Destination Sheridan Spring 2017 by Kristen Czaban

SPRING/SUMMER 2017

Seek Adventure FEATURES WESTERN ARTISTRY Fly ﬁshing in Sheridan

ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES

Loop trail allows for escape

CAMPING ON THE CHEAP

into wilderness

TAGGING ALONG Recreating with our four-legged friends

HISTORY IN HOUSING Alternative lodging

YOUNG RECREATIONISTS How millennials interact with outdoor culture

94 ALSO INCLUDED: 16 Q&A with rock climber 92 Q&A with solo adventurer 126 Directory of services 130 Health & wellness directory 134 Sheridan County Census data 136 Advertising directory

SEEKING SOLITUDE

NEW TYPES OF FUN

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54 56

CITY EXPLORATIONS

SOAR ABOVE IT ALL

FLOAT, PADDLE, DIVE

66 CAMARADERIE OF ADVENTURE

FEATS FOR ALL

GET WESTERN

TWO-WHEELED TRIPS

GEARING UP

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LOCAL

ATTRACTIONS 24 Sheridan theater scene 26 We love to rodeo 30 Horse sale returns to Sheridan 31 Total eclipse 32 Sheridan Farmers Markets 34 Big Horn polo clubs 36 Bighorn Wild and Scenic Trail Run 38 Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area 40 Sheridan area boasts festival culture 44 2017 calendar of events

SHERIDAN AREA

DESTINATIONS 96 Parks 97 Kendrick Park 98 Bighorn Mountains 100 Golf courses 102 Craft culture 104 Whitney Center for the Arts 105 WYO Theater 106 SAGE Community Arts 108 The Brinton Museum 110 Sheridan County Museum 112 Trail End Museum 114 Area battleﬁelds 118 Community of Big Horn 120 Community of Story 121 Town of Clearmont 122 Town of Ranchester 124 Town of Dayton 128 Churches 132 Wyoming Information Center

WELCOME TO

SHERIDAN! From the mayor Welcome to the number one western city in America. We’ve won it, and we are keeping the title. Sheridan, Wyoming, is truly a must stop and stay destination for all travelers. Sheridan is the one stop where visitors say, “I want to come back and stay longer. There is just too much to do!” Shopping on our historic Main Street is what some love to do while others enjoy the fine art sculptures along our downtown streets. Visitors from all around the world have taken thousands of photos documenting their happy family times. The friendly artistic and theatrical culture centered around our WYO Theater and SAGE Community Arts is a significant part of what visitors love about Sheridan. Our community pathways, YMCA, our Senior Center and award winning college are integral parts that make Sheridan stand out from other cities. Our golf courses, parks and museums are remarkable, well kept and safe family fun. Just stop in to any Main Street business and ask about the dozens of options for fine art, history and Western battlefields to visit. Our summer attractions and activities are too many to mention, but I’ll suggest a few more. We have world class polo played every week all summer long. You can have your “Pretty Woman” experience if you plan correctly or you can just enjoy the splendor of polo life. Finally, I will just mention the outdoor recreation is unmatched. Our hiking, biking, camping, hunting and, best of all, fly fishing in the Bighorn Mountains is unforgettable. I have spent 40 years exploring this fantastic area and I have 80 percent of the mountain still to conquer. If you want a vacation place for a lifetime, Sheridan, Wyoming, is the place to spend a week or month every summer. I hope to see you in the Sheridan community and around our majestic Bighorn Mountains. Building a better tomorrow,

