May 28, 2009  
 

Smoky Hill Bison tour

Our tourist season officially started Memorial weekend, and we had a nice steady stream of cars driving out to our pasture over the holiday.
 
I also took my parents to four area cemeteries to put flowers on family graves. The weather was really nice, and the cemetery flags were draped solemnly instead of blowing hard in our typical Kansas wind.
 
Most of our cemeteries here are laid out in open fields, just like when the pioneers started them 140 years ago. A few have trees around the perimeter, but mostly open with an array of color with the grave flags and flowers. A nice place to go and remember loved ones.
 
Yesterday was cool for our tourist season for the year. Esther pranced up to the tram and practically smiled….It was show time! The old cows came up expecting a treat and their little calves didn’t have a clue why their mothers weren’t paying attention to them. It was hard to talk and be heard over all the grunting in the pasture.
 
The younger cows don’t bother coming over to the tram as the older set have seniority. Buffalo Grandma’s “rule the pasture” when it comes to tours and treats!
 
The church group enjoyed BBQ buffalo brisket sandwiches for lunch after the tour, shopped in our gift shop, and left happy after their visit.
 
That’s a good way to start the tourist season…Esther and the tourists both happy!