Day 44: 10 years ago when we went to the Big Horns we took a day to explore the North (since our campground was in the south). The North is really cool. Lots of great waterfalls and mountains and rock formations. BUT since there are no roads North/South through the Big Horns (just the Wilderness full of trails) it takes about 3 hours to get there.....so that would be 6 hours of driving. Instead of doing that with our kids we decided to pull up shop and camp for two nights in the North and explore that area a bit. We were sad to say good-bye to our favorite campsite to date. But some of these views made it a little easier:
When we started to plan this trip, my parents were also planning a trip out west. They had plans to go to the Big Horns for a few nights then move on to Tetons and Yellowstone while we started back for home through the Black Hills. So my dad and I, being the planners that we are, decided to get a camp site in the same campground for two nights. It would be the start of their trip and the middle of ours. They had some change of plans and headed back home after meeting us but were able to camp with us for two nights at Porcupine campground. It was so nice to have them and made some great memories while we were there with them.
It was a little hot when we got to the camp so after setting up shop we decided to take a 1/2 mile hike down to see Porcupine Falls. We had never seen it before.
We were NOT disappointed. This is exactly what I enjoy about the Big Horns. This waterfall was amazing. Huge canyon walls, big waterfall, clear and deep plunge pool. And no one was there except us and a 65 year old man named Tony who was panning for Gold.
Craig took one look at the water, crisp and clear, and said "I want to jump in but I am a little nervous"
So I took that as a dare:
The water must have been 38 degrees. It took my breath away it was so cold. But also felt amazing on the 90 degree day. Craig answered the dare then:
And the kids, one by one, went in. First Caleb (of course that dare devil), then Andie. Then, in his own time without any pressure and cannon balling in his own way....Isaac.
Feeling a little more refreshed we took time to explore a bit:
Then it was back to camp. Found this selfie on my camera but I think it shows camp life well....dirty and tired and fun.
Day 45: After some coffee and campfire donuts it was time for a little hike. 3 mile round trip to medicine wheel. We hiked mostly on top of a ridgeline so we could see valley for miles. It was beautiful.
Most people come to check out the ancient Native American Medicine Wheel. I actually looked for fossils in rocks more than anything. That is true to form. Not super big into history.....pretty obsessed with some good fossil hunting.
After lunch and a little rainstorm we decided to just go for a drive and stop and get out when we felt like it. Once it was because we promised the kids they could make a snowball in July:
Another time was because this creek was looking especially picturesque:
Back at the camp we had our final night of tent camping. Had a fire, kids made a fort, we all enjoyed each other's company.
Day 46: Time to leave the Big Horns. Kids played in their fort while we took down camp:
And we all were quiet as we drove an hour out of the mountains. Bye mountains.....we will miss you!!
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