Roger Miller, mayor City of Sheridan

ONLINE AT: www.SheridanWY.net www.SheridanWyomingChamber.org 6

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From the Chamber of Commerce Whether you live in the area, are visiting our beautiful community for a few days or stopping by on your way through to another destination, we welcome you to Sheridan and Sheridan County! We are fortunate here in Sheridan County to have a strong, diverse economy that provides limitless opportunities for residents, visitors and businesses. In Sheridan, we enjoy a beautiful downtown Main Street and city full of vibrant retail stores, restaurants and service businesses. In our outlying areas, you’ll find quaint towns with unique offerings and welcoming residents. For the outdoor lover, the Sheridan area is a gold mine for enjoying nature’s beauty with world-renowned hiking, fishing, golf and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Visit the incredible Bighorn Mountains, stroll our city pathways and visit the numerous parks throughout the county. Art and culture are also high on the list of experiences in the Sheridan area. Catch a fantastic show or concert at the historic WYO Theater or Whitney Center for the Arts, visit our many art galleries, check out the sculptures throughout the downtown area or take an art class at one of our art centers. History lovers will find fascinating museums, battle sites and cemeteries. Thanks to high quality schools, medical facilities and senior services, as well as a low crime rate, friendly neighbors and low taxes, Sheridan is the perfect place for families and retirees. Businesses in the Sheridan area enjoy a tax-friendly business climate, low property taxes and no state income tax. A highly-trained and ready workforce and numerous business resources make the Sheridan area ripe for starting and growing a business. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, we would love for you to stop by the Chamber of Commerce office at 171 N. Main St. in our historic downtown. We can help you make the most of your time in Sheridan County and connect you with all the opportunities our area has to offer.

Dixie Johnson, CEO

Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce

From the county commissioners The Sheridan County Board of County Commissioners welcomes you to Sheridan County, which was established in 1888. We are justiﬁably proud of our Western heritage and culture embodied in the fine people who choose to live, work and raise their families in Sheridan County. They make the area the special place that it is. Area residents are known for their hospitality, community spirit, volunteerism and generosity. They are the county’s greatest resource. The main role of Sheridan County government is to ensure that Sheridan County continues to be a wonderful place to live and that conditions and services maintain pace with public need. Foremost among these efforts is comprehensive land use planning that strives to maintain the existing quality of life for current and future genera-

tions balanced by a healthy respect for individual property rights. This planning process depends on public input and participation. Sheridan County is fortunate to have so many stakeholders willing to participate in the planning process. Sheridan County as a destination, whether for recreation, vacation or relocation of your home or business, has much to offer — its people, its landscape, its diversity, its quality of life. We are protective of what we have, but we are willing to share it with others and welcome new people, new businesses, new ideas and a shared interest in our wonderful heritage. Come and see us. You’ll be more than welcome.

Sheridan County commissioners From left are Bob Rolston, Steve Maier, Terry Cram, Mike Nickel and Tom Ringley.

DESTINATION

SHERIDAN PUBLISHED MAY 2017

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 CONTRIBUTORS

Destination Sheridan is a lifestyle and tourism magazine dedicated to serving the greater Sheridan area. Its circulation reach is into visitor centers, places of hospitality, motels, local businesses and other establishments in the greater northern Wyoming area, South Dakota, Montana and Colorado, and home delivery customers of The Sheridan Press. It is also available online at thesheridanpress.com and destinationsheridan.com. All photos in Destination Sheridan are by Justin Sheely or are ﬁle photos from The Sheridan Press archives unless otherwise noted. Copyright Sheridan Newspapers, Inc.

Stephen Woody Publisher Phil Ashley Marketing director Kristen Czaban Managing editor Jon Cates Art director Lainie Cathcart Graphic designer Cammry Lapka Graphic designer Janea LaMeres, sales Lisa Marosok, sales Katie French, sales Chad Riegler, operations Becky Martini, ofﬁce manager

Justin Sheely, photojournalist Mike Pruden, journalist Kristin Magnusson, journalist Mike Dunn, journalist Ashleigh Fox, journalist All uncredited stories are from Chelsea Coli, journalist Sheridan Press staff reports. Hannah Sheely, journalist

ON THE COVER Jenae Neeson makes her way along a trail in the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Photo by Julie Greer.

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TALENTED

CONTRIBUTORS STEPHEN Woody KRISTEN Czaban Kristen Czaban has worked at The Sheridan Press since June 2008 and covered the gamut of beats before she became managing editor in 2012. She graduated from Northwestern University in 2008 and moved to Wyoming, seeking adventure in all things Western and wild. She enjoys hiking and backpacking trips in the Bighorns and has added the Solitude Trail to her bucket. Czaban will complete her MBA in June.

