Man alive, where do I start!

Xanterra, the managing property of Yellowstone treated my family and I 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 even never ever 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 water fall. 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, on could spend months exploring merely one of Yellowstone’s features.

We left Upper Falls and headed to Crystal Falls. There's a short back country trail that leads to an amazing overlook of the water fall 1.5 miles above sea level. It was neat to see a little back country 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 1998. These fires burned 1/3 of the park. Although it is nearing 10 years, I could still see blackened trees in places; however, most trees are now grey. There is an up rising of new offspring’s 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. Another special fact about this tree is that it still stands!

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 in route. Again, I cannot adequately describe the glory of Yellowstone and Mammoth Springs is no exception. Mammoth is splendid in its beautiful, multi-colored and multi-textured. These various colors and textures are said to be created by water which as seeped into porous rock then heated under pressure. This in turn causes the water to rise back to the top, often erupting and 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 the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, respectively. But...the water departing from the East, travels to the Pacific while the West bound 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 we saw. However, 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 go 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 starred me down. I decided to get off the bike and stand behind it. To my disfortune, 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 them back into the woods!
Moral of the story...there are still big bad wolves!!

Forever West

Jeremy

Rodeo in Wyoming

“The Cowboy State.” Yup. It sure is. Not only is Wyoming’s history and culture cowboy history and culture, but the very skills, values and strengths of the cowboy are still celebrated throughout Wyoming. Rodeo is America's original sport, and there is a rodeo nearly every day and night somewhere in Wyoming from June to Labor Day.

Two of the most important rodeos are Cheyenne’s Frontier Days and Cody’s Nite Rodeo. Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world's largest outdoor rodeo, is a nine-day celebration of the West, held the last full week in July in the Wyoming capitol city. Cody has featured the Cody Nite Rodeo for over 75 years. This PRCA-sanctioned rodeo occurs nightly from June through August. Professional rodeo cowboys and tough livestock make for exhilarating performances that are tailored to meet the needs of Cody’s visitors.

Click here for more Wyoming Rodeo Info

Yellowstone National Park

In the world's first national park, the land, wildlife, vistas and famous attractions, including Old Faithful, are as wondrous as ever. President Ulysses S. Grant signed into law the bill to create Yellowstone National Park in 1872. Located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, Yellowstone is a true American wilderness – 97 percent of the park's 3,400 square miles (2.2 million acres) remains pristinely undeveloped.

Cody Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park Lodges operated by Xanterra are proud partners of Xtreme Bulls a MUST see event Click Here for more details.

While Old Faithful, the most widely recognized geyser, serves as the park's signature steam, there are more than 10,000 other geothermal features in Yellowstone, including geysers, hot springs, mudpots and fumaroles. In recent years some geysers which had been dormant began spouting off again. Cold water has a major role to play in the pleasuring grounds of the park as well. The Yellowstone River drops over 400 feet in two waterfalls cutting a grand canyon deep into the golden-hued rock that gives the park its name.

Family adventures in Yellowstone are boundless. Touring motor-coach excursions run several routes from late May through September. One- and two-hour horseback trail rides are available from Mammoth Hot Springs, Roosevelt Lodge and Canyon Village. Stagecoach travel is an option out of the Roosevelt Lodge area where the popular Old West Cookout completes the day from mid-June through early September. If you are in need of water, take a scenic cruise on Lake Yellowstone. Guided fishing trips on a cabin cruiser can yield great catches. Row boat and outboard rentals are provided mid-June to mid-September.

Picture-perfect photo safaris set out from Lake Hotel, the Old Faithful area and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Lamar Valley wildlife excursions add to the park's endless learning experiences. Might you see a wolf? With the proper insight, more and more people are. In Yellowstone, you will see bison, elk and many other wild creatures.

Wyoming has good camping

Wyoming is a vast, open country sprinkled with sagebrush, pronghorn antelope and an air of freedom unmatched anywhere else in the lower 48. Campers have plenty of space to explore in Wyoming. There are fewer than five human residents per square mile… five national forests, more than 18 million acres of public land and numerous wilderness areas. More than 150 private RV parks offer campers the full scope of services from hot shower to cable TV hookups and swimming pools. Many cities and counties provide spaces at a reasonable rate, as do 11 state parks sites. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management sites add another 200 or so to the campground inventory of Wyoming. Camping is allowed in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks as well.

