was needed. Not only were livestock and elk competing for the same food, harsh winters and disease had taken a heavy toll on the elk population.

Today, Over 7,500 elk make their winter home on the 25,000 acre National Elk Refuge in Jackson. The elk migrate from Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park as well as nearby national forests.

Despite being largely fenced in, the elk are not contained. Due to the daily feeding that takes place elk have learned it is easier to survive the harsh winters by migrating to the refuge. The fence is simply used to help keep the elk off of the highway and out of harm’s way.

On the National Elk Refuge you can get a glimpse of what life may have been like in the old days. Transportation is still sleigh or wagon. Work here is still done using teams of horses, and elk are abundant. If you’re lucky you might even spot a wolf or bald eagle.

I’m certainly grateful that we had this opportunity but even more I’m pleased for the benefit the refuge offers future generations.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Get Along Little Doggies

2009-03-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

In my last blog I wrote that we found the best place to eat in Jackson. Well I can now say we have discovered the best activity to experience in the Jackson Hole area. A tour with the Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours is a trip that you will never forget.

I have to admit I am not a huge dog lover. Jamie, on the other hand, is an extreme dog lover and proud dog owner. After today’s experience, I have a new-found respect for dogs especially ones that earn their keep.

At 0815 this morning we headed south of town in search of Frank Teasley, a professional dog musher for nearly 30 years, an eight-time Iditarod veteran and owner of Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours.

In route we spotted deer, elk, bighorn sheep and my favorite, the bald eagle.

When we arrived at the headquarters I was overwhelmed by the number of dogs. Over 170 dogs reside there. We were greeted warmly by both staff and dogs. When one dog sounded off to welcome us in, the other 169 followed suit.

It wasn’t long after our arrival we were able to meet the legend himself. I enjoyed getting to visit with Frank and learning a bit more about his background. He is certainly a talented and tough athlete. As a pre-teen he knew professional sled dogging was his passion. I can relate to that because at age fourteen I knew bullfighting was going to be my future.

Before leaving, he fitted Jamie and me with the proper attire for handling a 20-mile round trip to the Granite Hot Springs. The secret is dressing warm and being prepared. It was at that time Frank said, “Jeremy this is like rodeo in the winter-time!” “Well giddy up,” I replied.

Our guide was Dan. We eagerly watched as he hooked the dogs to the line and ultimately the sled. The lead sled was powered by eight Alaskan racing sled dogs. Much like marathon runners the dogs are lean, muscular, and ready to run. All of the dogs love their job. That was evident by the eager barking and forward lunging taking place as soon as they were hooked up. It was as if they were telling Dan: “Let’s go, let’s go, it’s off to work we go!”

Right before heading out, Dan informed us we would both get the opportunity to drive the team. Did I mention any previous experience with dog sledding? I didn’t think so.

Nonetheless, we started our journey with Dan in control. It would be ten miles before we would arrive at the Granite Hot Springs. The focus and intensity each of the dogs possesses is simply amazing. All of the pre-trip barking and lunging was now silence and concentration. Each dog has a role and performs their role out of loyalty to their owner. There is the lead, swing, and wheel positions. Simply put, the dogs know their respective roles and want to run much like rodeo animals want to buck. If you don’t believe me just say “Hike” and see what happens.

Equally impressive as the team of sled dogs was the wilderness we explored in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Wildlife is abundant and the scenery is at times so beautiful it is hard to adequately describe. Within two miles of our start I spotted two moose. It happened to be a cow and her young offspring. Snow was belly high on the animals but they managed to move with ease in hopes of finding food.

The trail followed the rim of Granite Creek. At times it felt as if we were in heaven. Beautiful mountains towered above us, the smooth sound of running water was merely a few feet beneath us, the sun was shining, and the only sound outside of Mother Nature was that of the dog’s paws dancing in the snow.

The average speed of our sled was eight mph. It didn’t take too long to reach the Granite Hot Springs.

Upon our arrival there, Dan told us we could enjoy a soak while he prepared lunch. We didn’t pack for a swim so I thought I was out of luck. To my surprise, I was able to rent a pair of shorts and enjoy 30 minutes of pure relaxation.

Wyoming is home to multiple hot springs situated throughout the state. In the southern area you can soak in Saratoga. In the center of the state you can relax in Thermopolis and in the northern part of the state you can find hot springs in the Jackson area as well as Cody and Yellowstone.

Granite Hot Springs is the largest soaking spot I have ever been in. The water enters the pool from Granite Creek. It is approximately 108 degrees in the winter time. In the summer, it is slightly cooler. Yes, cooler. At its deepest, the pool is over six feet.

So there I was, relaxing in a natural hot springs with huge snow cliffs all around me. The steam rolling off the pool created a light fog that when breathed in was refreshing to my soul. I can guarantee you one thing – nobody was talking about 401Ks or the stock market.

Dan was sounding the dinner bell chimes and I had worked up an appetite so that was like music to my ears. It was a full course meal featuring steak and trout in the middle of the scenic Bridger-Teton National Forest.

When our meal was complete it was time to start the ten-mile trek home. This was the moment of truth. Dan told me to take control of my own sled dog team. That was a feeling I will always remember and rates in my top life experiences. Jamie took over at the halfway point. We both handled the sled with ease and managed to keep it upright and on the trail proving that you don’t need any experience to direct your own sled.

Who would have ever thought that I could gain so much respect for dogs in such a short time? Of course Jamie now needs more dogs so she can get her very own sled.

If you have never experienced a sled dog tour, let me highly recommend the Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours. You can request a full or half day but take my advice and reserve a full-day tour. The added bonus to that is a soak in Granite Hot Springs.

On the other hand, if you are already a fan of sled dogs or just a dog lover, let me invite you to visit Wyoming’s stage race at http://www.wyomingstagestop.org/

The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race starts in Jackson, Wyoming and features overnight stops in seven Wyoming towns ending across the border in Park City, UT.

Perhaps Jamie will have a team put together by next year and take the gold. Regardless, we plan on making an overnight stop with the race and reporting my findings on the Blogging Bullfighter.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Spring Skiing Forecast in Jackson: Warm and Sunny

2009-03-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

The wake-up call came at 0800 this morning and we have been nonstop ever since. I love snowboarding and was grateful for the opportunity to ski the famous Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for the first time.

We were out the door and headed for the slopes so fast that we almost forgot to eat breakfast. Our plan was to start the day by eating at the Café Terra, which is known for its wraps and bagel sandwiches, but the itch to hit the slopes prevailed and we only had time to grab a little something to eat along the way.

When I think of spring skiing all of the following come to mind: sunshine, mild winds, and warm temperatures. Well, that is what we experienced today. The temperature was in the mid 50s. The slopes were busy but not overcrowded meaning very moderate wait times for the ski lifts.

Jamie enjoys the easy slopes while I like the more challenging ones. But to ensure we experience spring skiing together, I decided to take a couple of trails with her. Wouldn’t you know it, on my first run I wiped out. I hit the deep packed snow so hard it knocked my hat and goggles off my head. My mom has always said I’m an accident waiting to happen.

From there I was on to the more difficult slopes. Despite being separate we were able to keep in touch thanks to our hand-held radios.

While sitting at 9,000+ feet, I heard Jamie call for me over the radio. It was apparent she was excited. “Holy Cow! There is a moose right here!” Turns out a cow moose had made its way onto the trail appropriately known as Moose Alley. At one point the moose was within 50 yards of Jamie and she was able to snap a couple of pictures using her camera phone. Only in Wyoming.

We enjoyed a full day of skiing and I am now tired and sore. It feels like I’ve been run over by a one-ton bull. But it was great skiing and exploring all the mountain had to offer.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a first-class destination. On site there are 11 lodges, 22 dining options, 5 spas, 15+ stores, multiple activities for the kids, a theater, bank and even a post office. No matter what your needs may be, they have you covered.

To top it all off, the resort opened a new aerial tram this ski season. This is the Mercedes Benz of ski lifts. The tram can accommodate 100 people per lift. Compare that to a large size gondola which can hold 8-10 people and you get a good idea of just how impressive the new addition is. Add that to the tram’s stats and you’ll want to take a ride yourself. It covers 2.4 miles in just nine minutes making a vertical rise of 4,139 feet.

For lunch, we grabbed a quick bite at the Mangy Moose restaurant and caught our breath after three hours of non-stop skiing. The décor in the Mangy Moose includes its mascot – a life-size moose connected to a sleigh. That’s one sleigh ride I don’t think I would sign up for.

It is said that you have a connection with every seventh person you have contact with. That proved to be true today as we met people from all over the world. At one point Jamie and I were on the ski lift with a woman who grew up three hours from us. Then there was the seasonal worker who called Harrisburg, PA home. If you recall from my January blog, that is where I performed during the First Frontier Circuit Finals. But perhaps the most interesting person we met today is a shop owner with whom we happen to share a mutual friend. Native American artist Joseph Sky Wolf owns and operates Sky Wolf’s Art. When you visit Jackson, be sure to stop by and enjoy an impressive collection of authentic Native American art, jewelry, and so much more created by Joseph and his family.

After spending a total seven hours at the resort we were ready to return to our Wort Hotel suite.
Tonight we had the pleasure of dining with Chad and Heather, two of the key players who have helped make our visit to Jackson possible. Heather is with the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and Chad is the Director of Sales for the Wort Hotel.

We now have a clear winner for our best meal in Jackson thus far.

The best food in Jackson is at the Wort Hotel’s Silver Dollar Grill. We started with the elk sliders which could be described as mini gourmet elk burgers. As a main course I went with fresh trout while Jamie opted for salmon.

The menu appeals to any appetite offering steak, fish, elk and buffalo just to name a few. The setting of the restaurant is inviting to formal or informal dining, making it nice for guests who are arriving from the slopes.

And while on the topic of dining I have to tell you, the caribou mud pie rates in my Top Ten all-time best desserts. The menu describes it as follows, “Ice cream with ribbons of caramel, chocolate pieces, on an Oreo-cookie crust. Served with hot fudge, whipped cream, and Spanish peanuts.” Now tell me you aren’t in the mood for chocolate.

Before turning in for the night, we walked the famed Jackson Town Square which features four elk antler arches. Perhaps you have seen them on postcards over the years? You can’t come to Jackson without having your picture taken underneath an arch and tonight Jamie and I did just that.

We have to get plenty of rest because we are off to Granite Hot Springs at 0815 in the morning. The best part is we will be taking a Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tour. It might be possible for me to relive the old days by mushing my own team.

I’m excited. This will be our first experience with dog sledding and our guide is an eight-year Iditarod veteran.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Goin' to Jackson

2009-03-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Its official, Jamie and I have arrived in Jackson, Wyoming for some well needed R&R. Things have been busy for us over the past couple of months…we’ve been to the east coast rodeoing, bought a new home, and of course been busy working.

Spring break is currently taking place at the University of Wyoming and my ROTC cadets are enjoying a break from school. I pulled my duty early in the week so I could head north to Jackson to experience a complete itinerary generously put together by Wyoming Travel and Tourism, Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours, and the National Elk Refuge!

So needless to say, we are about to enjoy Wyoming!

Over the next 4 days stay tuned to the Blogging Bullfighter as I update exciting activities and first rate dinning in Jackson, Wyoming.

Jamie and I decided to drive verses fly to Jackson for our extended weekend. However, I have to say, prices for flights into the Jackson airport are very affordable no matter where your starting point may be.

On our way into town, we spotted a wolf, one moose and thousands of elk! We’ll visit the National Elk Refuge Sunday and blog about the thousands of elk who make their home on the refuge.
Our accommodations for this trip are being kindly provided by the historic Wort Hotel. It was clear the moment we arrived, guests are treated like family.

Upon entering the Wort Hotel, I noticed the warm hospitality and a grand staircase situated in the center of the lobby, highlighted by a massive stone fireplace. I have since learned the stone used to erect the massive fireplace was quarried locally by the Wort Hotel founders, John and Jess Wort in the early 1940’s. The grand staircase has a history of its own; it was spared by the horrific fires that raged through the hotel in 1980. If you look close enough you can still see charred spots on the balusters.

The Wort Brothers’ father, Charles Wort had homesteaded in Jackson back in 1893 and it was his dream to one day open a grand hotel. Charles’ dream would be fulfilled by his adventurous sons in 1941 when the Wort Hotel officially opened for business. Since that time, even Hollywood has visited to film movies which include “Shane” in 1951 featuring actor, Jean Arthur. It is said that, Mr. Arthur would make a grand entrance each morning by sliding down the staircase banister!

