Spring Skiing Forecast in Jackson: Warm and Sunny

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

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

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

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

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

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

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