Special Places – The Big Horns

What is a special place? We all have them, but how do you know it’s a special place. I think I will give this idea a shot. A special place is:

Where family and friends gather to spend time together. Tell stories (most of them true), play games, enjoy a small fire and the fabulous view…and just contemplate life.

When going for a hike means only going as far as you want to go but for those willing to go the distance, the view from the top of Antelope Butte was spectacular! 🙂

When you find a mountain spring with water flowing out of the ground and can simply enjoy the beauty of fledgling stream with its water starting the journey to the sea. Not enough to just enjoy that moment you feel compelled to learn that this stream will join others into forming the Tongue River descending down the east side of the mountains just north of Sheridan, WY. Those waters will then flow north to the Yellowstone River in Montana and follow the route William Clark took in 1806 to rejoin Meriwether Lewis at the confluence of the Missouri River in North Dakota. The water will then flow down the Missouri following the path of their Corps of Discovery Expedition to meet the Mississippi River in St. Louis…all starting in this special place.

When you are excited to hike for miles into the remote backcountry just to see Shell Lakes. A set of alpine lakes, carved from a glacier thousands of years ago into granite nearly three billion years old. This trek bringing back memories of venturing into this lake over 30 years prior to this as a young, impressionable teenager. This hike made more special because you get to share it with the love of your life.

When you are delighted but not surprised to see a moose grazing among the willows along the stream, a herd of elk, or deer wandering among the boulders above the tree line.

When the smell of sage brush and wildflowers and a stroll across the mountain meadows are just part of the day.

When camping not only connects you with the great outdoors but puts you in touch with a universe far bigger than we are. A feeling so powerful that you can only be in the presence of God.

When you explore old bridges, search for treasures in the stream, learn to skip rocks and make funny faces on the top of the world. You hope with all your heart these kids someday remember these moments and it becomes a little part of them.

When you want to learn about the rocks that create this magnificent beauty. You want to understand why there are seashells in the 450 million-year-old rocks forming the majestic cliff faces on top of the mountain. You are curious as to how Shell Creek can cut down through thousands of feet of ancient rock and drop 120 feet over Shell Falls before it flows out into the Big Horn Basin. You wonder why the layers of rock dip into the Big Horn Basin and what life was like 200+ million years ago when the sediments making up the brick-red icon, Chimney Rock, at the mouth of Shell Canyon were deposited.

When given the opportunity to hop in the car at a moment’s notice, where you might go.

When you can lay in bed at night and hear the water flowing in the creek…and that thought alone reminds you of special places like this…and you just smile.

When you savor the moments such that you must share this place with your kids, and then again with your grandkids. These moments remind you of when you stood there as a kid with your parents all in awe witnessing this incredible sight.

When pictures like this remind you of your old buddy that also wanted to be part of the family experience. With a spring in her step, and the grace of a lady, she explored the outdoors in her on special way.

When you realize the smile on your face is as genuine as it comes. This place so defines you that it is more than a place you go, it’s part of who you are. Even though you have never lived there, when you go there, you are going home.

Special place…The Big Horns!