Before we could get settled in our room, we were invited to a meet and greet with various staff and guests of the hotel including, the director of sales and lead chef. Jamie and I enjoyed visiting and meeting various guest who have chosen to vacation in Wyoming. We met visitors from, Tennessee, New York, New Hampshire, Illinois, and even the United Kingdom just to name a few.

From there it was time for dinner. We decided to try a local favorite, the Rendezvous Bistro (located at 380 S. Broadway). Pulling into the parking lot we noticed it was full and that is always a good sign! A little background on the Rendezvous Bistro, it features a nightly special and a fabulous oyster bar. To top it off, the menu is moderately priced. The choices are limitless and cater to any appetite. It ranges from the oyster bar to steak and shrimp…and then there is duck, quail and rabbit! In addition, there is a variety of dishes that appeal to the veggie enthusiast…I almost went with the manicotti but ended up going with every cowboy’s choice; beef!

We called it an early night and returned to our room. We have a full day of skiing lined up tomorrow at the famous Jackson Hole Mountain Resort! You can rest assured I will blog about that experience. I just hope I don’t let the cowboy in me dive off a cliff that the snowboarder in me is not ready for!

But back to our room…it’s not just any room! It is one of five suites featured at the Wort Hotel. Each suite has a theme and our theme is the Cowgirl! (Every Cowboy’s favorite!) By simply looking at the entrance door I knew it was going to be special. The door is hand carved featuring a 3D cowgirl holding a saddle on her hip with the Grand Tetons in the background. It is quite the work of art.

Welcome inside…the only way to describe our suite is by simply saying, first class! A full size salon-style bar takes up an entire wall! There are marble floors, granite countertops, bronze statues, beaver blankets, hand paintings and so much more! The furniture is rustic but antique and is highlighted by vibrant colors making the Cowgirl Suite a breath-taking rendezvous.

As a matter of fact you can take a virtual tour by visiting http://www.worthotel.com/

While relaxing in our suite, I read through the book titled “Meet Me at the Wort” by Charles Craighead to get a better appreciation for the history behind our new home away from home.

I learned more about the Wort family, their hotel and the rich gaming history in Jackson. Gambling was outlawed in Wyoming in 1901 but wasn’t strictly enforced by local authorities until the 1950’s. Legend has it that gambling occurred well into the 1970’s…even taking place in the basement of the Wort Hotel to avoid the strong hand of the law.

Perhaps I should put on my cowboy hat, strap a 6-shooter to my side and ease down to the basement tonight and see if I can play a hand like the cowboys did before me!

Be sure to stop back by the Blogging Bullfighter as I continue to report experiences from Jackson, Wyoming!

Forever West,
Jeremy

Skiing the Snowies

2009-02-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

Whether you know me personally or merely though the Blogging Bullfighter you know that I love to experience Wyoming.

This weekend Jamie and I had the pleasure of traveling to Centennial, Wyoming and skiing at the Snowy Range Ski and Recreation Area. It was our first time to ski Snowy Range and I’m excited to report that it won’t be our last!

What an easy drive it was from Cheyenne to Snowy Range with the majority of it being interstate and the remainder being scenic. West of Laramie the mountains sure do get closer to the road and we really enjoyed the scenery as well as seeing a herd of wild horses prancing in the snow.

Speaking of an easy drive …it’s only 150 miles from Denver, CO, 90 miles from Fort Collins, CO, and 175 from Sidney, NE.

Snowy Range is a part of the Medicine Bow – Routt National Forest and offers world class winter recreation to include: down hill skiing/snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing and over 325 miles of snowmobile trails.

I really enjoy snowboarding and make it a point to go each year. My physical skill level is average but my cowboy mentality is expert! I’ve been known to hit a few jumps and ride a rail or two but most of the time just about the point were I’m committed to execute a jump my physical abilities prevail and I ended up wishing I didn’t have so much cowboy in me.

Jamie on the other hand is a novice skier. Her advantage however is the fact that she doesn’t talk herself into taking an intimidating run and hoping for the best about half way down.

We found Snowy Range to be the perfect place to hone our skills while enjoying a full line of amenities which included ski rentals, lessons, a café and gift shop. There are four lifts and a magic carpet ride that provide access to 22 trails. The range of difficulty levels are green (easy) blue (moderate) and black (difficult) with the majority of the trails in the moderate level. Not only is there an ample amount of trails to ski, the wait time at each lift is minimal.

When we arrived at 11:30am the parking lot was full but the wait time at each of the four lifts never exceeded two minutes! The majority of the time you could step right up with out a wait at all. Now that’s what I’m talking about. When I go to ski - I go to ski, not wait in line. Snowy Range isn’t hindered by over population that a lot of resorts experience. I’ve been to popular ski destinations that were packed with skiers resulting in more time waiting in line than actually skiing. With the price of lift tickets reaching $100.00 per day, waiting in long lines is not on my list of things to do.

Not only does Snowy Range offer 22 trails and short lines at the chair lifts…the kicker is the fact that lift tickets are the most reasonably priced tickets I have found. Merely $39.00 will give adults a full day on the mountain and $25.00 will do the same for children 6-12 years old. Should you happen to be in the military, you can enjoy a discounted rate at $26.00. Compare that to $80.00 to $100.00 and you too will agree Snowy Range is a great Wyoming get-away.

Outside of Snowy Range offering a great escape at a fair price the weather couldn’t have been better. I plan on returning a few more times before the season closes and will keep you posted as I discover even more activities in Snowy Range.

If you are looking for a winter adventure the whole family can enjoy visit www.snowyrange.com

Forever West

Jeremy

The Eagle Has Landed

2009-01-30T12:47:00.000-08:00

The life of a rodeo man is typically lived at 100 mph. Despite being fast paced and somewhat dangerous, the rodeo lifestyle gets in your blood and quite frankly I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Jamie and I have just returned home from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where I was fighting bulls at the PRCA First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo. The First Frontier Circuit is one of 12 circuits in the PRCA and is comprised of 13 northeastern states from Maine to West Virginia.

We had a great time seeing old friends, meeting new people, acting like tourists and doing interviews highlighting the Wyoming lifestyle! Rodeo is such a small community when it comes down to it no matter where the road ends and the event begins you can rest assured familiar faces will surround. This would be no different 1600 miles from home.

The rodeo started off with a Challenge Rodeo featuring over 40 contestants. It was great to see the smiling faces compete despite their physical hardships. I was able to help take a wheelchair- bound contestant through the barrel racing pattern so fast that the cowgirls themselves were envious of our record time. I bet he is still smiling from the thrill of burning rubber!

As soon as I was done with the Challenge Rodeo it was time to head over to the Department of Agriculture Expo and be interviewed for a radio show before a live audience. My degree is in speech communication and I’ve never had a problem speaking in public. When you add that to my passion for Wyoming you might as well get comfortable because I’m going to talk Wyoming for awhile! KJ, the radio talent who was interviewing me, now has a trip to the Cowboy State in her very near future. And who can blame her.

Seeing a real Wyoming cowboy in the heart of Pennsylvania’s capital city was almost like walking the streets in Asia with a cowboy hat on. People have always been fascinated by cowboys and the western way of life so it was only natural that people wanted to learn more about Wyoming. As a matter of fact, while I was preparing for the first rodeo performance the PA Secretary of Commonwealth, Pedro Cortes, and family stopped in to meet me and get a backstage look at the life of a rodeo cowboy.

It was great to be a small part in the success of the First Frontier Circuit Finals. When you think of rodeo you can’t help think Wyoming, Cheyenne Frontier Days and 8 Seconds. So perhaps it was only fitting that a Wyoming cowboy was on hand to perform and it was great to be there in front of a packed house all three performances. I have to hand it to the citizens of the northeast for coming out in record numbers to support the rodeo. Also in attendance for her first rodeo was Secretary Cortes’ third grade daughter.

In between the rodeo performances, interviews and award banquets Jamie and I were able to tour the Hershey Chocolate Factory in Hershey, PA. Being a big “chocolate lover” touring chocolate world was a great treat. But one tip of traveler’s advice - put new batteries in the camera before you arrive at your destination. Talk about a bloated stomach with no pictures to prove it. I ate chocolate for three hours straight only to discover the camera was dead; priceless! I guess it’s better to happen there than in the middle of Wyoming when a big grizzly bear stands up on its hind legs reaching for the wide open sky.

I really appreciated the hospitality extended to Jamie and me during our visit as well as the honor of being selected to work the Circuit Finals. It’s always humbling when the bull riders themselves vote you to protect them based on your abilities inside the arena.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Wonderland in Winter

2008-12-19T07:19:00.000-08:00

The winter season has just begun in Yellowstone National Park and I’d like to reintroduce you to the park’s splendor in December.

Imagine if you will a winter wonderland in its purest form. The ground covered with snow just as pure as the moment it fell from the sky above. Not even a footprint has left its mark. The trees are covered with snow standing strong as they reach for the stars. There are no neon signs or busy crowds. It’s just you in the middle of serenity, breathing the fresh mountain air while the creatures of earth move about free and undisturbed. This scene will forever be etched in my memory.

Yellowstone National Park is the Crown Jewel of all parks. In the summer guests are afforded the opportunity to see what I consider the most beautiful place in the world. Clear blue skies abound. The sun, in all of its majesty, exposes sights that are often indescribable. There’s Old Faithful, Upper Falls, Majestic Pool, Mammoth Hot Springs and so many natural wonders of the world at your fingertips.

In winter all of that changes or at least is perceived to have changed. While the attractions are still in the same locations, their appearances sustain an Extreme Makeover - Mother Nature Edition!

Snow now covers every inch of the 2,219,783 acres. Travel is accomplished by foot, snowcoach and snowmobile. It is still possible to explore a large majority of the park and experience its main attractions with relative ease thanks to Xanterra Parks & Resorts – the concessionaire in Yellowstone. Their snowcoach tours are a truly unique experience. Guided by two skis in the front and held steady by tracks on each side you can reach speeds of 45mph - safely. And I should mention they also have good heaters.

Snowmobiles also make for great transportation. Guided snowmobile tours are available inside the park. This is perhaps my favorite mode of winter travel in Yellowstone. It’s fun and offers flexibility when wildlife watching.

And of course there’s old reliable Moe and Joe. Xanterra offers creative ways to utilize your feet as well. There are skiing and snowshoeing opportunities that provide access to more remote backcountry type of exploring.

Whatever your mode of transportation the scenes will be embedded in your mind, heart, and soul. Perhaps you will see a red fox hunting, a pack of wolves roaming, or a herd of buffalo sharing the trail with you. It may be the serenity that speaks volumes to your soul or breathing in pure mountain air that refreshes your purpose of life. No matter what your favorite part of Yellowstone in winter, your life will be forever changed.

In the hustle and bustle of today’s society a winter experience in Yellowstone is a welcome change of pace. I can assure you first-class accommodations, fabulous dining, and pure relaxation. Leave your laptop, mp3 player and other gadgets behind and enjoy a winter wonderland known simply as Yellowstone National Park.

Forever West,

Jeremy

Hunt Wyoming

2008-10-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

It has been such a busy summer with rodeos and military duties that it was nice to have a free weekend to head north and hunt Wyoming.

Each year I get to take a hunting trip and I thought 2008 would be my year to harvest a Black Bear and Elk. This turns out to be a large undertaking as the bear and elk are two of the most elusive animals in the lower 48.

Wyoming is the perfect place to hunt…whether your goal is to hunt moose, elk, bear, mountain goat, big horn sheep, mountain lion or mule deer.

My good friend Cody Brinton and I headed into the Bridger-Teton National Forest in attempt to fulfill my 2008 hunting goals.

We headed west from Laramie on Thursday around 3pm and let the white lines pass by for 350+ miles. It was a pleasant drive across some of Wyoming’s most undisturbed land. Tourists are mostly familiar with Yellowstone, Devils Tower and the Grand Tetons, but what may go unknown is the fact that Wyoming has vast prairie lands as well. You have to really respect the hard work of ranchers in this area that make their living off the land, especially when winter months set in.

We arrived at our location in the Bridger-Teton National Forest around 10pm. Arriving at night and navigating our way up the mountain range on narrow gravel roads was difficult. I can honestly say I had no idea where I was…and still not too sure!

At daylight Friday morning, Cody and I were deep in the forest. As soon as we arrived Cody hit the elk call and we had immediate response. Five different bull elk were bugling at us as close as 200 yards. It was my first time to hear a Elk bugle and the adrenaline rush I got was similar to that of fighting bulls. My heart wanted to jump out of my chest!