More about camping in Wyoming

Wyoming Updates

Watching Waterfalls

You want to know where it comes from and where it’s going. It is sometimes whipped to whiteness. Clean and cool. Wet and soothing. We marvel at cascading blasts and trickling streams. There may be the desire to remove footgear and soak. Find your own waterfalls in Wyoming this summer. Soak away. Here are just three of the hundreds of choices:

Popo Agie Falls, Sinks Canyon State Park (west-central Wyoming, near Lander) – Popo Agie is pronounced Po-PO-zsha. The name comes from the Crow Indians and means “tall grass river.” A relatively painless 2.5 mile hike to the falls opens to quiet wilderness almost immediately. Early morning treks will most surely result in numerous creature views such as moose or mule deer. A unique downriver feature is Sinks Canyon where the river vanishes (sinks) into a large limestone cavern and re-emerges (rise) half a mile downstream in a calm, trout-filled, pool. Further information can be obtained via the visitor center located near the “sinks and rise.” The center is open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends, 9 to 6 daily. Find more at: wyoparks.state.wy.us/scslide.htm
For hiking details about Popo Agie Falls contact the Washakie Ranger District, Shoshone National Forest: www.fs.fed.us/r2/shoshone/districts/washakie.htm.

Garden Creek Falls, Casper Mountain (five miles south of Casper) – Drive Casper Mountain Road to Garden Creek Road and land in the picnic area/gravel parking lot. Short hikes lend their way to clear streams and plenty of clean mountain air. Sit on the rocks and take in the sights and sounds. Many local artists interpret the secluded falls on canvas. A fire in 2006 scorched much of the western side of the mountain where Jackson Canyon is a resting place for a large population of bald eagles. State Audubon Society offices are located on Garden Creek Road. The outdoor environment center offers hands-on learning programs: www.audubonwyoming.com. The mountain’s luscious Beartrap Meadow hosts an outdoor music festival each July. For a complete look at the Casper area go to: www.casperwyoming.info.

Brooks Creek Falls, Togwotee (TOE-gah-tee) Pass (twenty five miles west of Dubois) – Park in Falls Campground and take a short hike on the trail that starts at the campground. This is an especially great spot to soak your feet on a summer day. There are hugely impressive views of Pinnacle Buttes along the opposite side of the main road (US Hwy 26/287). The beautiful Brooks Lake nearby offers remote camping and quiet canoeing. A number of lodges and guest ranches spread across the vicinity. For more go to: www.windrivercountry.com and click on “Dubois” – pronounced DOO-boyce.

Ranch Hand & Rodeo Chocolate Maker

He arrived in Wyoming to participate in the saddle bronc riding event at the Cody Nite Rodeo (nightly June through August) and now runs “Meeteetse Chocolatier” in a hundred-year-old mercantile set along the wooden sidewalks of tiny Meeteetse (mah-TEET-see), about 25 miles south of Cody. Tim Kellogg also helps out at a cattle ranch operation west of town and loves everything about those chores even though quite a clean up is often required before donning his apron and stirring Belgian chocolate. His brownie “rinds” have become a cult favorite but there are all sorts of truffles along with many other deliciously adorned choco-chunks. An old-time soda fountain first alerts visitors to the store’s especially western atmosphere. Tim is carrying on the legacy of his grandmother and admits beyond handmade chocolate he isn’t much of a cook. But oh the chocolate! It is better than a cold beer on the Fourth of July. Give it a try: www.meeteetsechocolatier.com. Make Tim a must stop on your way to or from the Cody Nite Rodeo which breaks for the annual Cody Stampede (July 1-4), and starting this year Xtreme Bulls (June 30), over the Independence Day holiday: www.codystampederodeo.com or www.yellowstonecountry.travel.

