Where the Buffalo Roam

My travels this week took me to McCook Nebraska. Over the years highway 83 is a frequent trail for me. I am always impressed with the subtle changes in the land as I travel north.

The area just north of Scott City Kansas is especially interesting as much of the landscape is still in native pasture. Just south of the Smokey Hill River is a nice buffalo herd. It was the perfect day to take pictures of them.

For a true appreciation of their beauty be sure and click on the pictures for a larger view.

Monument Rocks National Landmark

Just a few miles east of highway 83 in the Smoky Hill River valley is an old land mark many of the pioneers used. Monument Rocks, also called the Chalk Pyramids were carved out of the landscape by erosion. These monoliths stand 70 feet high above the river valley and can be seen for many miles. The Butterfield Overland trail went past these landmarks.

The day was perfect for taking pictures. Please click on the pictures to fully enjoy them.

To read more about Monument Rocks click on the links below:

Link 1

Link 2

WRCA Rodeo & The Happy Toy Maker

This past week in Amarillo the Working Ranch Cowboy Association held their annual Ranch Rodeo Finals. If you have never been, you need to go see it next year. It’s a fascinating day of cowboy entertainment.

Pictured below is Joel Ray Pecha, one of the team members of the Fireballs, who captured the WCRA Jr Rodeo World Champion title in the Super Peewee Division. You can tell he is very proud of the buckle he just won. Ron Kramer was also pretty proud of his grandson. Hope I have a grandson just like him someday.

Click on the pictures for a larger view.



The Happy Toy Maker

Jerry Sims, of Happy Texas, had a booth in the tradeshow where he displayed his real working cattle pens, chutes, corrals and trucks he makes. Every ranchers kids would want some of these. These toys are built to last. Your grandkids kids would end up playing with these. I hope to order me a set some day.

For more information or to order click The Happy Toy Maker.

Veterans Day – Jack receives an award.

It’s great that we take the time to honor those who served to protect our freedom. These men and women are great mentors for our children.

Bill Owens and Marsha Hughes led the ceremony honoring the veterans.




Jack received an award for an essay he wrote about veterans. We are very proud of his patriotism.

Our First Lobsterfest!

Sunday was Nick’s 21st birthday. We celebrated with lobster & scallops (fresh from Maine – thanks Lisa). Now we have eaten lobster before (usually tail only), but this was our first attempt at cooking them.

When I opened the box and pulled back the seaweed to reveal the geographly displaced lobsters, they immediately begin to move. Nick asked “Do we shoot them first?” As we set down to dinner Zachary asked “Dad, how do you cape out (deer hunter term) a lobster?” as he was trying to figure out how to eat one.

Not only was it great fun but the meal was absolutely delicious. Can’t wait to do it again.

Something every 21 year old boy needs. Thanks Kristen & Jack!

Hard to believe everyone is almost grown up. Every day is a great day!

Nick and his buddy Jacob Killian

Colorado in November

After the TCFA convention my travels took me north to Colorado Springs for the BEEF Summit.

Pikes Peak is always beautiful.



On the way home I took a slight deviation from the normal path. At Trinidad I turned east on highway 160 and went to Branson and then to Folsom. As I turned south off of 160 to go to Branson the view back to the west was fantastic. Here you can see, from left to right, Raton Mesa & Fishers Peak, the Rocky Mountains, and Spanish Peaks. (CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR A BETTER VIEW)

Kristen & Miss Texas

Kristen and I attended the TCFA Convention which was held at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine this week.

Kristen received recognition for winning the TCFA Team Challenge competition this past August. In addition to the nice award there is a scholarship that goes with it. Yea!

Miss Texas is always on hand at the TCFA convention to hand out awards.

Also Kristen used the opportunity to interview Miss Texas for the Canyon News and for her journalism class. Its great getting to do your job and homework at the same time. Wish I was that smart.

Zachary Gets A Six Point

Zachary harvested a really nice 6 point buck.

His hunting buddy Jack was there too.

The buck had a lot of age to him.

I am really proud that my kids are great hunters.