Cody told me take cover under a tree and get ready as he would attempt to separate himself in order to call the Elk in closer. I found a sound spot under a Pine Tree towering above. With my shooting sticks in place, I was ready to harvest my first elk.

As Cody walked ahead he blew on the elk call and a bull elk came blazing through the forest breaking any and everything in its way. He stopped 25 yards or so from me allowing me to see only the back half of his body. Unfortunately, he winded (smelled) us never to be seen again. My goodness, are those animals smart.

From there we hiked into places that Jim Bridger himself would have been tempted not to venture into. We knew there were more elk up the mountain but to my dismay we didn’t spot any.

The hike was a challenge…an uphill battle to say the least. But what a pleasant day it was to be in the Wyoming wilderness. The temperature was below freezing but with all the walking we couldn’t shed our jackets quick enough.

There is a certain calmness found only in nature and never have I found a place that has more serenity than Wyoming. The pine trees were tall, strong and prideful. The river running below us was constant yet peaceful proving life to all the creatures of nature. And then the animals…their presence was evident as the elk bugled and the birds sang.

Despite all of the harmony with nature we opted to leave the forest and hunt black Bbar.

In Wyoming, it is legal to bait black bear. Cody registered his bait with the Wyoming Game and Fish and to date had been one of the more successful baits attracting multiple bears. The bait consisted of a 55-gallon drum filled with foods that only bears enjoy!

The blind I was hunting from was a mere 15 yards from the bait. Although it may sound easy trust me its not. First of all, the bears are smart and can wind (smell) you like no other animal. Then there is the fear factor…not everyone is willing to be in between a bear and its food.

Courage wasn’t the issue for me as I hunted the black bear on two different occasions this weekend staying until dark fell. I can’t say that I wasn’t nervous at times because trust me it can be nerve racking.

Again, I came up short…I didn’t even get to see a bear on my hunt.

I was hunting with a single shot 30-06 and I’m pretty confident in my shooting. I have to be since it’s only one shot! So perhaps the animals of the Wyoming forest heard about the Blogging Bullfighter and his dead aim single shot and took cover deep into the woods! That’s my theory at least.

Well, I must sign off for now. Do me a favor, explore Wyoming with or without a firearm. I can assure you the experience will be life changing.

Uncle Sam just called…I am off to Atlanta, Georgia for temporary duty. That seems to be the story of my year. Service before self…I remind myself of that daily.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Back from Bama

2008-09-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind it has been since my last blog from Cheyenne Frontier Days.

The long days and full schedules of CFD helped prepare me for my next challenge which I met head-on merely two days after leaving the CFD Championship Round.

The list of deployment opportunities is quiet lengthy for today’s military personnel with the majority of them taking place in Iraq and Afghanistan. My deployment and temporary duty was spent in Montgomery, Alabama of all places.

Despite the fact I was able to stay stateside the duty hours often times reached 21 hours per day.

I was selected to serve as a Flight Training Officer responsible for training and evaluating the Air Force’s future officers. It was a great experience molding our next generation of Air Force warriors!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see any of the 2008 Olympics. Cheyenne’s own Jennifer Nichols went to Beijing as the USA’s top female archer and I’m still not sure how she did. (Editor’s note: Jennifer missed the medal round)

The timing wasn’t the best for my rodeo career but I live with the core value of Service- Before-Self. And I understand the fact that duty calls. While I was away “stomping out ignorance,” I was unable to represent the US Air Force and great state of Wyoming at rodeos in California, New Jersey, Colorado and Wyoming.

However, upon my arrival home I received a call from the First Frontier Circuit informing me that I have been selected to fight bulls at the 2008 First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo.

This was a goal I set early in the year and I couldn’t be happier than to have received that call. I am now qualified for the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, Idaho. The DNCFR is my ultimate goal for 2008 and I eagerly await the voting outcome

My 2008 rodeo schedule is a long way from being over. I will be flying east two times this month to perform at the historic PRCA Cowtown Rodeo in New Jersey.

The Tribute to Chris LeDoux (Casper, Wyoming) rodeo is also on my schedule and I look forward to being a small part of such a wonderful event Stay tuned as more is to come from the Blogging Bullfighter!

Forever West,

Jeremy

One Done Daddy

2008-07-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-07-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

“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

2008-07-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

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

On to THE INN

2008-06-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

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

Mission Accomplished (4 Mar 2008)

2008-03-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

There is so much to do in Yellowstone that is it simply impossible to see it all. Our time as come to leave the Wonderland and I’ve still yet to see Old Faithful erupt. The fact is Snow Lodge is merely 200 yards away from the famous geyser and I did promise Jamie we would see it

This morning, prior to packing, we bundled up and walked the short distance hoping that our timing would be on cue with Old Faithful. Unfortunately for us, we missed seeing the eruption. Nonetheless, it is a spectacle to see as Old Faithful never ceases to stop steaming.

Breakfast was on the fly since we had to catch the Xanterra Snow Coach at 0830. We managed to arrive back at Flagg Ranch in two hours. The snowfall over the past four days could be best measured in feet.

From Flagg Ranch we headed south and then east in hopes of reaching the historic Plains Hotel in Cheyenne by 8pm. However, Mother Nature had different plans and we fought to stay on the roads in blizzard-like conditions.

We made it to Dubois, Wyoming, and saw and advertisement for the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center. Our interest was peeked by the fact we had seen many sheep on this trip. It was a nice break from driving and a great learning opportunity. Be sure to check out www.bighorn.org to learn additional information.

I really enjoyed being able to see the different species of sheep which included those from Iran, Afghanistan and various other countries. Not only were the mounts impressive visitors are able to actually feel the horns and make tracks.

We didn’t stop too many times after Dubois in order to try and beat the storm which was headed to Cheyenne. A stop in Casper for food, and another in Wheatland for fuel, was it until we reach the Plains Hotel at 9:00pm. What a welcomed stop!

We both collapsed shortly after checking in. I had to be back at work at 7:00am and Jamie had to get to Denver, Colorado, to catch her flight back to Arkansas.

What a great week.

Forever West,

Jeremy

Serenity Now! (3 March 2008)

2008-03-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

I had a great idea last night…Jamie and I could snowshoe for the better part of a day and then get massages.

Well some ideas are even better when thought out. However, that is the part we failed to do…think through a day of snowshoeing. Thanks to Steve and other Xanterra Parks & Resorts employees we were able to pull it off.

Yesterday we spent the day with several other Yellowstone enthusiasts and thought today would be a great day to explore a little of the park alone. Tip: if you want to be alone in the park, try snowshoeing!

When we started to get organized for our trip we found we didn’t have one very necessary piece of equipment - a backpack. That’s where Steve came to the rescue by allowing us to take his personal day-pack. We can’t thank him enough.

After getting the day-pack filled with food, water, and a little gear we headed out to the Lone Star Geyser and trailhead. It is 2 miles from Snow Lodge to the trailhead, 2.5 miles to the geyser, and then you get to do it all over again just the way you came for a grand total of 8-9 miles.

This is a great way to peacefully explore the park, workout, and learn a lot about your significant other.

We didn’t see any wildlife but the scenery was breathtaking.

Lone Star Geyser is one of the top three geysers in the park when talking size of explosion. It erupts every 3 hours and we happened to walk upon it just as it was erupting. Talk about making a walk of 4.5 miles in huge snowshoes pounding down 3 feet snow worth it!

The wind picked up a little and we headed into the forest to find a place of solitude and eat a well deserved lunch. Being the romantic I am, I had a chef prepare us a lovely meal. Only down side to that story is they couldn’t find us! Just kidding…but a chef did prepare our meal. We just happened to bring it out in Steve’s day-pack. It was a meal we won’t soon forget. It was cold, the snow was deep, we were tired, hungry and honestly thinking we had taken on a project perhaps too large. Nonetheless, we made a picnic and became one with nature in below-freezing temperatures.

We did encounter 4 or 5 cross-country skiers but never did we see anyone using snowshoes. At this point we decided we were the only geniuses in the park. To make our efforts even more intelligent, when we arrived back at the trailhead we took the “service road” (which came highly recommended) in order to cut a little distance off our return. Instead, we found ourselves in the backcountry, farther than we had been previously.We were so far in there were no marked trails, no previous sign of people or animal tracks.

This great idea not only increased the time and distance of our journey it also added the element of stress because we didn’t know exactly where we were. I won’t say we were lost because we weren’t, but we did find ourselves in unknown territory.

We made it back to the lodge after a day of hard work. It was worth it in the end. Much like running a triathlon is gratifying once you cross the finish line.

It was exactly 1500 when we returned and my massage was to be at 1530.

Man alive was I ever ready to see a massage therapist. My whole body hurt and I was in need!
Jeff, the Xanterra massage therapist, earned his money today. After telling him why I was so drained he was surprised to learn that we took on that challenge. He claimed it might be a record for snowshoeing Yellowstone this winter. Certainly the longest trek he had heard of to date. Maybe next time we will ski. Nah, who wants to take the easy way out.

I always seem to make recommendations on the blog. So for today’s recommendation: try snowshoeing. Not necessarily 9 miles of it! But get out and about and enjoy the serenity of winter in Yellowstone. And by all means, visit Jeff at the Xanterra massage spa.

Jamie and I leave Yellowstone tomorrow in route for the historic Plains Hotel in Cheyenne, but we will be back. I promise. Matter of fact look for us to return to Yellowstone in late June just after the College National Finals in Casper and prior to the Cody Stampede.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Start Your Engine! (2 March 2008)

2008-03-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

It was another early morning. But then again, you don’t come to Yellowstone to sleep.
Thanks to Xanterra, Jamie and I were treated to a guided snowmobile tour. It’s the Canyon Tour should you visit Yellowstone in the winter. The Canyon Tour travels the main loop roads allowing you to see a large part of the park that is open in the winter months.

We were up at 0600, had breakfast at 0645 and were on our machine at 0745. Our guide was Jason from Montana. He was pretty good about letting us have fun as long as I wasn’t a danger to others or breaking the speed limit.

Right out of the gate we played “chicken” with a dozen buffalo. They were walking right at us with a blatant disregard of our presence. It was pretty neat. I promise we could have touched more than one if we made even the slightest of effort. And yes, I did think about it.

I have so many “favorite” spots in the park and the Canyon Tour afforded us the opportunity to see several of them to include: Upper & Lower Falls, Hayden Valley, Fire Hole River, Yellowstone Grand Canyon, Lake Yellowstone, Dragon’s Mouth and several others.

It was a nine hour adventure and worth every second. In addition to the buffalo we were able to see fox, coyote, swans and elk. The sights in the winter are simply amazing. It is hard to believe the amount of snowfall here. It is well over ten-feet-deep in places.

Since motorized traffic must stay on groomed roads the snow is as pure today as the day it fell from the heavens.

When we arrived at Upper Falls the snow was every bit of ten-feet-deep. I couldn’t contain myself. I had to fall in and make a snow angel! Yes it was cold but the most impressive snow angel ever. I couldn’t talk Jamie into following my lead on that one. I paid for it, though. It took all day for my clothes to dry out and I don’t think they every really did.

A nice thing about taking a guided snowmobile tour with Xanterra is the fact they outfit you with everything you need. All you need to do is show up.

We couldn’t have picked a better day to explore the park. We had a little early morning fog but that was it. It was a beautiful clear day with the temperature reaching 20 degrees.
In my opinion, when God created the earth He started with Yellowstone.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Never Enough Time! (1 March 2008)

2008-03-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

At 0500 Jamie and I got up in order to meet Cody for our tour of Jackson. I’m used to early mornings thanks to Uncle Sam, but they are never too much fun. However, when you know you are getting up to see the sunrise over the Grand Tetons it makes it a lot easier!

We met Cody at the National Museum of Wildlife Art and headed north in search of Moose Junction to park and wait for a spectacle that everyone must experience. It was an experience that will not be forgotten. To see the sun highlight Middle Teton followed by Teewinot Mountain and ultimately the Grand Teton is simply priceless.

From there we headed into the Bridger-Teton National Forest in hopes to see wildlife. Jamie, not being used to all the wide-open country that Wyoming offers, can be known to suffer from motion sickness. Remember me saying we stopped a lot on the way to Jackson? Well today proved to be another challenge for her. However, she was a trooper. We were able to see bighorn sheep, coyotes, swans and even some very fresh wolf tracks. At this point, motion sickness got the best of Jamie and we took her back to the museum parking lot so she could rest in our vehicle and recuperate prior to us catching the Xanterra Snow Coach in route to Yellowstone.