ONLINE AT: www.TheSheridanPress.com

Stephen Woody ﬁrst began visiting Sheridan and the Bighorns in 1976. Over time, with children along for the ride and now with grandchildren, he’s visited mountain lakes and streams, city parks and most often, golf courses.

CHELSEA Coli Originally from upstate New York, Coli has been with The Press since October 2016 covering county government, business and outdoors. In 2014, she graduated with a master’s degree from Georgetown University. Chelsea loves to travel and has not only traveled in the U.S. and Caribbean but has also ventured to Belize, Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia and lived in Sri Lanka for six months. She also likes any activity that gets her outside, like hiking, swimming or paddle boarding, but most of all she’s an avid runner and has been enjoying discovering the trails in the Bighorn Mountains.

JUSTIN Sheely Justin Sheely joined The Sheridan Press in November 2012 as a photojournalist. He is married to Hannah Sheely, a talented journalist at the same publication. The Sheelys recently had a life-changing event when they welcomed their ﬁrst child, Eliana, into their world in January. While raising an infant is an adventure in itself, they look forward to sharing many experiences with their little girl this summer including camping, hiking and kayaking.

KRISTIN Magnusson Kristin Magnusson grew up in a rural town near Louisville, Kentucky. In 2003, drawn by the romantic myth of the West, she moved to Denver to earn a bachelor’s degree in multimedia studies and broaden her horizons. In 2009, Magnusson moved to Sheridan, where she worked in video, as a ranch hand and veterinary assistant. In April 2016, she started a new adventure at The Sheridan Press. Magnusson enjoys hiking and shooting video in the Bighorns and hopes to someday build up the courage to go hang gliding in Dayton. 8

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TALENTED

CONTRIBUTORS MIKE Dunn

ART DIRECTOR JON Cates Jon Cates has worked in the Creative Services Department at The Sheridan Press since early 2010. He is an alumnus of Northern Michigan University. On any given evening most of the year, he can be found taking in a hockey game on TV.

ONLINE AT: www.DestinationSheridan.com

Mike Dunn has worked at The Sheridan Press since January 2015 covering education, sports and features. He bleeds brown and gold as a 2013 graduate of the University of Wyoming and enjoys hiking in the Bighorns with his wife and his two dogs. Dunn had the opportunity to travel to 11 national parks during the centennial of the United States National Park Service last year, and he hopes to travel to all 59 parks some day.

ASHLEIGH Fox Ashleigh Fox started as the cops, courts and city government reporter for The Sheridan Press in October 2016. A 2015 graduate of Biola University, she still seeks cheap ways to adventure, thus moving her to explore inexpensive ways to enjoy the Bighorns for this edition of Destination Sheridan. Fox loves forming relationships with people of differing backgrounds from her own, spurring the idea of adventuring with disabilities.

MIKE Pruden Mike Pruden moved to Wyoming by way of Indiana in 2014, trading skyscrapers for mountains after landing a job as sports editor at The Sheridan Press. The extent of his adventures typically result in chasing Titleists around the golf course, but he remains intrigued by Wyoming’s unique outdoor sporting culture that includes activities such as hiking and ﬂy ﬁshing.

HANNAH Sheely Hannah Sheely covered city, county and state government for The Sheridan Press from 2013-2015. She returned as a features reporter in October 2016, and in January 2017 she and her husband, Press photojournalist Justin Sheely, embarked on the adventure of parenting their daughter Eliana. A stay-at-home working mama, she keeps a burp rag as close as her pen and delights in watching Elly sleep beneath her “Adventure is Out There” nursery décor. She looks forward to everything being an adventure in Elly’s eyes and is grateful for the jogging stroller and baby backpack that make grown-up adventures possible, too. 10

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RIGHT: Jess Townsend ﬁshes

the Bighorn River.

