SSRTA Supports CMATVA Elk Ride & Children Toy Drive
On Saturday
a group of SSRT members met at Newman's Sandwich Shop in Clarence for
an early breakfast. What a great breakfast it was as they opened up a
little early for us. Mr. & Mrs. Newman, Rhonda and Jaynie did a
great job handling the large crowd and provided a great meal. We got our
meals quickly and then we were on our way to Benezette. There we were
welcomed by Leroy Hake, Colten & Ray Dunlap as they instructed us
where to park. Then, after unloading it was off the the Elk Visitors
Center and present toys for the children and register with CMATVA. Most
then toured the Elk Visitors Center, purchased some raffle tickets on
the Polaris utv that Carns Equipment provided to the Elk Center, some
watched the Elk movie and a few did some shopping.
This
Elk Ride was the 3rd Annual Elk Ride-Those that attended the 1st Elk
Ride can remember Wayne Yahn saying-the turnout was so well that CMATVA
was going to make this an annual ride. Well, they did and it has only
grown each year. Wayne could see the positive economic impact this was
going to have on the few businesses in the area and he could see the
interest by the people on the tour. Since then, Henry Sorgen & his
crew has taken the event on and to the next level.
Henry
Sorgen divided all into four groups and our group was number 1. Henry
led us down the road past a successful hunter that was skinning out an
Elk. Then we road to the Benezette Restaruant for a meal of Elk Burger,
pulled pork and much much more. If you left there hungry, it was your
own fault as they provided quite a spread. Then Henry led us off in a
different direction where we saw an Eagle soring throught the sky. Then,
we were off to the Benezette Winery. I saw people leaving with cases of
wine to take home. This had to be a good day for the winery. They did a
good job getting us through quickly so they could get ready for the
next group.
We then took off riding the
atvs/utvs on legalized roads looking for Elk. We pulled off at quite
a few Elk sightings, taking pictures and just in amazement. Such a large
animal when you get close to them. We saw - probably 150 to 175 - the
groups best estimation. We then headed back to our vehicles and loaded
up for the return to our homes.
CMATVA did a great job organizing and handling the event. Great positive economic impact event. Great job all!!