Cody and I went on the back side of the National Elk Refuge in hopes of seeing even more wildlife. What a great decision! Not to leave Jamie - to look for more wildlife. I assure you I was within 20 steps of bighorn sheep! I was taking pictures like crazy. There were two sheep on a rock ledge and I was clicking away in hopes to catch one in midair coming off of it.

From a distance we saw nice herds of buffalo and elk. Jamie started texting me saying the herd of 8,600 elk was feeding near Hwy 191 and she was watching them through a spotting scope set up at the museum. Cody and I weren’t far from there when was saw five trumpeter swans.

Using the binoculars (that we bought last night) I saw a massive amount of elk. All around them were 30 or more coyotes and even a pack of wolves which included two black leaders. Jamie was seeing the same thing Cody and I did just from a different location. At once, we looked up and saw a pack of wolves stalking this lone, sickly elk. It was predator vs. prey at work in a way that few people can say they have witnessed firsthand. What are the odds that Jamie and I would both be able to see this since we weren’t together? That was amazing. The wolves waited and watched the elk, choosing just the right moment to attack and all at once they moved in…unreal.

We both would have loved to stay and watch more of nature’s greatest moments but we had to get to our snow coach so we could reach the Wonderland of all Wonderlands…Yellowstone National Park.

Using four-wheel drive we managed to get from Moose Junction to Flagg Ranch with 30 minutes to spare. It was “white-out” conditions in places. Certainly white knuckle moments as we eased our way closer at massive speeds reaching 20mph!

Slowly but surely we arrived at Flagg Ranch where there had to be seven feet of snow on the ground. I can’t wait to clean my truck when we return on Tuesday. Flagg Ranch to Snow Lodge is only 40 miles away. It doesn’t sound far but when you are in a snow coach traveling safely along the way it can take perhaps three hours including stops for wildlife and photo opportunities at places like the Continental Divide, West Thumb of Lake Yellowstone, and various waterfalls along the way.

Speaking of the West Thumb. There is little geyser activity. I mean none. However, Black Pool is located there and is quiet interesting. Black Pool is the home to numerous organisms which take on various shapes, sizes and colors often creating an image that is hard to describe. While viewing the sights associated with Black Pool, I, Jeremy Sparks, saw a geyser erupting! I pointed it out to our snow coach driver, Will and to Jamie. We watched it shoot water up to ten feet high.

As we talked, Will said this was very odd as there are no active geysers in the West Thumb area. We discussed it with the on duty park ranger and learned that this is a so rare that the geyser I spotted isn’t even named due to the fact that there is no record of it actually erupting. So I have an idea for Yellowstone. Call the unnamed geyser, “Sparks Geyser!” Great idea…I know.
Just goes to show, every visit to Yellowstone you will discover something for the first time.

Forever West,

Jeremy

Let the Good Times Begin (29 Feb 08)

2008-03-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

My fiancé Jamie and I are on the first leg of our winter ’08 Yellowstone adventure. Last night (28 Feb) we stayed at the historic Plains Hotel in Cheyenne in hopes of resting up for what I know will be a week full of exciting travels. The Plains provided just that. A first-rate stay in a truly historic structure. The view was from our fourth floor “King Suite” directly facing the recently renovated Cheyenne Train Depot. It was perfect!
Let me make a suggestion. Visit the Plains Hotel. The history, service, and amenities will not disappoint!

We checked out of the Plains at 0930 and headed north to Jackson Hole. I must tell you we stopped at every exit between Cheyenne and Casper (188 miles). Jamie wasn’t feeling the best so we took our time getting to Jackson.
I’ve always been fascinated with a little destination in Wyoming known as “Hell’s Half Acre.” I made sure Jamie and I stopped for a photo of what I consider a natural wonder of the world. It’s where Hollywood filmmakers chose to shoot a lot of the movie “Starship Troopers.” The sight, located between Casper and Shoshoni, was amazing but due to the high winds and the fact we wanted to see the Grand Tetons at sunset we couldn’t stay very long.

At Dubois, Wyoming, Jamie spotted several bighorn sheep. We pulled over to get a better look and that’s when we found out we failed to pack the binoculars. I have a feeling this won’t be the last thing we forgot to pack. All toll in Dubois, we saw nine bighorn sheep.

Despite several planned and unplanned stops along the way, our timing was perfect. We arrived at the Grand Tetons just prior to sunset. The roads were plowed for travel but the pull-offs…not so much. But thanks to four-wheel drive we managed to pull onto the shoulder a good bit and watch the day end. After soaking in the sunset I figured out why they are known as the Grand Tetons versus just the Tetons. Fact is they are GRAND.

I called a good friend and Jackson resident, Cody Brinton, asking his recommendation for local sightseeing. He said the National Elk Refuge is a must. We had just enough light to see a herd of elk feeding near the road. The size of the herd was unreal. After counting, we figured it was 8,600 head. Okay, maybe we didn’t count them but we were told by managers the herd on the refuge was in fact 8,600! Can you even picture that? If you don’t believe me I can’t blame you. Do me a favor, visit the National Elk Refuge and see it firsthand.

Well, tomorrow Cody Brinton is going to take us on a VIP tour of Jackson, Grand Teton National Park and the refuge. He claims watching the sunrise over the Grand Tetons is as spectacular as seeing the sunset. We can’t wait! O yeah, and we have to be at Flagg Ranch to catch the Xanterra Snow Coach into Yellowstone at 1230.

Forever West
Jeremy

Ready. Set. Go!

2008-02-26T13:42:00.001-08:00

I’m off to Yellowstone National Park on Friday! I hope you will check in with me via the Blogging Bullfighter to learn about my various adventures.

My trip is going to start with an overnight stay in the historic Plains Hotel located in downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming. From there I will head north to Flagg Ranch which is located north of Jackson, Wyoming, and board the Xanterra Snow Coach in route to Old Faithful Inn!

I love Yellowstone. I’ve stood on top of the Great Wall of China and
attended services in a 1300-year-old European cathedral. Without reservation, Yellowstone is my favorite destination in the world. I can’t wait to spend a few days in the park snowmobiling, wildlife watching, cross-country skiing, and just taking in all the majestic wonders of Yellowstone. Stay tuned to my firsthand reports from Wonderland coming soon.

Visit Wyoming,
Jeremy

Thank you!

2008-01-31T08:20:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who voted during the PRCA Photo of the Year Contest. After the votes were tallied, the picture Tony Bruguiere captured of me at the famed Cheyenne Frontier Days received 18% of all votes...good enough to finish 2nd place out of the 25 entries. Congrats Tony! You can read the full story at http://www.prorodeo.com/News.aspx?xu=973

On 22 Jan approximately 70 PRCA cowboys/cowgirls made the trek to Steamboat Springs, CO, to partake in the 34th annual Cowboy Downhill. 2008 marked my fourth year to compete in the winner-take-all downhill ski race. The course is tough for cowboys who ski/snowboard once per year (aka me). It must be quite a spectacle to see 70 out-of-control cowboys zooming by trying gamely to stay upright. The course is highlighted by a six-foot jump!

I've already admitted to snowboarding once per year. Nonetheless, my intention is winning! (I mean surviving) This year I was determined to land the big six-foot jump. In previous years I've been a strong contender for the worst wreck champion. My 2007 crash was good enough, or should I say bad enough, to be a featured picture on the 2008 promotional poster.

I'm proud to say I landed the jump this year! In the timed slalom race, I was paired with good friend and world champion Charlie Sampson. Charlie had a little hard luck on the jump and I was able to pull ahead and race to the finish line. When announcer Bob Fiest interviewed me at the finish line, all I could say was how "stoked" I felt landing that jump, especially after three previous failed attempts. Goes to prove if you put your mind to something you can do it. The link below is from the Steamboat Pilot.http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/2008/jan/23/tabernash_bull_rider_wins_annual_cowboy_downhill/

The 2008 rodeo season is in full swing and my schedule is taking shape. 2008 will mark my busiest pro rodeo season since entering the Air Force after 9/11. I'm excited to go coast-to-coast and even travel abroad in '08 representing the Air Force & Wyoming alike. My schedule is from New Jersey to California and once again to South Korea. My major stops are at Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Cody Stampede, Yellowstone Xtreme Bulls and the College National Finals - all in the great state of Wyoming! I look forward to keeping you updated with every exciting event. Forever West,Jeremy

Jeremy A. Sparks
Captain, USAF
PRCA Bullfighter
http://www.jeremysparks.com/

Happy New Year!

2008-01-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

2001 marked the last time I was at my parents’ home for Christmas…not by choice. The Air Force has a core value “Service Before Self” and previous Christmas’ and New Years have been spent with my brothers and sisters in arms.

It was great trip with time well spent in the company of family and friends in Arkansas. I felt like Santa Clause saved all my gifts since my last homecoming…Lord knows I wasn’t that good of a boy in 2007!

My parents surprised me by giving me a compound bow! It had been a while since my last archery experience but I often think about shooting dozens upon dozens of arrows with my brother Jeff growing up. Ever since harvesting my first Mule Deer, while hunting in Wyoming, I’ve had the hunting fever. My main goal with my new bow was to harvest a Whitetail Deer. As you know time flies when you’re having fun…and running out of time was fast approaching.

December 31st ended up being the only day I had to hunt. My bow was ready to go but with one exception…it needed to be sighted in. Around 1:00 pm my Dad and I arrived at the deer camp to sight-in my bow, by 2:00 pm it was sighted-in and I was in the woods.

It was a touch warm and abnormally windy for Arkansas but I was determined to test my skills. Mind you it had been 10 years since my last archery experience, well except for the few arrows I shot in November while at Bass Pro. Nonetheless, my brother put me on a hot spot and I was convinced to stay until sun down. When my dad dropped me off, my last words were “I’m shooting the first legal deer I see!”

I sat patiently and observed quail, doves and even spiders…everything but a deer. My luck would change at 4:00 pm when a young button buck walked 10 steps from me! Archery hunting is much like playing chest…the wildlife has such the advantage and hunters must calculate their every move in order to avoid being spotted and missing their one chance to harvest the game.

Patience is not my strong point but I was able to wait for the right time to draw my bow back, take aim and release. It was a 15 minute process that seemed to take forever. When I released I knew it was a good shot…I text messaged Jeff and told him I was successful. Before my dad and Jeff could arrive I found the buck and waited for them to arrive.

Within 3 hours of shooting my new bow for the first time, I had my first successful archery hunt!

I asked my brother if he thought I would be successful in the hunt. He replied, “I really didn’t think you would sit and wait!” He’s an avid archer and was proud to see me succeed.

PRCA Photo Contest of the Year

2007-12-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

The PRCA has just released the PRCA Photo Contest of the Year. There are 25 photos up for the title and I just happen to be one of them. Tony Bruguiere captured an image of me fighting bulls at the 2007 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo that is picture perfect for the cover of the ProRodeo Sports News (PSN).

The winning photographer is guaranteed the front cover of the PSN in January 2008. However, the winning photo is determined by YOU the Rodeo Fan!

Tony and I would like to ask for you to visit the PRCAs website at: http://www.prorodeo.com/pages/photo_contest.html and vote for photo “Q”

Voting is open now and will continue to be so until 2 Jan.

Thanks in advance for participating and lets bring another award back to Wyoming!

Forever West
Jeremy

AIR TIME

2007-10-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

I hope my blog finds you doing extremely well and gearing up for Halloween Trick-R-Treaters! You never know, I might dress up like Ricky Bobby and knock on your door, do a little shake and bake and ask for a treat! Perhaps dressing up like Scar Face would be more appropriate being I have a nice scar from my hunting accident!

The 2007 rodeo season was a great year for me. Not only was I blessed to be involved in various major rodeos nationwide and abroad, I also had the opportunity to participate in numerous media engagements around the world.

A few media highlights would have to be my Bresnan Commercial, print ads for Corral West, cover-story for the Rodeo News, the ProRodeo Sports News ‘8 Seconds with…” and meeting Drew Carey when I flew to NYC for the Power of 10.

There is one additional event I want to highlight. It’s a new TV Show called Pressure Cook with Ralph Pagano, produced by NYC firm Helicon-Media which airs on MojoHD. Ralph is a famous chef with previous appearances on Hells Kitchen and other top cooking shows worldwide.

It was my pleasure to help welcome Ralph and crew to Wyoming and do my part to make Ralph a real-life cowboy! The shoot took place at the historic Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo. It was a day of riding, roping, and bullfighting… and yes some true cowboy trash talking!