COURTESY PHOTO | JADE THOEMKE

WESTERN ARTISTRY by Mike Pruden

rt does not come easy. The brush of a painter lightly strokes a blank canvas; the hands of a sculptor caress the clay spinning on a pottery wheel; or maybe he carefully drives a chisel into stone with the blunt end of a worn hammer. A fly fisherman draws back his line and gently but surely whips it forward into the stream before him. Back and forth, as the line etches imaginary scribbles into the sky like a celebrity signing an autograph for Mother Nature. That’s why Norman, the lead character in the film “A River Runs Through It,” carefully passes on the words of his stern, fly-fishing father. “To him, all good things —

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trout, as well as eternal salvation — came by grace,” Norman spoke. “And grace comes by art; and art does not come easy.” Fly fishing dates back as far as the second century but has established itself as a sport or hobby in modern culture. But to fly-fishing enthusiasts, like the fictional Norman and his father, the hobby quickly becomes more than that. “Once you get a grip of the fundamentals, everything beyond that is creative, really,” said Clark Smyth, operator of Rock Creek Anglers. “It’s one of those pursuits where the means by which you get to the end, if the end is catching a fish, probably, in most cases, outjustify the ends.” Author Izaak Walton called fly

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fishing “the contemplative man’s recreation.” Standing in a stream, tirelessly working to perfect the unique casting technique and the satisfaction that comes with the completed masterpiece, one quickly becomes entranced by the process. Sheridan provides the canvas for the contemplative man with various bodies of water nestled within and around the Bighorn Mountains. Much like other Sheridan offerings, the Bighorns provide an abundance of adventure for fly-fishing aficionados, yet tend to eliminate some of the overwhelming pressure and overcrowding of more popular fishing spots. That’s why the area’s fly fishers have become a kind of family. As that family continues to grow, so

does the sport — or art — of fly fishing. For Jade Thoemke, the growth starts with her. With each cast, Thoemke strives to prove that the contemplative man can just as easily be the contemplative woman, a stigma that, for some reason, hasn’t aged with the centuries-old activity. “I have no idea what the perspective is as a man, obviously,” she said. “But I think being able to slow down and really listen, take the time to observe and be patient with the water, be patient with the fish and be patient with yourself is definitely something that is necessary. I think that women have a huge place in fly fishing’s culture.” Every fly fisher has a different backstory. For Thoemke, a self-described “adventure

seeker,” her fly-fishing guide boyfriend made the jump from her hiking and rock climbing hobbies an easy one. Others followed the path of Norman and picked up the sport from their fathers. But none of them picked up a rod and hooked a fish on their first try, just as Basquiat littered his studio with crinkled sheets of paper before coming up with King Alphonso. Fly fishing is difficult, they’ll all tell you. That’s what makes it just as much an art form as a sport. “Most fly fisherman are like, ‘Yeah, I’m willing to learn

and get better and deal with the frustration,’” Smyth said. “Whereas the easy out would be, ‘Screw this. This is hard; I’m going to go get a lawn chair and a bobber.’” “It doesn’t matter how long

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‘‘

Western artistry

Once you get a grip of the fundamentals, everything beyond that is creative, really.

Clark Smyth

”

ABOVE: Jade Thoemke searches for the perfect ﬂy during

a ﬂy-ﬁshing trip.

BELOW: Nick Seiler ﬁshes the Bighorn River.

COURTESY PHOTOS | TOP: ANDEE ANDERSON | BOTTOM: JADE THOEMKE

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you’ve been fly fishing,” Fly Shop of the Bighorns worker Chaz Davis said. “You’re always going to learn something new.” Despite the learning curve, Smyth, Davis and the Fly Shop’s Andrew Burgos, along with Thoemke and other fly fishers, have found that the sport quickly turns frustration into relaxation. Perfecting that craft and chasing that fish — and the pursuit leading up to it — puts the fly fisher’s mind at peace. Literally and figuratively, they become one with the stream. “It’s the only activity that I’ve ever been a part of where I am so focused on one thing at any given time that everything else is completely irrelevant,” Burgos said. “There’s times when I fish for two hours and sit on the bank for six.” The irony of fly fishing in the Bighorns is that the locals who head up the mountains have become a sub-community in Sheridan in a sport that typically lends itself to secrecy and privacy. Even as Thoemke heads to the mountains to escape the rigors of everyday life and the people that come with it, she says the family of fly fishers add enjoyment to that escape. “There’s such a high inter-

