August 5, 2003 - Big Horn Mountains, WY

Forecast: 80 degrees

Road Condition: Good from Sheridan WY –90 West to 14 Alt.

Fuel: Super Unleaded $1.67

Miles Traveled: Sheridan, WY to Big Horn Mountains, WY: 119 (Total 9,760)

Bike Update: Running good

Road Trip Log Update: Today was dedicated to Brutus, our loving white Shepard and our friend and pet of 19 years. Brutus died at home in his own backyard a few days prior to us leaving on this trip. We decided that since he was a dog that always loved to go with us that we would take his ashes with us on the road trip and then have a ceremony in one of our favorite places, The Big Horn Mountains. The day couldn't have been nicer to hike the mountain and take some time to ourselves. The 50 miles of winding and scenic roadways from Sheridan to the 10,000 high summit at Burgess Junction is incredible to ride. The junction is the crossroads to Highway 14 that goes into Cody & Yellowstone or Highway 14A, which leads to Lovell, WY. The only services for gas, food and lodging on the mountain are located at this junction. We took 14A to a 3-mile dirt road that lead to the national historical site of Medicine Wheel, a place we discovered on our first road trip in 1998. We then hiked a 1.5-mile gravel mountain trail to reach the top of the mountain. The Native Americans refer to Medicine Wheel as "The Place Where Eagles Land" and as a place of ceremony. With amazing cliffs, rock formations, incredible views, abundant wildlife, and active weather changes this mountaintop definitely has a spirit that grabs the attention of any visitor. As the day began to wind down we noticed that the warm sunny day was quickly fading and that thunder was rolling in from the distance. We knew from past experience that the temperature drops dramatically as the moon appears, and that darkness falls quick. With Highway 14 being an open range, combined with active wildlife, steep cliffs and no shoulders on the road we decided to let the thunder have it's way and not try and out run it. At the junction we found a cabin for the night at the Big Horn Mountain Lodge. This is a great place to stay if Sturgis is the next day's destination, since it is only 250 miles away. The rooms are half the price of any hotel in Sheridan and Jerry and his staff are eager to see that no one goes hungry. We will give fair warning, there is no TV or phone service. The BHM Lodge however does have a satellite phone to take your reservation or in case of an emergency. The view, and fresh air are well worth the stay. This is also a great place for snowmobiles, hunting and winter weather excursions as well. Our next destination is Butte, Montana, which will bring us just a few days from our last corner of Seattle, Washington. We are feeling excited about arriving home, but it will seem different without Brutus waiting for us at the gate. He's now one happy dog "chasing rabbits" in the Big Horn Mountains and we are glad he chose to walk this world with us for so many years.

Entrance of Medicine Wheel
Offerings
Medicine Wheel sign
Ironman with Brutus
At the Wheel
Click to see Aug 4, 2003	Click to see Aug 6, 2003