Pressure Cook, Wyoming episode aired on MojoHD October 21 and will air again on October 28. However, you can watch the full episode on their website. Check out the link below to see how Ralph handled the pressure of cooking in Wyoming (with no budget) and learned the ropes of the cowboy lifestyle!

http://mojohd.com/video/?sid=16

Image: New York chef Ralph Pagano, center, learns the art of chuckwagon cooking at Cheyenne Frontier Days. Pro bullfighter Jeremy Sparks appeared in the show “Pressure Cook” shot in southern Wyoming last summer and airing now on MojoHD-Television. (mojohd.com) Photo credit: Lori Hogan

Forever West,

Jeremy

Hunting Wyoming

2007-10-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was afforded the opportunity to go on a Mule Deer and elk hunt in southern Wyoming. I’d hunted Wyoming only once prior and that trip didn’t fair so well. I was in Wyoming’s unforgiving Savage Run Wilderness with rodeo buddy, Ira McKillip. Our hunting trip turned into a survival story at the mid-day point due to the fact we were lost…well Ira claims we were hiking, not lost! I remind him, it may have been hiking, it was just in the wrong direction.

As you can imagine, I was hoping this hunting trip would be more successful. I had been excited about this trip ever since my good friends Kal and Brian invited me. I sighted in my rifle in the Snowy Range, bought camp food, packed my bags and loaded up my truck and headed towards Baggs, Wyoming.

I highly recommend a day trip through the Medicine Bow National Forest. Our route took us on a beautiful drive through Centennial, Wyoming. We made it through a little snow shower just in time to set up camp at Battle Mountain and hike in for the evening hunt. Wildlife is plentiful in Wyoming and we were able to set up hunting camp in a prime area. Kal, Brian and I all passed on mule deer that evening in hopes for, “Walter the Wall Hanger” the next morning!

Before the clock could strike dawn, we were up and eager to hike the mountain. Thank God for Brian’s four-wheeler because without that the trek to the top would have been a solid day’s work. But don’t worry; we hiked our fair share over the three-day hunt. At 8 am Brian and I trekked over a nearby ridge to glass for deer. To my delight, we saw a nice buck but had no luck getting a solid shot. It was a little disappointing to be so close…yet so far away.

By 10 am we met up at the bottom of the ridge and took comfort in the fact that the four-wheeler was still in place! After all, we had seen fresh signs of deer, elk and bear.

Brian spotted another buck Mule Deer and offered me the shot. I accepted! I’d never killed a Mule Deer so I was excited to have the opportunity. Now this is where the story gets good! I had the deer in my scope and could see he was a three-point. Just when I got a steady hand he walked behind some Scrub Oak and out of my scope. Well I was really leaning forward trying to find him…and out he came. I forgot how far I was leaning and pulled the trigger of my 30-06. Next thing I knew, blood was running down my head and off my nose! I asked Brian and Kal, “Did I hit him?” They couldn’t even answer me… not because they were concerned with my bleeding, mind you, but because they were laughing so hard! To make a long story short, I “scoped” myself. When I pulled the trigger the recoil caused the scope to hit me a good one! Good thing I’m used to pain from rodeo because that was a Mike Tyson type blow. I almost forgot to tell you…I did kill him and it was 165 yard shot. They still remind me I drew first and second blood…good friends, good times in good ‘ol Wyoming.

Jeremy's injury on recent hunting trip in Wyoming

Movin' on up

2007-09-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

Rodeo season may be winding down but my life is still a whirlwind! One thing is certain …...I'm burning the candle at both ends 24/7!

I am scheduled to close on my house Friday and that will be great. However, getting to that point has been organized chaos at best. The movers came in and packed my belongings on the 20th and then came back to pick it up on the 21st.The house was pretty bare, just a lonely bed and television. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the simplicity of the four walls. The only down side of this move is my "stuff" is scattered everywhere! I have things in my office, my camper, at my neighbors, in my truck, and a large majority is in storage until I find a place to reside.

I really want to thank all the people that have helped me in one way or another...rodeo is a great sport because your friends are true friends even when it is an inconvenience. A special thanks to my neighbors, The Smedleys’, for taking me in as one of their own kids during this time.

Two things I wanted to share:

1. My Dodge truck has been redecorated by Wyoming Tourism. I blogged in July when this was done originally. However, we wanted a different look...bigger is better! You won't miss our rolling Wyoming billboard now as the truck has 2 large photos of me fighting bulls which extend all the way down the driver and passenger sides as well as a scenic Wyoming photo across the back glass. I really appreciate everyone associated with Wyoming Tourism. Not only do they ensure I am taken care of while on the rodeo trail, and exploring Wyoming, but they always treat me as family.

2. If you subscribe to the ProRodeo Sports News (PSN) you are familiar with the column "8 Seconds with..." This is a question/answer type interview the PSN does on rodeo personalities throughout the year. I was fortunate enough to be asked and was featured in this week’s PSN 8 Seconds with Jeremy Sparks I hope you like the story...as always you can find more news articles, videos & pictures at www.jeremysparks.com

Stay tuned for upcoming blogs as I take on a few of Wyoming's state parks and try to tough out the early stages of winter one week at a time!

Forever West,
Jeremy

Duty Calls

2007-09-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

Forgive me for not writing...it's been a busy couple of weeks.

When I left Sterling, Colorado’s PRCA Rodeo my intentions were to fight bulls in Douglas, WY, for the Wyoming State Fair & PRCA Rodeo. However, my Air Force duties had to come first. I was scheduled to be in the University of Wyoming's new faculty orientation and the dates were the same as the rodeo.

Since my last blog, I have taught two weeks at the university, been in a photo shoot and worked at selling my house. It's never-ending, that's for sure.

I really enjoy teaching ROTC at UW. The entire UW experience has been great so far. I try to do my best in my teaching duties and instill a few core values in my "cadets." Every week I share with the cadets my Word of the Day. The first week my word was Resourcefulness..."not having all the answers but knowing how to find them." I think this is important in everyday life, especially for a college freshman. The second Word of the Day happened to be Integrity..."doing what's right, even when no one is watching." I'm a small-town guy with small town values. I've figured out in my 30 years of living that a person is only as good as their word and I hope my "cadets" see integrity in my daily living.

To lighten things up for them, I always end class with a "safety" video. These aren't your typical work safety videos. They tend to be idiots doing not-so-smart things! I hope the "cadets" like them as much as I do. So far, I haven't shown any of my bullfighting wrecks, but one never knows. I'd like to think I'm not an idiot doing not so smart things.

Last year, Corral West Western Stores invited me to model for their annual photo shoot. It was a great event and perhaps you have seen their ads throughout the year. The larger-than-life ads have been featured at the Wrangler NFR, the NFR Cowboy Christmas, Pro Rodeo Tour events and in 90+ stores nationwide. Last week, we shot the 2008 photos. This is always a great time and I enjoy everything about the shoot. I was able to make a few new friends and look forward to working with them again. Thanks again to Corral West for inviting me to participate in such a large campaign. I will be sure to post photos when they become available. The ads will appear for the first time at the 2007 Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas, NV in December.

Well the rodeo season is winding down for '07. It has been a great season and I still have a couple more stops to include the Military World Finals in Ft Worth, TX.

Be sure to check out www.jeremysparks.com to see photos from the 2007 season.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Protecting the Best

2007-08-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

The last time I wrote I was sitting in the Sterling, CO, Burger King...
It's been a long 23 days. Over the last 3 weeks I have performed in 18 rodeo performances, traveling from New York to California. This has been one of the best rodeo runs I can remember with my favorite stop being at the Daddy of 'Em All, Cheyenne (Wyo) Frontier Days. I am happy to inform you I am still in one piece, safe and sound in my own home! During those 18 performances I faced off with over 550 bulls. When I look at the odds I consider myself very blessed to be healthy, (not so) wealthy and (not so) wise!

The pro rodeo in Sterling, CO, was a nice event featuring some of our top circuit cowboys. It was a hot week for rodeo but the fans sure didn't mind as they saw first hand the grit and determination cowboys show when trying to win the big money.

Unfortunately, on Friday night the winning bull rider also received a ride to the ER after his spur became hung in the bulls flank strap and he was violently slammed to the ground. As a bullfighter, this is a very bad situation. The rider is drug helplessly by his spur and the tighter that strap becomes on the spur, the harder it is to free them. I was able to grab the rider's leg and help pull him to freedom. However, right before I freed his leg, the bull bucked and the rider was slammed to the ground. In every bad situation, there is good news if we choose to find it. For him, it was the fact that he was freed quickly and avoided being stepped on or gored by the bull. This was the first time that I have seen someone lay helpless on the arena dirt for such a long period of time without moving. Had I been a betting man, I would have left that night thinking he encountered a life threatening or career ending wreck.

After the rodeo, I cleaned up and headed to the ER to check on him. Praise God that he was fine and suffered no major injuries. I was able to visit with his parents and learn the good news that he was in good shape considering the accident. Rodeo is a brutal game at times...the saying is "It's not IF you get hurt, but WHEN." Although rodeo can be a dangerous sport once a person is bit with the rodeo bug, they have it for life and will stop short of dying to pursue gold buckle dreams. Rodeo is full of great people and great times which make for memories that will last a lifetime.

I wrote several weeks ago that I would be on a rodeo run that would be similar to eating an elephant and I would get it done one "bite" at a time. Well I can honestly say, I have conquered the task and it is good to be back home in Wyoming.

Forever West,
Jeremy

On the Road Again

2007-08-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

I arrived at DIA just in time to get in my vehicle and head to Cheyenne to pick up my rig and repack for the ProRodeo event in Yuma, CO. I had planned on driving to Yuma that night. However, due to delayed flights, delayed luggage, and dead batteries on my camper I opted to stay in my own bed Monday night and leave early Tuesday morning. It was a 1:30 pm performance so I had to be on the road pretty early.

Buying RV batteries after 9 pm isn't the best idea especially when most stores close at 9 pm! I ended up picking batteries up on the road and making a photo finish into Yuma. When I started hooking my camper up to power, water, etc. I ran into a little trouble with my power cord. Thank God for good samaritians...the Yuma Committee wasted no time fixing my rig while I dressed for the rodeo. I really appreciated all their help. It was a hot one and I sure need that AC.

The rodeo was perhaps the smoothest rodeo I've been to in a while. The bull riding went well and my bullfighting was on que. Congrats to my buddies Clayton Savage and the newest Team Wyoming member, Kanin Asay...they were 1st and 2nd respectively. I really enjoy rodeos in my circuit. Over the years, I've had the pleasure to work all shapes and sizes of rodeos and there's no place I'd rather perform. The Mountain States Circuit has as solid bull riders you can find in the country, and some of my best friends in the world.

After the rodeo, I had plans of fishing and walking over to the concert. However, I opted for some much needed rest. I was in bed by 9 pm and slept until 11am!

The Wednesday performance was held at 7:30 pm and several more good friends had entered in the bullriding event. Like always it was good seeing them and cheering 'em on during their ride. After the rodeo, I showered and broke camp in order to head to Sterling, CO for their PRCA Rodeo. I'm sitting in the Sterling BK as I write this! I was on the road by 11 pm so I made a quick stop for fuel and I was on the road again. I made it here a little after midnight. I didn't even bother unhooking the camper...I just crawled in and passed out!

Well, it's going to be a hot one...I'll write soon and let you know how the rodeo went. If you're near by you might as well come check it out and support Team Wyoming!

Forever West,
Jeremy

A Quarter for Your Thoughts

2007-08-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy few weeks for my rodeo travels. I am currently in California waiting on laundry! As you know, I performed at Cheyenne Frontier Days last week. Well this week I flew to Santa Barbara, CA for a Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event followed by a ProRodeo event. The weather in California has been beautiful and it made for great outdoor rodeo.

The Airmen stationed at nearby Vandenberg Air Force Base volunteered to help put on the event. I ran into a couple of my Air Force buddies that I had not seen in a few years so that was a nice treat. The Santa Barbara rodeo committee went out of there way to involve the Armed Forces. Along side me, the Marine Corps Mounted Honor Guard and the Air Force Choir were on hand to perform military honors. Please take a moment and remember our deployed Americans; for we are still at war.

Confidence is key in rodeo...I've always felt that when I think positive and feel good about myself, it is reflected in my bullfighting. I grew up listening to tapes recorded by World Champion Bull Rider Gary Lefew which discussed the power of the mind. I always try to think positive and it showed during this event. Gary was even on hand at the event! Visiting with him certainly took me back to my younger years when I would literally spend hours listening to his rodeo success stories that he contributed to positive thinking. Many miles have been traveled with Chris LeDoux and Gary Lefew tapes. All of which are now committed to memory!

