Testimonials

Janice,

Thanks to you and John for your kind words and encouraging thoughts as we set out on our wilderness adventure. As you might expect, our time in The Rubies was remarkable. The wildflowers are resplendent right now, even on ridges we might not expect to have them. The physical demands of this journey are without equal, which undoubtedly makes the accomplishment even more satisfying. Many in our group have hiked Mt. Whitney and are more proud to say they have hiked the Ruby Crest Trail, for it is a special expanse. The views from each ridge are unique.

With the turn of each day, we were indeed treated to the rising golden moon at night. We saw the mountain goats, a fox, and our state bird. The fish were jumping at Overland and Farve Lakes. With a sense of fulfillment and sadness we were back to the cars at mid-day Friday. By Saturday, we were ready to return to the stillness and grandeur of your special mountains.

Continued blessings to you and John. Perhaps, we’ll see you again soon.

Juleen Marcuerquiaga

“Hi John,

It was great to meet you. Thanks for the shuttle ride. We had a fantastic time in the Ruby Mts. Six days allowed much time for side trips into side canyons and up peaks. You live close to a genuine paradise!

Best regards,
Steve Hinkle”

Cowboy John’s sidekick, Duane, shuttled Jennifer and Frank to Harrison Pass July 12 for their hike, and Thursday, July 16 he received a nice thank you note from them:

“We had a bite to eat in Elko and are headed home now. What a spectacular four days!! Truly the time of my life. I literally cried as we walked to the car. So sad to leave. Thanks for getting us so far back in there at the first. We were able to set up camp before dark. We’d have been in bad shape without your DEET!

Very good to have met you,
The Deckers.”

“Howdy-

Hannah and I completed the Ruby Crest Trail in Northern Nevada. It was beautiful and our weather was nearly perfect including 1 hail storm, but absolutely no smoke. The mileage was large because water sources were far apart. The vertical loss and gain was also large as we went through numerous passes each day. We got a shuttle to the southern end at Harrison Pass and hiked it to the northern trail head in Lamoille Canyon
Day 1- 14 miles
Day 2- rest and major Kindle time
Day 3- 11 miles
Day 4- 7 miles

Thanks for the shuttle. We had a super time on the trail.”

Andrea and Hannah

From Vacaville CA:

“Hi, John and Janice,
We are back! I just wanted to let you know Ally and I are back home in Vacaville. We finished the Ruby Crest Trail Wednesday afternoon.

Thanks for shuttling us to Harrison Pass trailhead last Sunday.
The hike was filled with beautiful flowers, stunning scenery and excellent weather. It was hard hiking at times, but beyond worth it.

Thanks for your insights of the locale. I’d like to experience the Cowboy Poetry weekend. See you the next time we are in the area.”

Michael and Ally Souza

From Egypt:

“Dear John,

It was a great pleasure meeting with you and your lovely wife. No doubt, I enjoyed my time so much with you. By far, this was the most wonderful tour I have ever had in one day.

Indeed, I believe you have great talents and if you decide to invest more in your business, I have faith that this business will thrive.

I’d love to continue to be friend with you and keep in touch.

I want to wish you and your wonderful wife and family Happy Holidays!”

Marwan Bakheet

From Las Vegas NV:

“John:

As my fellow Cowboy Poetry attendees and I are now settled back into the hustle and bustle of our Las Vegas lives, I was mindful to reach out and express a sincere thank you for the fantastic tour of Maggie Creek Ranch while we were in Northern Nevada a few weeks ago.

We really found the tour spectacular! In addition to being very well organized, it really kept up pace, was constantly moving and kept us engaged. The different individuals representing different aspects of the ranch, the land, the history and the environment was very interesting and a nice filler and touch while traveling on the bus. I would absolutely recommend any attendee to Cowboy Poetry to attend the tour if they are equally as good as the one you personally delivered this year.

All good things to you and again, many thanks,”

Sarah Ning

From Belgium:

“Here are some pictures we took of the Glaser Ranch and Tack Room. Thank you for the great tour during the Gathering. It was lost of fun and interesting too! ”

-C. and J. Pollaris

Thanks From Canada

“Thanks, John, for the ranch tour.

Heifers freshening,
Five-Foot high Timothy,
Mule deer leaping,
Cottonwoods,
Snow Covered Mountains, and
SILENCE!”

G.H., Kitchener, Ontario

Painting by Ron Arthaud

Tuscarora-Artist Colony

“Tuscarora was magical. I could have stayed forever. Ron’s paintings, the pottery school, Gail’s unique jewelry, the pastels. Can’t forget the glass beads. I loved it!”

Sally F, Chicago

“With your insight and stories you not only brought ELKO to life for us, but also gave us a picture and feel for the songs and poetry that have grown up in this vast, beautiful area of Nevada..you were a major par of all the fun and laughter.”

Jeanne and Gene Lee

Thanks From Toyko

Now I was a little reluctant at first to take this stranger up on his offer to show me around town but after about the fifth passerby stopped, smiled and gave a familiar hello to John, I sort of shrugged my shoulders, took and deep breath and said, “Sure, what the heck. Let`s go”. Little did I realize the adventure and education that lay in store for me. Why, he took me around town first on foot past store fronts I must have passed a few times already but never dared enter and found myself being introduced to what seemed like all of western culture, in the local sense. Why I met cowboy poets like Baxter Black, heard some tapes of the great local musician Tom Russell , saw first hand a young craftsman making a saddle, talked to a rancher in his Sunday Best coming into town for supplies. John took me through some shops and explained in detail much of the paraphernalia used today on ranches while relating his childhood experiences and the influence of his mentors.

Soon it was off to the Ruby Mountains where we took some short walks through juniper and pinion pines while examining the flora and fauna in detail. Now this guy really knows this country. I felt really relaxed with John and he never hesitated to answer questions. Got a thrill out of seeing my first Red Tail Hawk flying about with some Turkey Vultures while John graciously prepared a picnic lunch along a creek. He offered to saddle up some horses to ride up into the Island Lake but I knew Lamoille and Fort Halleck were still on the itinerary so we continued on our tour but it would take a whole lot more writing to try to capture the experience. All I can say is that I would have missed Elko had it not been for Cowboy John`s professional guidance.

John McElligott
Professor
Hosei University
Tokyo, Japan

Thanks from Texas

“Everyone had nothing but good things to say about our tour and how great a host and guide you are…we are hooked. Thanks for planning such a wonderful day for us and putting so much planning into our tour. We are so blessed that we found you…”

Janet and Ray

From Texas

“Incredible in every way! John, you good man, have been the icing on my very favorite cake,”

J.C. Read, Texas

Thanks from Elko

“Thanks for the great service you provided for my mom and dad. You managed to arrange a tour that was unique and very special. These days when qualilty people and service seem a rare find, this association with you was a real treat.”

Kendall