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The Top 10 of these 25 are the WINNERS!
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Your Friend,
Jeremy
Showing posts with label Wyoming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wyoming. Show all posts
Monday, October 19, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Third Time’s The Charm
Since our Memorial Day trip to Devils Tower I have tried to see the Vore Buffalo Jump.
Since the site doesn’t open until 13 June, I was too early Memorial Day. My hope was to see it when Jamie and I came back to climb Devils Tower. On Friday we set out to see the Vore Jump only to experience some scattered thunderstorms causing the site to be closed.
It’s an easy little trip from Devils Tower full of wildlife viewing opportunities and arguably some of the most pristine scenery in all of Wyoming. So we don‘t mind the getting there part...however, it was disappointing to strike out twice.
Good news is, third time’s a charm! Today we had a truly unique experience touring the Vore Buffalo Jump.
Wyoming as a whole has this feel of community. I‘ve seen this firsthand with the thousands of volunteers that put on the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days and experienced it with new neighbors who welcome you to the neighborhood with a homemade pie. After experiencing Vore site, I’m starting to believe that sense of community is bred into Wyomingites.
Vore Jump was used for over 300 years ranging from the 1500s-1800s by as many as five different Native American tribes often working alongside the other tribes (perhaps rivals on occasion) to harvest a winters’ supply of buffalo.
Today, visitors can see layer upon layer of buffalo bones as well as Native American arrowheads and tools, all preserved in pristine condition. Archeologists have been digging at the Vore Jump over 30 years reaching depths of twenty feet. Each inch of the way, remains and artifacts are perfectly preserved. An estimated 20,000 plus buffalo have been harvested where my feet stood today. How wild is that?
Perhaps what is even more mind boggling than the number of buffalo harvested is the method in which they were taken and the various uses the buffalo had in sustaining the tribes.
Vore Jump is merely a sinkhole in the earth - a resource that was vital to hunting large game before the introduction of horses. Working as a community the Natives (on foot) would herd mass numbers of buffalo toward the sinkhole and just before reaching the rim, a stampede would take them over the edge. The goal was simply to trap the buffalo below making the harvest more achievable. Once the animals were inside the bowl, shooters would take position around the upper rim and open fire, or should I say open fling?
The buffalo weren’t merely a source of meat. They were the livelihood for a people. Every bone with the exception of two neck vertebrae are said to have been used. Uses included: clothing, tools, medicine, containers and many more.
The Vore Buffalo Jump is a historical site capable of being a major educational and tourist attraction. The site is in its infancy of development but plans are in place to expand on this truly amazing Wyoming wonder. If you would like to get involved or financially support the Vore Jump check out their official site.
The moral of the story is simple: Community Matters.
Forever West
Jeremy
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
Friday, July 3, 2009
Wyoming Tourism is Alive and Well
Of all of the places I have been there is no place I’d rather be than Wyoming. As you know it’s the Fourth of July and we are headed to Devils Tower, Wyoming!In route from Cheyenne, Jamie and I passed more travelers than normal and enjoyed playing the license plate game. You know the one where you try to identify a plate from each state? Well, I’m starting to think folks from all 50 states and Canada are headed to Devils Tower.
Around Wright, WY the weather turned dark and a rainstorm moved in. We managed to miss the heart of the storm but did experience some rain and wind. By the time we arrived at Wright it was time to stretch our legs and walk our dog. While there, locals told us we just missed a tornado and softball size hail.Nonetheless, we were thankful we snuck by the storm and arrived at Devils Tower KOA as scheduled.
July is commonly referred to as “Cowboy Christmas” since numerous major rodeos are kicked off near the 4th of July. Wyoming plays host to a few of the best. Cody, Cheyenne, Casper and Sheridan all have July rodeos.
For 10 years now, rodeo has been the focus of my summers. This year however, I’ve decided to take the Fourth off and spend time with my family and take care of a little unfinished business. If you recall my last Devils Tower blog, I said Jamie and I were going to climb the tower with Frank Sanders, owner and operator of Devils Tower Climbing. Well, time has come to put my money where my mouth is.
I will still fight bulls at 10-12 rodeo performances this month but I’m relaxing this weekend. My parents drove in from Arkansas to spend the holiday with Jamie and me and there’s no better place to camp than Devils Tower KOA.
I’ve heard there is a big July 4th celebration at the campground so we’re here for the party and I will keep you informed.
Forever West
Jeremy
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Time Flies
Time sure does fly at the CNFR. It’s Tuesday afternoon and the two days of slack are in the books and our sights are now set on Round 3.
Since arriving in Casper Saturday night I have been going at full speed. The good news is that the CNFR slows down a little after today.
Through two mornings of slack, 39 bulls were bucked and 11 cowboys managed to ride for the full 8 seconds. Among the qualified riders were once again, LCCC freshman Justin Thomas, making him only one of four riders to cover both bulls thus far. I’m starting to think he will be in Saturday's Championship Round!
From a bullfighter’s perspective, slack went really well. I enjoy working with Al as much as I enjoy working with anyone. Sometimes in this line of work, you end up working with guys who are not team players. Al and I are not those types…our goal is to keep the rider safe no matter who has to step up to the plate.