The PBR all-stars were in California! It was a line-up featuring Chris Shivers, Luke Snyder, Greg Potter, Guliherme Marchi, Ednei Caminhas and many more...I fought bulls really well and praise God for that. Luke Snyder drew a pretty mean bull and ended up in a tight spot but I was able to go 'up and over' the bull’s head to allow Luke that moment of freedom to break for safety. It sure put a little hitch in my get-along! I've always said, the one thing that I love about fighting bulls is helping my buddies out...it's a priceless feeling knowing you did your best to keep them safe.

On a different note, California is suffering from one of their largest wildfires since the early 90's and the rodeo ground is just a few miles away from the wildfire. Thursday I experienced something like never before…the winds shifted westward, right in our direction...the enormous winds blew ashes all over the crowd and onto the contestants. It was to the point ash covered vehicles and windshields in a matter of minutes. If memory serves me right, this fire has claimed over 6,000 acres.

After the rodeo, the committee invited me back for the 08 & 09 rodeos. So look out CA, I'm coming back! My mentor and champion bullfighter, Donny Sparks, told me along time ago you can measure your success based on the fact if you were hired back to an event. He said, anybody can work a rodeo once, but getting it year after year separates the men from the boys. I often think back to that...

Well, I’m on my way to catch a flight back to Denver. I won't be in town long...just long enough to get my rig and head to Yuma, CO. I'll be there Tuesday and Wednesday for their ProRodeo event and then on to Sterling, CO Thursday and Friday. I'll be sure to keep you posted.

One last thing! The Wyoming State Quarter was unveiled today, however, the official launch and ceremony is not scheduled until 10 AM, September 14 at the Cheyenne Civic Center. If you would like to learn more about the Wyoming Quarter, including the commemorative card, visit: http://wyospcr.state.wy.us/ God Bless Wyoming!

Forever West,

Jeremy

Wild, Wet & Western!

2007-07-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

The 111th Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) is in the record books. It was my busiest Frontier Days to date. I originally had great plans of submitting a blog or two during the rodeo. However, that didn’t turn out to be possible.

Everything is bigger at the “Daddy Of ‘Em All” and there was something for everyone…rodeo, parades, pancake breakfasts, night shows, shopping and the list goes on. I was able to take part in a large majority of CFD happenings this year despite flying to NYC mid-week.

I wrote in my last blog that I would give you more details regarding the TV show I flew to NYC to appear on. Unfortunately, I can’t say much since I had to sign a statement of confidentiality. I will offer this: it has to do with Drew Carey, it airs on CBS and I am still in the running!

When I returned from NYC, the rain followed! In six years of fighting bulls at CFD I don’t recall it being muddier! Wyoming always welcomes moisture so I’m not going to complain. The rain and mud certainly made for entertaining rodeo action and busy Laundromats! But overall, the mud didn’t hinder the riders or animals. We’re all cowboys and a little mud won’t stop us from chasing our gold buckle dreams.

During CFD I was privileged to take part in dozens of interviews for TV, newspapers, magazines and etc promoting Wyoming, the U.S. Air Force and the cowboy lifestyle. One of the interviews that was the most fun would be a show I did with famed New York Chef Ralph Pagano, titled “Pressure Cook” which will air on HDNET. It was a great experience. I taught Ralph to be a cowboy and he returned the favor by giving me a few cooking lessons. Let’s hope my rodeo career works out. If not, I might be a short order cook. I will keep you posted on airtimes and dates.

Denver’s Channel 7 did a live interview with me discussing the toughness it takes to be a rodeo bullfighter. I will post this interview on my website ASAP. I was able to spend a little time with the News 7 Team and give an inside look at the sport of rodeo prior to the interview. They seemed to enjoy our visit and it really showed on air. Thankfully, there were no injuries this week so we had to talk about old news.

There are so many things in the works right now regarding my professional career. It is an exciting time, but I remain focused on my goals from the start of the year - qualify for the Mountain States Circuit Finals and then on to the Dodge National Circuit Finals. It’s easy to get distracted having so many irons in the fire but I find it helps to have my goals listed and read them everyday just to maintain focus and dedication in route to reaching them.

Wyoming Tourism has wrapped my truck with photos and logos. If you see me rolling in your town write down the website listed on it and send us an email.

I am off to Santa Barbara, CA, for a Professional Bull Riders event as well as a PRCA Rodeo. This will be my first time there and I will be sure to write about my experiences in California. I hope to try surfing for the first time. Maybe we can get a few locals interested in the sprit of the Wild West and Wyoming!

Forever West,
Jeremy

Flying Sparks

2007-07-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

The summer months are always busy for rodeo cowboys. On top of my rodeo schedule, I have started my new Air Force job, searched for a new home, and have been cast for a new TV show.
Tomorrow is the official start of the 111th annual Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) western celebration. I’m excited! If you have never witnessed the world’s largest outdoor western celebration, it is a must see. The rodeo is action-packed, the live entertainment features the latest and greatest and then there is shopping and the carnival. Did I mention the Indian Village?

I’m excited for Team Wyoming as well. This will be the first event of the year where you can see every member of Team Wyoming perform! So you’re in for a real treat should you be able to attend. I will be performing July 21-23 and 26-29. This will be the first year in several that I won’t be performing everyday. However, when you learn the reason why, you’ll understand. Trust me it is big news and I will report on it after I return on the 26th. I will tell you this much. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I will be in New York City!

After CFD, I will have a day off and then fly to Santa Barbara, CA for the PBR and PRCA rodeo Aug 1-5. It’s going to be a great event and I will be sure to post from CA as well.

On Aug 6, I will fly home, hook-up my camper and head to a couple of rodeos in my very own Mountain States Circuit. Aug 7-8 I will fight bulls in Yuma, CO followed by a performance in Sterling, CO on Aug 9-10.

Hey, do you know how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time! This rodeo run will be exactly like that - one performance and one bull at a time.

Even though my life is running 90mph right now, there are a lot of great things in the immediate future. Be sure to check back often. I won’t make you wait forever to learn more. But for now, it’s Cheyenne Frontier Days…my favorite rodeo in the world!

Forever West,
Jeremy

Bullfighter in Saratoga June 25th

2007-06-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

Soaking in Saratoga

Summer has arrived and there are only two ways I like to spend it: rodeoing and experiencing Wyoming.

I'm still a little sore from the "hookings" I took while fighting bulls at the College National Finals so I opted out of the arena this weekend. I have several big events in the very near future and I have to be 100%. When you talk about big events, Cheyenne Frontier Days automatically comes to mind. Cheyenne is my favorite rodeo in the world and this year will mark the sixth year for me to fight bulls there. Be sure to attend if at all possible. Visit www.cfdrodeo.com for more information.

After deciding to stay out of competition this weekend, I grabbed my Wyoming map and searched for another amazing Wyoming destination to travel to and camp. I have heard a lot about Saratoga, Wyoming, and its natural hot springs. It's only a two-hour drive from Cheyenne, making it the perfect distance for a weekend trip.

Medicine Bow National Forest and the surrounding towns offer numerous campsites so I didn't bother with making a reservation. After lunch on Friday, I loaded my camper and headed west. The road I would suggest to travel is Wyoming Scenic Highway 130 also known as Snowy Range Road. It is a beautiful drive through the heart of the Medicine Bow National Forest. The forest is highlighted with pine covered mountains, lakes, streams and even a huge rock cliff. You must take time to stop at Lake Marie. It is an amazing view.

When I arrived in Saratoga, I was able to rent the very last campsite in the Deer Haven Campground. My site was directly on the North Platte River. Seriously, only 10 steps from my camper door! I made camp and met my neighbors while gathering my fishing supplies. One neat thing about traveling and camping is the people you meet. Wyoming tourists are perhaps the friendliest in the world. I attribute that to the fact that when tourists are in Wyoming they are here to see the amazing sights and learn as much as they can about the area they are experiencing. What better way to learn than talking and sharing adventures?

I grabbed my gear and cast my line out of my backyard. I’d tell you I fished but that would insinuate I caught one. After trying my luck in the river it was time for supper. I grilled a steak and my neighbors and I shared a picnic table and enjoyed the view of the North Platte River. The North Platte flows approximately 5mph while traveling through the Deer Haven Campground. While eating, we saw various species of ducks and birds as well as a mule deer grazing.

As night fell I made my way to the Saratoga Hot Springs. Saratoga's population is just over 1200 but visitors are drawn here for the famous soaking springs. This is a real treat! The water in the North Platte is crystal clear, including where the hot springs are located. A rock border forms a circle in the middle of the river which helps retain the hot waters where one can soak. It is so relaxing to sit in the clear waters and become one with nature. While soaking, a mallard duck flew past me merely 5 feet away. Twenty yards down stream a mule deer doe and her fawn were grazing in the knee high grass. Another great thing about these springs...they are free!

Saturday morning I tried my luck fishing again. I'm starting to think that I'm not that great of a fisherman. You know it's bad when you can see the fish swimming by your hook and you still can't catch one!

Riverside and Encampment, Wyoming are only 20 miles from Saratoga. My dog, Ace, and I took a short road trip to the Riverside visitor center where I learned about the Indian Pools located nearby. Indian Pools is an easy trek for any age person and a sight worth seeing. Walking through the sagebrush country with a mountain range in sight is priceless. The trail travels across Cotton Tree Creek and then up to several large granite mounds. You have to climb the mounds to see the pools. The Indians occupying the land used these pools for bathing as they held rainfall and run-off waters. My mind was made up, if any of the pools held water, I was getting in! Unfortunately only one pool had water and that water was only ankle deep.

I also visited Encampment, Wyoming. Be sure to take a free tour of the museum and ask to see the various buildings located on the museum grounds. A couple of the neat experiences I had was climbing the fire tower which was used to spot fires in the early 1900s and climbing to the top of a two-story outhouse. Snowfall would accumulate so high, there was a need to build a taller outhouse for winter use. How many times can you say you've even seen a two-story outhouse?

Saratoga is a great weekend or even day trip from the Cheyenne area and Northern Colorado. When you visit the area be sure to experience the North Platte River in Saratoga, Lake Hot Springs and the Grand Encampment Museum. Wyoming has so much to offer. If you are sitting at home on the weekends do me a favor: find a Wyoming map and pick your destination for a nice weekend getaway.

Forever West,

Jeremy

Bullfighter Leaves Yellowstone

2007-06-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

Top Things to do in Yellowstone (in no particular order)

Take a watercraft tour of Lake Yellowstone
Fly Fishing
Watch Old Faithful
Walk in the wilderness
Stand at the brink of Lower Falls
Dine at Lake Hotel Restaurant
Visit Canyon Information Center
Visit Lake Yellowstone at sunset
Breathe the pure Yellowstone air

My goal is simply to offer you an idea of the vast activities Yellowstone offers. I don't have room to list every amazing adventure I would suggest but I am confident you can find numerous activities to explore. Many of my ideas listed are free and we all know free is good!

I challenge you to visit Yellowstone at your earliest opportunity. My experience in Yellowstone was amazing and I know yours will be too!

Forever West,

Jeremy

Hey check out my blog at the;

College National Final Rodeo

Click Here

Bullfighter in Yellowstone June 7th

2007-06-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

My time in Yellowstone is over. I am thankful to Wyoming Tourism, Yellowstone, and Xanterra for allowing me this once in a lifetime experience. Yellowstone has been the best trip of my life. I will reframe from summarizing Yellowstone '07 in this blog and focus on today's adventures.
However, stay tuned and I will submit a summary in the very near future.

Soon after I submitted my blog last night, snow fell throughout the park and temperatures dipped into the low 30s. The family and I decided to patrol for wildlife as I did see two additional wolves in route to type yesterday’s blog. The weather change really put the wildlife on the prowl. While riding the main roads of Yellowstone we traveled through Hayden Valley. Buffalo are king in the valley and last night they were grazing in herds exceeding 300. We were able to get close-up photos of a few white wolves too! Along the Yellowstone River we saw two of these amazing predators at 10 feet in distance. Night fell, but before it was too dark for one to see, I spotted a black bear climbing a hill leading back to the forest. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a photo but it was exciting to watch the bear through my binoculars.