est in fly fishing that I think it’s very easy to communicate with people about it and to meet people who are interested in it,” she said. “No matter what, I feel like there’s some connection to fly fishing, no matter who you talk to.” Smyth credited Sheridan’s identity as a “Cowboy town” for the overlap in mindset within the local fly-fishing community. “There is a phenomenon in the fishing industry, a culture of, ‘Look at me; look what I can do,’” Smyth said. “That doesn’t necessarily exist here. There are a lot of talented people who are modest and willing to share information.” The sharing of information and the willingness to appreciate the process despite its challenges add to the art. Mingling with the guys at the Fly Shop, or browsing the fly-fishing photos, Thoemke snaps and posts to her Instagram strengthen the community and invite others into the escape. It’s difficult to starve as an artist with the Bighorn Mountains as a canvas. Once you can get over the trepidation of dipping the bristles onto the palet, the sky becomes filled with Monets and Picassos, masterpieces along rivers and streams — and inside the mind. There’s an infinite amount of paint. Grab a brush.

Q &A

How did you get into climbing?

Jonathan Crider

Kindling a hobby into a burning passion by Kristen Czaban

onathan Crider, 26, was born and raised in Sheridan. He began climbing several years ago and has since traveled across the world to tackle new cliffs. The Sheridan Press recently sat down with Crider for an interview, which has been edited for length and included below.

Crider: A friend brought me to a bouldering gym in Missoula, Montana, and I thought it was oddly entertaining. I kindled the indoor bouldering scene for a few months and it sparked interest in rope climbing. I managed to meet up with the president of Sheridan College’s outdoor club and he showed me the basics in Piney Creek Canyon near Story. There I met a long-time veteran of the sport who apparently recognized my potential and began teaching me not just proper technique in equipment management and climbing skill, but everything from lingo to geology, geography and history. He had dreams of grandeur and prowess, an infectious spirit that fueled a pastime hobby into a wildﬁre of passion.

What’s the most challenging climb you’ve done?

Crider: Though I’m proud to say I’ve been on some advanced level climbs, it’s not the grade itself that has proven challenging, but a number of circumstances — everything from physical condition and mental state to temperature and weather conditions. A climb might be relatively easy in optimal temperatures and with a night well slept. The same climb will most certainly prove inﬁnitely harder in blistering heat after several days of nonstop crushing (climbing hard) and a long night of “festivities.”

Do you travel to other places speciﬁcally to climb? If so, where?

Crider: Yes, I have travelled to much of the western United States down into Mexico and even Thailand. Along the way I’ve encountered several types and variations of rock including limestone, sandstone, granite and basalt. I’ve met a diverse range of people from literally all over the world building bountiful friendships in a borderless community all with the common passion for climbing.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 ## 16

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Crider Q&A What has been your worst climbing experience?

Crider:

ABOVE: Cams, as shown here, are part of the arsenal of

climbing gear used by Crider.

Do you like to climb alone?

Crider: Climbing is a unique sport. It is very much a personal “competition” if you will, between you and the rock, yet is very much a social sport as well. When you’re not competing with your peers it avails the psychological and social barriers that might otherwise hinder a positive experience. Thus self-growth and bountiful friendships ﬂourish.

What’s an underappreciated climb in the Bighorns you think people should try out?

Crider: If you’re a climber, look up The Shipyard in Piney Creek Canyon outside Story. An entire crag of 4- to 5-star classic overhung pocket pulling and jug hauling with big moves on good holds with technical and unique sequences. It’s basically an outdoor climbing gym.