A few of the other really good food and rodeo combinations across the Cowboy State are:

· The three, free pancake feeds during Cheyenne Frontier Days (July 20-29): www.cfdrodeo.com

· Kronski’s (locally made garlic sausages) from the European Food Market and burgers from Grubb’s in Rock Springs during Wyoming’s Big Show – the Sweetwater County Fair – July 26 - August 5. www.sweetwaterevents.com and www.tourwyoming.com

· Rocky Mountain Snacks (naturally cooked and thick-sliced potato chips) – Dill, Honey BBQ or Salt & Pepper are three favorites –crunched in combination with the Friday night small town summer amateur rodeo series in Pine Bluffs. www.cheyenne.org or call: 307.632.3626

Pryor Horses Home

Double click image to watch video (35 seconds)A uniquely marked (dorsal and tiger striped) band of small horses roam the high country landscapes near Big Horn Canyon Recreation Area along the Wyoming-Montana border. Starting this summer, a visitor center/museum – long sought by interested residents of nearby Lovell, Wyoming – will open to the public. A small log building is being completed as a starting point on the 12-acre site that is eventually expected to feature a 16,000 square foot center. Many locals consider the fewer than 150 strong Pryor Mountain herd family and therefore most have adopted names such as Pierre, Lakota, and Cloud. A cadre of experts in the field believes blood testing has proven the animals to be descendants of Spanish Colonial horses.

“The special Spanish characteristic markings of the Pryor herd are unique, and if lost, cannot be replaced,” notes Linda Coates-Markle, wild horse specialist with the Bureau of Land Management. The new center is designated a public, not-for-profit educational institution, and will provide visitors detailed knowledge of wild mustang history. A starter building is scheduled to open mid-to-late June and fund raising for the new center is ongoing. Visit: www.pryormustangs.org for more details. Media contact person is Kathy Johnsey at: mustang00@tctwest.net.

Meet Us at The Mint

No coins were actually minted here but many were in play during the heyday of gambling (slot machines, roulette and gaming tables) in the rear of The Mint Bar, in downtown Sheridan. The Mint is celebrating its 100th year of continuous swashbuckling in 2007. It stayed open, albeit quietly, during the Prohibition Era and then turned it up a notch or three afterward. Cowboys have been known to duck under the front door on horseback to “cut mad antics” in the words of Teddy Roosevelt.

Acclaimed film director Ang Lee made a Mint visit a few years ago in preparation for his cowboy epic Brokeback Mountain. One wall is covered with ranch and rodeo photos depicting many eras of western living. Brands have been burned into wood wherever space allowed.

To further your real western experiences in Sheridan stroll across Main Street from The Mint to King Ropes & Saddlery. There are miles of rope in the back and a free museum exhibits 500 saddles and other western memorabilia dating back more than a century.
Further information can be found at: www.sheridanwyoming.org.

Cowboy State Rodeo Team

Several professional rodeo athletes are wearing their home state’s colors to represent Wyoming this season. The state tourism office (Wyoming Travel & Tourism) approached the rodeo competitors prior to their appearances at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas last December and each continues to “wear the brand” in 2007. The Wyoming team includes: Brandie Halls, barrel racer; Bobby Welsh, bull rider; Andy Martinez, bareback rider; Jason Miller, steer wrestler; Jhett Johnson, team roper; and Jeremy Sparks, bull fighter.

Johnson’s family heritage dates back more than a century on homesteaded property west of Casper, Wyoming. He’s made a number of public appearances of Wyoming’s behalf and pulls a large horse trailer wrapped in Wyoming scenes and a family portrait.