All week I have been looking forward to my guided fly fishing adventure provided by Xanterra. They started a fly fishing service this season. Clients are taken out individually or in groups up to five to some of the most pristine streams and rivers in the United States. I was to be client number six since the service’s inception earlier this week. All you need to do is show up with a Yellowstone fishing license. Xanterra and your guide provide all needed equipment.
My guide was Dave; a 15-year veteran of Yellowstone. We departed camp at 7:30 a.m. heading north into Geyser Country. Dave informed me early on our weather conditions from the previous night as well as current weather would not be perfect for fishing and fish simply might not be on the move.

While driving north temperatures decreased into the low 30s and snow was picking up. Conditions were so bad at points roads were being closed and we were forced to take an alternate route into the high country. Dave wanted me to try fishing the Firehole River. Not only is the Firehole a hot spot for trout, it is located in some of the prettiest scenery in Yellowstone. Along the Firehole are hot springs running into the river and thermal activity situated along its banks creating a constant steam overhead.

Remember me telling you Dave thought the weather conditions might play spoiler to our trip? Well, he was right! Turns out this wasn't Dave's first rodeo and he knew exactly what he was talking about. I didn’t even get a bite! We packed our gear out and headed farther north into the most secret fly fishing river in Yellowstone. It is so prestigious I won't even disclose the name or exact location. You must take a Xanterra guided fishing trip in order to find this stream! Trout can be seen here in the crystal clear water by the hundreds. The area doesn't look like much when compared to the Firehole, but it’s still beautiful in its own right.

Dave let me know all previous clients caught trout while he served as their guide. My enthusiasm never faltered. We were enjoying fishing where few people have even walked. I waded the clear waters in depths just above the knee. It is a prime spot for any level angler however climate conditions were not to our advantage.

I guess now is just as good a time to tell you. I have some good news and some bad news.
For the bad news...Dave and I didn't catch a single trout. Good news, I didn't get dirty cleaning fish! Seriously, I can't thank Xanterra and Dave adequately for providing me the experience of fishing Yellowstone. We were in premier waters and the most beautiful setting this world has to offer.

No trip to Yellowstone would be complete without dining at the famed Lake Hotel Restaurant. Xanterra, the concession management company in Yellowstone, operates the facility. I have become a connoisseur of fine game food. To my delight, Lake Restaurant specializes in game food. One can order a variety including vegetarian/organic main courses, traditional beef steak, seafood and my favorite – game.

I was offered the chance to sample the cold smoked wild Alaskan salmon which I happily obliged. It was delicious in every sense of the word. Next, I was served my main course which included elk medallions and lobster! Without reservation, it was the very best elk and lobster I have been served. My parents were served, at their request, beef tenderloin and all the trimmings. It too was a splendid choice. Although we were stuffed from our superb main course we had to opt for dessert. Take my advice, when dining at Lake Restaurant, you must try the cheesecake. It puts the famed Cheesecake Factory to shame! Hats off to the Lake Hotel Restaurant. What an enjoyable evening. Oh, did I mention our view was Lake Yellowstone? It doesn’t get any better than this.

Forever West,

Jeremy

Bullfighter in Yellowstone June 6th

2007-06-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

Xanterra is simply amazing! I can't thank them enough for setting my daily itinerary. Each day is filled with explorations that would make Lewis and Clark jealous and today was no exception!
Weather in Yellowstone has been exceptional since I arrived. We have experienced highs in the 70s with sunshine, rainbows, pure white clouds and the whole nine yards. Forecasters predicted last night we might get some rain and snow today. I was scheduled to go backcountry hiking with a trail guide this morning at 7 am. My enthusiasm for exploring Yellowstone did not waiver with the weather change.

Breakfast was ready at 6:20 am. I ate on the run as I didn't want to risk not meeting my guide. Rain was at a drizzle and there was some lightning nearby. I dressed warm and even donned a slicker suit to help beat the near 40 degree weather. When I arrived at the Fishing Bridge activities desk, Mrs. Jackson asked if I was going to take the hike. I replied, "Well I'm not all dressed up to play ping-pong!" This is Yellowstone - rain, snow, sleet nor hail can’t keep me contained. Despite my zeal to hike the backcountry we were unable to trek in the lightning for safety reasons.

Xanterra chartered a brand new watercraft for me to see Yellowstone Lake in a once-in- a-lifetime fashion. When the storm passed I boarded the Otter, a brand new watercraft with less than 10 hours on it. My Xanterra guide, Mark, was eager to show me the back- country wilderness which is only accessible via boat. At times Mark and I were the only people on the 140-square-mile lake. Other times we were one of three vessels. Lake Yellowstone is paradise and I highly recommend taking a watercraft tour of Lake Yellowstone when you visit. The lake features islands, wildlife, mountain scenery and breathtakingly clear water.

When we departed I informed Mark I really wanted to see a bald eagle to top off my wildlife sightseeing experiences. Prior to today I have seen bear, elk, wolves, moose, bison and trout. Within thirty minutes I spotted a gorgeous eagle atop a tall pine tree which stood on Stevenson Island. It was a grand sight. We stopped the boat and enjoyed watching the symbol of American Freedom in the most amazing setting in the world - Yellowstone, Wyoming.

From there we headed to a nearby National Park Service boat and watched them execute their mission of managing the native trout population. The non-native lake trout have contributed to taking the native cutthroat, graylings and mountain whitefish population down 90 percent in the last 10 years. The park service spends time and resources ensuring the native species are protected as much as possible in their natural environment. Fishing the lake trout is highly encouraged. I hope to do my part tomorrow!

The clouds were low today and hung just above the snow-capped mountains. I can't adequately describe the beauty of such low and dark clouds with mountains still prevailing to shimmer through. The weather conditions were a perfect fit for creating enormous steam in the geysers that surround the lake. From the middle of Lake Yellowstone the geysers were very evident and none more so than the Steamboat Geyser area.

Mark granted me the opportunity to eat lunch while docked at Wolf Bay, a splendid sight with crystal clear waters. Lake Yellowstone depths reach 340 plus feet. However, the dock at Wolf Bay is 10 feet. The water there is so clear I was able to count rock on the lake bed!

I had packed an MRE (meal ready to eat) for lunch. After eating lunch we exited the Otter and hiked through the terrain of Wolf Bay. The weather was still cold and rain was at a drizzle but that did not keep us from hiking a little piece of the Yellowstone wilderness. The land we explored is so remote not even a fraction of one percent of Yellowstone tourists will ever set foot on it. There were fresh signs of elk all around us. It was a paradise for not only man but all of God’s creation. As I walked to the opposite end of Wolf Bay and approached the waters of Lake Yellowstone, I was so moved by its splendor and beauty all I could do was thank God for allowing me to see his creation. My next trip to Yellowstone I will camp in the wilderness of Wolf Bay. It is that amazing!

In route back to the marina Mark pointed out a flock of golden eye ducks in numbers exceeding 200. They’re a beautiful bird with a golden ring encompassing their eye...hence their name.
This evening my intention was to hike the southern rim of Yellowstone Canyon; alone. The trailhead I set out to conquer allows one to get a close view of both the Upper and Lower Falls. Weather was getting worse and time was running short. Temperatures were dipping into the 30s. I was determined to explore the canyon. In route to the trailhead I spotted two more bald eagles on the Yellowstone River. I stood five feet from a grey wolf and came close to two nice bull elk, which were still in velvet. I could not pass up such photo opportunities! However, in doing so, night fell and my goal of hiking the canyon will have to wait until tomorrow.

Xanterra is sending me on a guided fly fishing trip tomorrow. From there I will attempt to hike the south rim of Yellowstone Canyon. To top off a dream come true day, my family and I will dine at the famous Yellowstone Lake Restaurant which faces the grandest lake I have ever encountered.

Yellowstone is my favorite destination in the world...and yes, I have been to many other countries. Everything is here. Perhaps this is where the saying "God’s Country" originated - for it is truly an inspiring place.

Forever West

Jeremy

Bullfighter in Yellowstone June 5th

2007-06-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

Please let me start by sending my sincere thoughts and prayers to the Senator Craig Thomas family. Wyoming U.S. Senator Craig Thomas has passed away after a hard-fought battle with leukemia. It was a great, and lasting, pleasure for me to meet Senator Thomas in 2005 on the very day he sponsored the National Day of The Cowboy. He was a great ambassador for Wyoming and cowboys alike.

Today my plan was to mountain bike into the Mud Volcano area and visit one of my favorite locations in Yellowstone, Dragon Mouth. Yesterday I wrote it would be an 18- mile ride. I was pretty close! Turns out, it is 16 miles from my campsite.

My family and I enjoyed breakfast outside this morning. The air in Yellowstone has to be the purest in the world so being outside is a delight no matter what time of day. There was a note on my camper this morning from the Xanterra Marketing Director, Rick Hoeninghausen, informing me I was to be their guest at various activities in the park including a meal at the famous Lake Hotel Restaurant.

Before heading out on my trek I visited the activities desk located at Fishing Bridge in order to set my itinerary for the next few days. I must say the staff in Yellowstone is the friendliest and most helpful I have experienced anywhere during my rodeo travels.
I left with a full lineup anyone would be excited to take part in. I know you will enjoy reading about each activity as they are posted.

Well my bag was packed. I traveled with a liter of water and a few snacks but in Yellowstone a camera is as essential as water so that was packed as well! I was on the road at 10:30am headed north to Dragon Mouth. It was a challenge made easier by well- wishers passing by in vehicles. The road is curvy making its way up and down the mountainside. I passed a small herd of buffalo and even took a picture as I passed by on my bike. I don't encourage this. It was almost as much of a spectacle as the buffalo themselves! Despite the difficulty level of cycling at this altitude it was a great trip. The air is so smooth and the scenery so beautiful I found myself not knowing I was cycling at 10K feet.

Upon arriving at Dragon Mouth there were two buffalo taking in the scenery as well! This was a great photo opportunity and I hope you enjoy the photo. I didn't stay long. There was more in store for today’s Yellowstone adventure.

In route back to the campsite I made two stops. First, for more buffalo standing in my path home. Next I would take a dirt trail leading me to Le Hardy Rapids. These rapids are the last rapids for 16 miles as one travels north into Canyon Village. If you know me, you know I couldn't resist walking into the water using the rocks which nature had strategically placed in the Yellowstone River. I made it out as dry as I entered the rapids! However, to my surprise I would now have to carry my mountain bike up 84 stair steps in order to return to the main road. It was worth it...trust me!
Well I didn't make it to Otter Creek today but I have something better in store! On Thursday Xanterra is proving me a guided fly fishing trip and I can't wait! I hope the guide knows it won't be my fault if I don't catch supper!

Since I didn't go to Otter Creek, I had a little time to take a trail ride from the Mammoth Country area. I arrived an hour early to enjoy Mammoth Hot Springs and eat a bite. Much to my disappointment rain and lightning canceled the ride. But don't you worry, Yellowstone is so vast and there is so much to see this was no inconvenience. My parents and I decided to head south into Hayden Valley to search out wildlife. Hayden Valley is home to many of the park’s buffalo. We were able to see approximately 400 as we traveled the area. There was even a traffic jam caused by a dozen buffalo posing for their photo!

If you are a fish lover you must visit the actual Fishing Bridge. Today I took an easy mile walk to look for trout. It is there one can see trout spawning in large schools. The water is crystal clear and I was able to see the bottom with the naked eye. I spotted a school of two dozen large trout. I just hope they make their way to my fly fishing adventure on Thursday!

Tomorrow I plan to hike the backcountry...with or without a guide. I'm not sure which trail I will tackle but I will be sure to report my findings. Let’s just hope I make it through the Grizzly Country in order to report such information!

Forever West

Jeremy

Bullfighter in Yellowstone June 4th

2007-06-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

Yellowstone is so amazing there is no sleeping in! We were up and at 'em by 7am. I had a few chores to do around the campsite and you know a cowboy can fix anything with baling wire and duct tape! Well today was no exception. I found a half roll of duct tape at the main office and within 5 minutes had the job done. It was a dirty job and I will leave it at that!

I promised you yesterday I would return to Old Faithful...and yes I kept my word.

This morning after my chores, I thought about going on a 1/2 day fishing trip to one or more of the many streams/rivers Yellowstone offers. I needed to put a new fly reel on my rod and get some flies tied. Currently, Yellowstone is only open to flyfishing. We ate breakfast outside while I gathered my fishing gear.

But before I could do anything I needed to hit the weight room.

Xanterra opened up the faculty recreation hall for my private workout. I really appreciated their kindness as I really needed to focus my physical and mental energies on the nearing College National Finals Rodeo. I was in the gym by 10am to accomplish this feat. However, on the way to the gym I spotted a grizzly and her two cubs. I was the only one there with the bears for 5 minutes. But wouldn't you know, in no time at all over 200 cars were in line to see these powerful animals grazing and playing.

