Sunday, July 29, 2018

Review of the Kreycik Elk and Buffalo Tours of Niobrara Nebraska

I found the Kreycik Elk and Buffalo Tours very interesting.  Having grown up on a ranch, I experienced a time when my Uncle tried raising beefalo (A cross between a bison and a cow).  The Bison could pretty much jump any fence, so my uncle had to discontinue the experiment because he spent all his time traveling around the country trying to round up his two bison bulls. Visiting the Kreycik ranch added to my knowledge of both elk and bison.

The Kreycik's confirmed that bison can jump any fence that they can get there nose over.  They do it from a standing jump with no run or warning.  Also they informed us that we could feed them but you shouldn't try and touch their head as they would attack the bus (which was good to know). Also, I was reminded that they were bison and not buffalo; a fact that I often forget.

The Krecik Ranch also raises elk which they sell for meat and for hunting, but they get most of their money from selling the elk antler velvet which cures most diseases and discomforts including high blood pressure and sexual disfunction.  The more interesting part of the story was the information on trophy hunting.  Although the Kreycik family no longer does outfitting, they used to and were able to provide insight on the sport.

Evidently they raise the elk bucks in one place but then they bring them to a hunting pasture for the kill.  Since the pasture is smallish and the animals are farm raised there isn't much danger in not finding an elk.  In fact one hunter had never fired a gun before and had to be shown how to load and shoot before he was able to kill his elk. Another hunter showed up with only one bullet.  I admire his confidence but what would have happened if he had wounded the elk? I suppose someone would have had to go find another bullet? The more interesting fact was that since these elk were farm raised and possibly not as wild as they should be; there was a real danger that they might chase you up a tree- a situation that happened on more than one occasion.  It is interesting because I have spent a lot of time out in the wilderness and I have seen my share of elk. Nevertheless, I have never been chased up a tree by one.  Guess I haven't been in the right place?

My Trip Advisor Review for the Denny's attached to the Quality Inn in Ardmore Texas

If you enjoy traveling and are looking for a surreal experience, the Denny's in Ardmore is the place to start.  First, the room at the Quality Inn was like traveling back in time to the 1960's.  I would have thought I had except that the smell of mold was so great. The creepy room though was totally compensated by my experience at the attached Denny's.  The food was just OK, but the service from three waitresses was an experience to be remembered. (You get a free breakfast coupon with the room.)

The first waitress I had was supernaturally sexy and spooky at the same time.  I ordered my supper and while I was eating she came up behind me and asked in the most sultry voice imaginable: "Would you like some more coffee, my little cupcake?" Startled, I looked up quickly, but she looked bored and raised her eyebrows and said "well?". Flustered I said I was fine.  I went back to eating but she snuck up on me again and asked in a tone that would melt ice: "Is everything OK, my sweet cherry pie? Startled, I rapidly raised my head to observe  the uninterested waitress looking at her phone.  Nervously, I finished my meal, but again she startled me by asking "Would you like some desert, my darling honey bunch? I stuttered that I was fine and and backed away from the uninterested waitress towards the cash register.

At the cash register was a small and overly excited blonde young woman.  She seemed unusually happy and asked how I was in a super cheery voice. At ten PM in the evening after driving 12 hours, I said I was tired but enjoyed the meal and would be back for breakfast.  She then told me that she was hoping that she might see me in the morning.  She said that if they got a few more customers her boss might let her work all night and the next morning also. I have met a few enthusiastic workers in my life, but I have never met a waitress who was hoping she could work extra all night and then into the next day. Disoriented, I returned to my room for a fitful rest.

The next morning I awoke and returned to the restaurant to use my free coupon for breakfast.   I had stayed at that same Quality Inn about ten to fifteen years earlier and I was marveling at how the room seemed identical except for the overpowering smell of mold. The food was OK and the service was excellent at the Denny's restaurant.  As I payed my check the waitress asked me: How are you I haven't seen you in awhile?" I turned white and looked into the watery eyes of the elderly waitress. I must have looked rattled because she continued: "Its just that it has been so long, I was hoping everything was OK?" I ran to my truck and quickly drove away...