So far, when called to perform, both of us have done just that. Today was perhaps the biggest test we’ve seen in the arena and once again, we were both ‘Jonny on the spot’ to do our job. Bullrider Luke Dodson was thrown off his bull only to land right in front of it. It was at that moment Al and I moved in to take a shot. ..after all that is what we are paid to do! I was able to jump over the bulls head and land in between it and Luke just in time to take the shot.
I hope you like the photo from the Casper Trib
http://rodeo.trib.com/features/article_723ca242-5bc2-11de-8ae4-001cc4c03286.html
In other CNFR news, look out for the University of Wyoming Women’s Rodeo Team. I’m going to go out on a limb and say they will be the 2009 National Team!
Forever West,
Jeremy
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
Monday, May 25, 2009
Unfinished Business
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
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
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Skiing the Snowies
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
Friday, September 5, 2008
Back from Bama
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
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
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Always Moving!!
Cheyenne Frontier Days is officially underway. It has been a whirlwind ride so far and we have only just begun.The interviews I previously blogged about went really well. I’d like to thank Denver 7 and Fox 31 for their generosity and sharing my story. It was an early morning but well worth it.
I woke up at 5am and was on the road by 6am. I was scheduled for Fox 31 “Good Day Colorado” show at 8am so I needed to hit the ground running in order to beat the morning traffic. I fueled up in Cheyenne before heading south. To my dismay ten miles into the trip I realized I had forgotten the video footage they had requested so I had to return home in order to pick it up. Good news is I made it.
There was a break between the morning news interview and my taping for Denver 7. I crashed at a friends’ house just outside Denver. It’s always better to visit and laugh with good friends than it is to walk the mall.
At 1:30pm I headed back into Denver to start the taping. It was a fun interview and allowed me the opportunity to promote Wyoming and explain the role of a bullfighter. Perhaps you were able to catch it both Friday and Saturday on the 10 o’clock news.
Big thanks go out to Steve Kelley and his Fox 31 team as well as the entire Denver 7 Sports crew. Also, congratulations to my good friend Anne Trujillo of Denver 7 for earning the Emmy for Denver’s Best News Anchor!Be sure to check back as we work to upload interviews.
Well I arrived back into Cheyenne just in time to make a promo appearance at the Wyoming Tourism booth located near the CFD Ticket Office. Don’t miss your chance to stop by and learn more about Wyoming and get your free Chris LeDoux Tribute DVD.
From there I met up with Jamie it was on to a CFD reception. It’s always a treat to visit with the many people who play a large part in making CFD the greatest outdoor rodeo. Among those in attendance were legendary stock contractor Harry Vold and his wife Karen.
There is no rest for the weary and that is certainly the case for me right now. Jamie and I walked through the night show just long enough for me to get a headache. That was the end of the night for me. We returned home and doctored my headache so I could be better for the first of nine PRCA rodeo performances.
The next morning (19 July) it was off to the CFD Parade at 9:30am. If you want to see a parade, the CFD Parade is a must. There are horses, wagons, Indians, queens, antique vehicles, bands, military troops and so much more. Good news is, there are three more parades (22, 24, 26 July) so you can be sure to get in on the action. From the parade we headed to Frontier Park to get ready for the rodeo. Fighting bulls with me this year are NFR bullfighter Darrel Diefenbach and world champion Mike Matt. It’s always good to get the first performance under your belt. The first one went well and I hope for eight more just like that! Congrats to Wyoming native Clayton Savage for turning in the high marked ride of the day scoring 87 points.
P.s. - Happy Birthday Jamie!
Forever West,
Jeremy
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Old Faithful Inn
Jamie and I have a new found appreciation for our home at Old Faithful Inn. The design and construction rival the detail found in many European structures. Although different in style, the craftsmanship is phenomenal.
I have since learned that Old Faithful Inn was constructed in a brisk 13 months - a feat that is hard to believe still to this day. The doors opened to the first guests in June 1904. The Inn originally contained 140 rooms and is known today as the “Old House.”
This magnificent creation is thanks to Robert Reamer, a 29-year-old architect. A pamphlet provided by Xanterra Parks and Resorts states: “The lodgepole pine, including twisting supports, was cut 4 miles south of the site. Five hundred tons of rhyolite rocks were quarried five miles to build the mountainous lobby chimney.”
Everything about Old Faithful Inn is jaw dropping. The lobby measures 76 feet, 6 inches. It is impossible to enter the Inn and not look up at such creation. I have watched over one thousand guests enter the Inn over the last 72 hours and all have fallen victim to the “Old Faithful Inn head-snap!”
The Inn has since been expanded. East and west wings were added to accommodate the overnight requests of tourists in 1913 and 1927 respectively. Jamie and I are in the east wing and have a direct line-of-sight to the Old Faithful geyser. Don’t sweat should you book a room on the west wing. Great viewing of the geyser is made possible by the multiple viewing decks. It is a priceless event to see Old Faithful erupt from within the Old Faithful Inn!