My workout room was facing Yellowstone Lake with a huge window facing it. During my time there I was able to watch two buffalo and view the lake and surrounding mountains as I hit the weights. Tell me, where else but Wyoming and Yellowstone can you see this?
On my way home I grabbed a sandwich and found a place to relax on Lake Yellowstone. The view is mesmerizing. You really must see how dynamic Lake Yellowstone is. Lake Yellowstone Hotel maintains a deck with seating. It was there I ate in peace and solitude.
I had my fishing gear with me and was in mind of fishing Otter Creek. On my way there, I spotted another grizzly along the roadside. You can't pass them by! So I stopped and took in more unbelievable wildlife of the park. It was nearing 2pm and I didn't know if I had enough time to fish.

Ultimately, I returned to my campsite and picked up my Mom so we could trek to Old Faithful. Our timing was perfect! Old Faithful erupted 5 minutes after we were in place. It was 70 degrees with a slight drizzle. Old Faithful is Yellowstone’s most predictable geyser, erupting every 90-93 minutes. There is a large viewing area complete with bleachers for the viewing public, but I stood as I didn't want anything obstructing my view. She steamed for several minutes leading up a great outburst of water which towered high into the sky.
Seeing Old Faithful erupt really excited my soul and I found myself cheering as she went off! I'm positive I will return again this week.

Tomorrow, my goal is to mountain bike to Dragon’s Mouth (refer to day 1 blog for more information on Dragon’s Mouth). After returning to camp, I will attempt to catch supper for the family! Wish me luck in both endeavors. The bike ride will be 18 miles. However, 18 miles at 10K feet is no short distance.

Forever West

Jeremy

Bullfighter in Yellowstone June 3rd

2007-06-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

Man alive, where do I start!
Xanterra, the lodging and activity managers in Yellowstone, treated my family to a private tour today. Our guide, Mike, is perhaps one of the most knowledgeable tour guides in Yellowstone!

The advantage of having a private and knowledgeable guide is the fact that one can be educated on aspects of the park they may otherwise overlook or never discover.

We took the "Grand Loop" tour which travels the entire park rims. Mike arrived at 0845 to pick us up at our campsite. We headed out to the Upper Falls area which is a gorgeous and massive waterfall. We were able to walk the brink of the fall and stand merely feet from the Upper Fall. My goodness, it was powerful. It sounds as if an angry lion was continuously roaring. The breeze created by its force was so strong I had to hold my hat on my head!

The purpose of today's trip was to expose me to the park and give me an overview of the vast amount of things one can see while visiting the park. It was a 9-hour trip with many beautiful stops. However, when you try to see this many sights in one day, some sights are sacrificed at the expense of others. Seriously, you could spend months exploring merely one of Yellowstone’s features.

We left Upper Falls and headed to Crystal Falls. There's a short backcountry trail that leads to an amazing overlook of the water fall 1.5 miles above sea level. It was neat to see a little backcountry and such an amazing overlook.

As we drove to see the Petrified Tree, which still stands, I was able to see both the devastation and new creation caused by the wildfires of 1988. These fires burned 1/3 of the park. Although it is nearing 20 years, I could still see blackened trees in places; however, most trees are now gray. There is an uprising of new tree offspring which will stand for many generations.

Upon arriving at the Petrified Tree, we saw a bull moose 20 yards from the trail. That was exciting, as we didn't see a moose yesterday. The Petrified Tree is surrounded by greenery providing a smell that is very pleasing in the mountain breeze.

On our way to Mammoth Hot Springs, we passed several unique features of Yellowstone. However, for the sake of time we were able to see everything while driving. Again, I cannot adequately describe the glory of Yellowstone. Mammoth Springs is no exception. Mammoth is splendid in its beautiful multi-colored and multi-textured layers. These various colors and textures are said to be created by water which seeps into porous rock then heats under pressure. This in turn causes the water to rise back to the top, often bubbling above ground providing a haven for organisms to prosper.

Another thing I want to share is Isa Lake, which is located on the Continental Divide. Isa Lake is not big or glorious. However, it is unique in its own right. Isa is the only lake known to flow into both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The water departing from the east, travels to the Pacific while the westbound waters arrive in the Atlantic. This is quite opposite of what one might assume.

We also stopped in to see Old Faithful. Disappointingly, we arrived 5 minutes after she erupted. Old Faithful is pretty reliable, as she erupts every 90-93 minutes. I plan to return tomorrow and see it firsthand.

One the way back to our camp site, we traveled along the edge of Lake Yellowstone. It sits at 7733 feet and is 390 feet deep! And no, I didn't dive in to test this truth! Lake Yellowstone has mountain ranges exceeding 10K feet all around it and it is said to be the largest lake at such high altitude.

I am leaving out several sights. I could write for days and still not disclose all my findings. Therefore, I encourage you to visit Yellowstone. It has everything: mountains, geysers, wildlife, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and the list goes on!

One last thing. Last night after I submitted my blog, I took a short 5-mile bike ride to a nearby creek. It was almost dark when I arrived there. The water is so clear in the moonlight you can see fish nearing the top. The air is so clean and refreshing, it is worth the ride.

On my way home, I saw a couple of animals dart out of the woods onto the road. I stopped my bike and wouldn't you know it was two wolves! I don't scare easily but I do respect the wildlife. Therefore, my heart rate did rise! The wolves stood their ground, right in the middle of my path, and stared me down. I decided to get off the bike and stand behind it. Adding to my discomfort, my pants leg caught in the chain and sprocket, ripping my chain off! So I went from helpless to very helpless in a matter of seconds! Nonetheless, I was able to get my chain on with the help of the lights beaming from an oncoming vehicle which in turn scared the wolves back into the woods!

Moral of the story...there are still big bad wolves!!

Forever West

Jeremy

Bullfighter in Yellowstone June 2nd

2007-06-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

WOW! Yellowstone National Park is more amazing than one can describe! I hope you enjoy sharing this journey with me as I explore Yellowstone for the first time.

You can read my bio and figure out real fast that the life of a rodeo bullfighter can be quite hectic and dangerous. I've found it important to relax and enjoy the great outdoors when I'm not on the rodeo trail.

Some of you may be now introduced to rodeo and bullfighting for the first time. So for any new fans, bullfighting can be compared to a "Hit Man." During the bull riding event, riders are required to stay aboard the bucking bovine for 8 seconds using only one hand, as they hold a flat braided rope for dear life. When dealing with unpredictable animals it is important to have safety measures in place for the rider’s protection. Many people refer to bullfighters as "Cowboy Proctors" or "Cowboy Lifesavers" for that reason...as bullfighters risk life and limb for the rider’s protection.

Many times that involves a bull actually running over us for the rider to make a safe get away...or even having to jump onto the bulls back to free a riders hand should he become trapped.

Now for the fun stuff!

In 2007 I was fortunate to be invited to join the Wyoming Tourism team of professional rodeo cowboys. As you know, Wyoming is famous for its western lifestyle and plethora of rodeo events state-wide. As an endorsed athlete, it is my main objective to help promote Wyoming Tourism while traveling the rodeo circuit world-wide. Thanks to Wyoming, Yellowstone and their managing partner Xanterra, I am getting a first class trip in Yellowstone.

I’m in route to fight bulls for the 3rd time at the College National Finals held in Casper, Wyoming, June 10-16. It's a premier event featuring the very best rodeo athletes in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Until then, I am relaxing with my mom and dad as we take in all Yellowstone has to offer!

June1, 2007 - We left pretty early from Cheyenne, Wyoming, in order for me to arrive in Cody, Wyoming, for the re-release of the authentic Yellow Bus Tour. The Yellow Buses earned their place in history as they were the primary means of seeing Yellowstone in the early days of automotives. Ford Motors have completely restored 6 of the original Yellow Buses and they have now been re-introduced as a means of exploring the park. It was a neat experience to ride in a Yellow Bus on their release day and feel the clean, cool mountain air as we headed to the Cody Nite Rodeo with the top down!

Cody, Wyoming, is home of the longest running open rodeo in the country. The rodeo runs every day from June through August. I was a special guest at the rodeo and was delighted to arrive via the Yellow Bus. Trust me; Pimp My Ride couldn't have done a better job restoring these classics. I was accompanied by several dignitaries including the Director for Wyoming Tourism, members from the Cody Chamber of Commerce, writers for various tourism magazines and the PR Director for Xanterra.

I signed autographs for a while after the rodeo and then headed back to Wapiti, Wyoming, where we had previously set up camp.
We woke up this morning (June 2, 2007) around 8am and left for Yellowstone. It's the prettiest 30 miles I have ever traveled. We were greeted by a great staff and were shown to our camp site at Fishing Bridge. We are located in the woods and I even had to sign a paper stating I understood Bear and Wolves frequented our camp site!
We spent a few hours in the park today. It was thrilling! I probably said "that's cool" a thousand times! Everything here is amazing. You must see it to believe it. Right when we entered the park, we saw 6 Big Horn Sheep; within the first hour here we had seen Grizzly Bear's, Elk, Buffalo and a Wolf!

Other "cool" things we visited were "Dragons Mouth" and Yellow Stone Canyon. Dragons Mouth is hard to describe, but I will try...there's a frenzy of action beneath the water! That action along with various minerals and water causes an explosion of sorts and boiling water erupts, splashing vigorously!

Tomorrow (June3, 2007) we are being treated to a private tour of Yellowstone. Be sure to check back tomorrow night as I will share my findings.
Yellowstone is amazing. A site everyone must witness first hand.
It stirs emotions and connects one to Mother Earth as our Native American brothers and sisters must have felt when they too took in these spectacular sights and wonderful wildlife.

Forever West,

Jeremy

Jeremy's Journey to Yellowstone

2007-06-01T10:27:00.001-07:00

I wanted to take a moment and invite you to follow my travels through Yellowstone National Park and on to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming. I plan to share my exciting journey in a daily blog, complete with images and short video clips, beginning June 2, 2007.

You will get to experience first hand what it’s like to travel through Gods country where animals and water roam freely through magical landscapes. You will also get a behind the chutes tour as I suit up for the College National Finals Rodeo as one of the featured bullfighters. You can access the blog via the state’s website at www.wyomingtourism.org and follow the Blogging Bullfighter link on the homepage. You can also subscribe to the blog or forward it your friends and family right here at blogger.com. I look forward to hearing your comments as you tag along with me and my family on this wild adventure.

Thanks,
Jeremy

Who's Jeremy

2007-05-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

Captain Jeremy Sparks is the only Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Bullfighter with endorsements by the U.S. Air Force. He is a seven-year member of the most elite rodeo association in the world; the PRCA.

Sparks serves the USAF as an ICBM Combat Crew member operating the MM III nuclear weapon system.

The 29-year-old Sparks has established himself as a premier bullfighter in the PRCA. In 2000 Sparks was a front-runner at the National Finals Rodeo Binion's Bullfight. During his career, Sparks has been 5X bullfighter for the largest rodeo in the world, Cheyenne Frontier Days and has twice performed at the College National Finals Rodeo. Sparks is also the only American bullfighter to earn a title in South Korea, accomplishing that feat in 2002, 2005-2007. He is a 3X Military World Finals Bullfighter and is the PRCAs 2006 Mountain States Circuit Finals bullfighter as well as the 2007 Dodge National Circuit Finals alternate bullfighter.

During his career, Sparks has appeared in more than 300 promotional activities, national commercials, news articles, movies and documentaries as well as television interviews. Media engagments include: the Western Horseman, Dallas Morning Star, Denver Post, Air Force News, ProRodeo Sports News, Road Trip Nation, OLN, ESPN, College Sports TV, Travel Channel, CMT, and a host of other civilian and military outlets.

Sparks is currently endorsed by the US Air Force, Wrangler, Bailey Hats, Twisted X Boots and the Great State of Wyoming.

Sparks is a magna cum laude graduate from the University of Arkansas-Monticello with a degree in Speech Communication. Sparks redefined what it is to be a Scholar-Athlete. Academically speaking, Sparks was ranked in the top 1% of all university students within the United States earning honors into the 2001 Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. In addition, Sparks is a 3X All American Scholar, a member of Alpha Chi and Lambda Pi Eta honor societies. The PRCA claims, "Jeremy Sparks has one of the most impressive list of academic accomplishments in pro rodeo," (ProRodeo Sports News 7/11/01).