I love to just get into the car and GO.
The Fetterman monumentis located just south of Sheridan. You can see it from 90 if you know where to look. I must say that the park lady at Fort Phil Kearny was the friendliest ranger that I've ever met. Could be 'cause of where she is. Margaret Carrington wrote a book about this fort, Ab-sa-ra-ka, or Wyoming opened, being the experience of an officer's wife on the Plains, which is still in print. The fort is gone, but if you close your eyes and listen - really listen- you can hear sounds beyond the Lodge Trail Ridge. |
| William Judd Fetterman |
Captain William Fetterman is buried at the Custer National Cemetery which is located about an hour north of Sheridan in Montana. Well worth the drive. I went up the back way, State Hwy 385. Turn off of 90 into Ranchester and turn right on 385. I got quite a feel for the Big Horn River which weaves its own tale. I find it interesting that the history books are changing "The Fetterman Massacre" to the "Fetterman Miscalculation"
Granted, The Custer Battlefield is in Montana.. but, it's
SO close, So spiritual, so moving do not skip it.
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| The Indian Memorial is quite moving. It is a circle and inside the circle are the names of the Indians that fell at the battle, listed by tribe. |
The Crow Trading Post across from the Battlefield has a large selection of T-shirts and other mementos and they are darned nice people.
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| View of the Custer National Cemetery. |
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| "C.W. Moore Wagonmaster" |
We are breaking the long standing road trip rule of no doubling back. Believe me, it was well worth the trip to the Custer Battlefield and National Cemetery. So.. now we hop onto 90 East and head back to Wyoming.
Turn West on 14A at Ranchester, WY - and we're on our way across the Big Horns.
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| I was there on August 29. I had no idea that this sign was there- or that there had been a battle. Kismet, Serendipity, Fate. I don't know. This is a lovely park. |
There is a lovely park in Ranchester. The Tongue River flows through the park. It is a great spot for a picnic or just a break.
In Ranchester, there is a marvelous spot called
T-Rex Natural History Museum - DO stop. There is also a motel if you are done for the day.
West of Ranchester on 14A, there is a restaurant called The Branding Iron. The food was good and plentiful. A recommend.
It is a bit of a walk up to the Medicine Wheel, but well deserving of the exercise.
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| Medicine Wheel |
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| This is the entrance to the Medicine Wheel |
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
We stopped in Powell at a restaurant called Hansel and Gretel's. Had the best French Dip that I think I've ever had.
This is before the East Entrance to Yellowstone Park. It is located at the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Stop and take a look at this. It was used as a plug.
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| You MUST eat lunch at the Yellowstone Lodge. |