Speaking of Old Faithful Geyser. It erupts more frequently and more consistently than any large geyser in Yellowstone. A century-long history has shown a proven track record for Old Faithful with eruptions occurring approximately every 90 minutes. Each eruption can last anywhere from 1 ½ - 5 minutes tossing 3,700-8,400 gallons of boiling water to heights of 184 feet!
Watching Old Faithful erupt never gets old. We have seen this event firsthand over one dozen times over the past 3 days. After one eruption, I overheard a couple say that they “didn’t need to see anything else in the world because nothing could be more amazing.”
Yellowstone is amazing. There is so much in addition to Old Faithful to stand in awe of. Whether geysers, wildlife, lakes, mountains or one of the most unique lodging places in the world you can find it inside the gates of Wonderland.
Also inside the gates of Wonderland, the food rivals that of the Las Vegas casinos. Old Faithful Inn houses a premier restaurant known simply as the Old Faithful Dinning Room. The elegance of sandblasted glass creates an illusion of light making it seem as if the sun is setting. A 100-year-old painting by Paco Young capturing Old Faithful erupting as buffalo graze demands ones attention as it hangs on the large dining room chimney.
The menu is just as impressive, from first-course to main-course meals and certainly dessert, one can find the perfect fix for any size appetite.
I found myself eating profound portions of buffalo prime rib, boiled shrimp, Alaskan salmon and lobster pasta these past few days. But perhaps the best dessert I have ever ordered was in the form of their chocolate brownie sundae. My goodness did Jamie and I overdo it attempting to eat a full meal and dessert all in one sitting.
It has been our pleasure to reside these past few days in the east wing of Old Faithful Inn. I invite you to research more this one-of-a-kind structure and hopefully our paths will cross inside the lobby as we do the “Old Faithful head-snap” together!
Forever West,
Jeremy
Friday, June 27, 2008
Yellowstone Activities
Lake Yellowstone is arguably the prettiest feature in Yellowstone. It offers beautiful mountain scenery, access to wilderness areas, fishing, boating and so much more.
Xanterra Parks and Resorts operates in Yellowstone as well as numerous other national parks. Where it is the National Park Service’s job to regulate the park, Xanterra’s mission is to create recreational opportunities within the park.
Today, I thought about taking a cruise on Lake Yellowstone in hopes for catching a few cutthroat trout; however, I’m going to save that for possibly Friday’s outing. To get my fishing fix I hiked into the wilderness area along the Lake. It was only a two mile hike but the sign of grizzly bear was quite obvious. I was the only drifter on this trek and trust me, the mind can run away from you while you’re seeing fresh sign of grizzlies! The good news is I didn’t see one but I did jump a Mule Deer…pretty cool.
The two hours I spent fishing were certainly peaceful…but not productive! I’m going to try my luck at fishing a few more times before leaving the park and I will catch a fish even if I have to use my bare hands!
Xanterra provides a host of activities including: guided fishing trips, horseback riding, stage coach excursions, vehicle tours and of course the famous Yellowstone yellow bus tours.
Jamie and I were able to be a part of the Xanterra tour known as the Lamar Valley Wildlife Excursion. It’s a 5 hour tour through the vast Lamar Valley. Lamar Valley is the perfect habitat for bears, wolves, elk, bison, pronghorns, eagles and bighorn sheep. Even though we were lucky enough to see all of those yesterday, it was nice for me since I didn’t have to drive!
Our driver/tour guide was Kelly from New York state…the same guide we had this winter aboard the Xanterra snow coach. Although it was a 5 hour trip, she made it entertaining and informative. Kudos to Kelly for a job well done. Along our route we were thrilled to see two black bear, several bighorn sheep, tons of buffalo, antelope, mule deer and even a coyote. Our hopes for spotting a wolf in Lamar Valley didn’t pan out but that’s ok since we saw a grey wolf yesterday! O yea… the scenery was breath-taking. Overlooking Mount Washburn was a double rainbow that seemed to burst from the earth below and had no end in sight.
Many times during my trips to Yellowstone I feel that I can’t adequately describe the sights I am seeing. That’s why if I could grant one wish to each human being, it would be that they too visit Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park. Today was yet another one of those days when I saw sights so glorious that they will forever be etched in my memory.
I would highly recommend a Xanterra Tour. There are numerous trips to choose from, ranging in various locations and duration. Plus, I promise your guide will be a wealth of Yellowstone knowledge.
To learn more about the exciting tours provided by Xanterra check out www.travelyellowstone.com
All the R&R I’m able to catch this week is needed. My knee is still sore from the hit it took at the recent College National Finals Rodeo. Being in Yellowstone has a way of taking your mind off the stresses of everyday and I really like that. I’ll be headed to the Cody Stampede fully recharged when I leave Yellowstone.
Cody, the “Rodeo Capitol of the World” is home to a nightly rodeo which runs all summer long. However, for five days in July Cody plays host to one of the nations best professional rodeos, the Cody Stampede. In addition, for the second consecutive year it will be the home of a PRCA Xtreme Bull tour stop known as the Cody/Yellowstone Xtreme Bull event.
Be sure to visit www.codystampede.com for ticket information and check your local ESPN listing for air dates. I hope to see you there.
Forever West,
Jeremy
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
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