15 July 08 - 16:50

Big Horn National Forest

Back in 1984 Dave's brother invited his extended family to camp with him at the Medicine Lodge Lake campground in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. Dave and our daughter went but I did not. They had a good time and Dave has pleasant memories from that visit. So when we traveled in that vicinity on this trip, Dave decided he'd like to go back to that campground.


Now, you need to know I am not fond of mountain roads. Dave said we had a choice of taking the north route along US Hwy 14 or the south route along US Hwy 16 with him leaning towards the north route. The campground manager where we stayed the night before deciding, warned that the north route had a lot of switchbacks. Dave's brother recommended seeing how our vehicle handled Powder River Pass before deciding to take the north route. So, I loaded Topo USA into my computer which said we could go the shorter but steeper and more twisty north route or the longer but gentler south route. I voted for the south route which exited Hwy 16 at Ten Sleep, wandered up through Hyattville, then up Alkali Road to the National Forest Service road which led to the campground.  The RV handled Powder River Pass just fine but I won the vote by asking Dave how much he wanted me to puke along the way so we took the south route.

The Alkali road from Hyattville to the National Forest boundary was quite the experience. Average speed under 10 mph. Areas of rock that we crossed at less than walking speeds.  A couple of areas of pure dust that required snow driving skills.  Lots of up and down.  The National Forest roads were a bit better, but still quite nasty, including wash outs and fords.

The campground looks pretty much the same. The boat ramp where the family played soccer is still there. The mosquitoes were very nasty. Dave made only two trips outside the RV and I never went out since mosquitoes REALLY love me.

 

We only stayed Sunday night. The forecast had rain for Tuesday, and we did not want to try driving those roads when they are wet.

Going out we opted for the NFS road to 14. One section had a grade to climb Dave said was 30%.  Better up than down I guess.  Part of that route was private road, too, but much better than Alkali Road!  And my tricks to keep from puking worked.

TTYL,
Linda

one comment

Thanks for the memories. I love your writings!!! I also just posted comment on 7/29 entry. I don’t know how it really works.
peggy b - 18 07 08


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