Sparks is a full-time officer (Captain) in the United State Air Force, currently serving at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. He has worked to keep pro bull riders safe during their competition at one of the world’s largest outdoor western celebrations, Cheyenne Frontier Days, for a number of years. To keep up with the Wyoming team’s progress in 2007 go to: www.wyomingtourism.org

Reporters and writers who would like to arrange interviews or roping, riding, steer wrestling and bull fighting “lessons” should contact: Chuck Coon at: chuck.coon@visitwyo.gov


A Jumbo Jimbo

Several dinosaur species were pretty big animals but the cast now assembled for display in the Wyoming Dinosaur Center (WDC) is super-sized. It is in fact a Supersaurus dubbed Jimbo who is HUGE. He spans 106 feet from tip of long tail to end of tiny head and stands nearly the entire length of the building. He hovers above all other exhibits. Jimbo represents the biggest dinosaur display in the world. The Big Horn Basin Foundation and WDC have combined efforts to make the project possible.
Jimbo remnants were first found near Douglas, Wyoming more than ten years ago and quarry work has continued there on private ranchland every summer. About 35 percent of the actual dinosaur has been extracted from the single-animal site so far. The real bones have been meticulously prepped for exhibit at fitting locations around the base of Jimbo. Scientists at the WDC in Thermopolis, Wyoming believe their representation is the most accurately performed work of its kind and the center is the only place in the world to see one like it.

There is another unique exhibit scheduled to open at WDC by late May to early June. Only ten Archaeopteryx fossils are known to exist and all of the rest are in Europe. The one being readied for display in Wyoming is a representation of the very first bird and accompanying center exhibits will show how flight evolved.

A publicly viewable prep lab, dig site trips to Warms Springs Ranch nearby, and many other activities make the Wyoming Dinosaur Center an essential part of this summer’s vacation plans should the prehistoric peak your interest. For more go to: www.wyodino.org (Media contact is John Gibbel geodave@wyodino.org ) Note: Images above must be obtained from the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.

Green Hikes & Rolling Yellows

Grand Teton National Park will offer new experiences for visitors by the end of this summer with the opening, September 1, of more than one thousand acres of JY Ranch, long held private by the John D Rockefeller Jr. family. John’s son Laurance donated the JY land - located on the east shore of Phelps Lake - in 2001. The JY was the first dude ranch in Jackson Hole (1907) and became a Rockefeller family retreat in the 1930s. Laurance Rockefeller had previously given over some two thousand acres of the original JY Ranch and the latest gift provides Grand Teton National Park all of the remaining property. The new Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve features a new trail system allowing hikers first time access to forests and meadows and will provide people the chance to “discover and enjoy a contemplative experience in nature,” as stated by the National Park Service. More information is available at: www.nps.gov/parkoftheweek/grte.htm

The new Grand Teton Discovery and Visitor Center will officially open to the public at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 11. With its innovative architectural design, inspirational and interactive exhibits, and picture-window views of the Teton Range, this spectacular facility will be a "don't miss" attraction for anyone visiting the park in mid August and beyond. (Media contact is Jackie Skaggs: Jackie_Skaggs@nps.gov)

Just to the north, Yellowstone National Park is gaining a fresh fleet of old yellow touring cars being made anew by Detroit craftsmen who are experts in the field. Eight of the 1930s-era touring cars are going to be road-ready by June. They carry thirteen passengers in comfort and short duration tours are under the auspices of park concessionaire, Xanterra Parks & Resorts.

The company spent nearly $2 million on the project. The unique cars have rollback tops and each is custom designed to meet all of today’s standards with regard to emissions and other considerations. Tours can be booked via: www.travelyellowstone.com – click on “Old Yellow Buses” (Media contact is Rick Hoeninghausen: RHoeninghausen@xanterra.com)

Forever West

Nothing delivers the true, authentic Western experience more than Wyoming. A visit to Wyoming promises to be one of unforgettable and unparalleled exploration, discovery and adventure.

Wyoming is where people are as genuine as the summer breeze. Where Devils Tower thrusts toward the heavens, alone and magical. It's where endless sky meets the majestic Teton Mountain range, where the sun sets in colors that can't be described. Where dinosaurs slumber in the darkened folds of history. Where the nation's first, and still most stunning, national park, Yellowstone resides. It's where herds of buffalo still roam the open prairie. It's where native people are one with the land.

Wyoming is more than a destination; it's an experience. But most importantly, it's a spirit of adventure that says you belong. And it's one that will leave you and your family with souvenirs that will last a lifetime. You're invited to take part in some good 'ole Wyoming hospitality.