So we packed up Cody in his personal trailer and made the long trip out there (2200 miles) on November 9. Drove down I35 through Iowa, over to Denver with a spectacular drive down to Las Vegas and then over to LA. We stopped along the way sometime sleeping in the trailer and one night at the Super 8 in Green River, Utah (photo). Naturally everywhere we took Cody he drew crowds. While in Las Vegas we stopped at the Gold Strike Casino. 
The shoot was on location on a 40,000 acre working ranch. The crew of 75 pulled in at 6 am on November 13. Catering Trucks, Hair & Wardrobe Trailer & lots of cameras and equipment. First we started with breakfast which was cooked to order egg burritos & omelets (egg whites-very California). They even gave us pre-pasted toothbrushes, energy drinks, sun screen, bottled water, vitamin water......Wow, we felt like movie stars.
The prop guys wanted to change out Cody's lead rope for the red and white striped one you see in the commercial. During the process of changing it out, Cody's head stall came loose, he sensed the bit out of his mouth and promptly took off. We followed him for about a mile, getting close several times, even had a hold of his tail at one time. After about 45 minutes of him 'playing with us', Tonya Obeso, our American Humane Rep, got a bucket with feed and we were able to get the rope around his neck and he easily walked back to the shoot with us. Many Thanks out to Tonya!!
We never had a minutes problem with him after that. TJ the DJ is a great guy. His real name is Maxwell Glick. He and Cody became fast buddies, as you can see from this picture - they developed quite an intimate relationship! After a full day of repeating the scenes and his early morning jaunt - he was exhausted and gladly went to his trailer to zonk out. We spent the night at a nearby Extended Stay Hotel and headed back home right away the next morning. We decided to take the southern route, through Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas.
We had dinner, drinks and fun at the Colorado Belle Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. Cody doesn't lay down while the trailer is moving, so he really appreciated the break. We ended up spending the night in the parking lot. Cody enjoyed all the stimulation from the lights, cars and people partying around the casino. On our way toward Albuquerque we heard that dreaded sound of a blown tire. Late on Saturday afternoon, we doubled back to a little town located on the Old Route 66, Grants, New Mexico. Luckily there was one shop open, Riverside Auto & Diesel and they happened to have our tire size for the dually. They stopped their other jobs to take care of us and we greatly appreciated that. We took the opportunity to walk Cody around and as the word spread about there being a live buffalo in their parking lot - well, everybody and their cousin came over with kids loaded in their vehicles to take pictures, ask questions and touch the big boy.
We had the very best authentic Mexican food at El Cafecito. Valerie left her jacket with both the digital and the camcorder in the pockets. So that was the end of our Photo Trip Journal. We did get in touch with the owners, Angie and Larry Baca, but by that time we were already 100 miles down the road. They returned the jacket and cameras to us right away and would not accept money for even the postage. Of course we sent them a caddy of our Buffalo Gal Snack Sticks and $ to cover the postage. We promised we would send any travellers their way.
So in 7 days we drove to California, made a commercial and were back home in our own beds.
We are so proud of Cody. Now instead of being that cousin of Cody the Buffalo from 'Dances with Wolves', he now has his own portfolio. We are hopeful that this will lead to some other commercial work for Cody II. He is an extraordinary animal with such a kind eye and he loves to travel. We expect to make quite a few appearances this year some of which are repeats and our old favorites.
2009 Schedule (thus far) Complete details & dates will be posted on another blog. Cody is available for photo opportunities at educational, corporate, marketing, festivals & parades.
June 6-7, 2009 - Kickapoo Pow Wow - Le Roy, Il
June 21, 2009 - Steamboat Days Grand Parade - Winona, Mn
August 2, 2009 - Buffalo Bill Days Parade - Lanesboro, Mn
August 14, 2009 - All Equestrian Parade for Wild West Days - Viroqua, Wi
August 15-16, 2009 - Viroqua Wild West Days
October 15-17, 2009 - History Fest - Mankato, Mn
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