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Frightening would be a better descriptive word. It was dusk and swiftly approaching full darkness as we summited at 600 feet, the sixth and final pitch of the climb, “Sendero Diablo” in Nuevo Leon Mexico’s El Potrero Chico. We were prepared for the dark, so I pulled out my headlamp and began an orderly piling of the rope as to not get it tangled. Then began a series of rappels, the first of which went well. Normally, if a climb goes directly up a face the rappels are straightforward, simply going down the same sets of anchors you came up. This climb continually traversed left on every pitch making it an unnecessary hassle to go down the same way we came up. Several climbs next to it offered their anchors and would save an ample amount of time. We knew we were supposed to get just under a roof and swing 20 feet left to the appropriate anchors. We all had the unnerving thought of rope rubbing against limestone, which is commonly razor sharp. To add to the suspense, the second rope we had brought, necessary to add to the length of the rappel, was core shot, making it unsafe to use. Understanding the inherent risks, one of my climbing partners cracked a smile as he descended into the blackness. “I found them!” he cried out, referring to the anchors. My stomach lowered from my throat as I came down to meet him thinking that all was going smoothly. Then we heard the call of friends from below asking how we were doing. They had climbed the same route the day before and could offer reassurance on our status. Not long after, we realized we were indeed on the wrong set of anchors and would have to ascend back up the rope. We were lucky to have not pulled the rope off the upper anchors because we were able to ascend back up it. Once back up to the appropriate anchors, I began to descend. I found anchors that would suffice to get us to the ground. The final rappel left us 15 feet above the ground, leaving us to down climb on a mellow pitch. Needless to say countless lessons were learned from that experience.

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LEFT: A view

of the Bighorn Mountains from the base camp of two hikers on the Solitude Trail.

SEEKING SOLITUDE: Loop trail allows for escape into wilderness by Kristen Czaban

a n y trails have a deﬁnitive start and end. Trailheads mark the start of a journey and parking lots or other landmarks mark the end. Along the way, trees, lakes and rocky

outcroppings give hikers a taste of exploration. Some trails, though, make loops that require a different kind of fortitude — the kind that forces you to either ﬁnd peace or cope with the fact that you are more than a day’s

walk from any form of help or wheeled transportation. One such trail in the Bighorn Mountains often finds itself on the bucket lists of local backpackers and on the annual itinerary for others — The Solitude Trail.

ALL PHOTOS IN THIS STORY COURTESY PHOTOS | NAVAR HOLMES & MATT WESTKOTT

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ABOVE: Highland

Park Lake

ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES Navar Holmes and Matt Westkott have hiked the Solitude Trail nearly 20 times now. For hikers who thrive on exploring new areas and trekking new paths, this may sound strange, but the duo stresses the amount of territory that remains in the Bighorns to explore. “Why go anywhere else?” Holmes asked. “You could spend 50 years hiking in the Bighorns and still not see it all.” Each year, Westkott and Holmes set off into the wilderness for anywhere from four to 16 days to tackle the loop. A journey like that can at the least prove frustrating and at the most

prove dangerous if the dynamic between hikers doesn’t mesh. For the longtime backpacking friends, the key to success comes down to a few factors. “We’re both slow,” Holmes half-joked. “We just enjoy each other’s company and our personalities are along the same lines. Our views on life are similar.” Holmes added that Westkott takes on the role of the black lab on the trail — he just wants to go, explore and tends to be up for anything. The trust and friendship between the two has proven itself year after year — through thunder, hail and sickness along the trail. TOP: Navar Holmes shows off a recently caught trout. BOTTOM: Navar Holmes and Matt Westkott pause on the trail.

THE TRAIL This long loop trail was constructed in the 1920s and spans more than 50 miles, primarily through the Cloud Peak Wilderness. The trail is accessible from most of the trailheads surrounding the wilderness, but popular entry and exit points are Hunter, Battle Park and West Tensleep trailheads. Sara Evans Kirol, who works in trails and special uses with the Big-

horn National Forest, said the trail is special in that it is a loop and it is mostly in the wilderness, offering elevation and ecosystem changes ranging from alpine to lodge pole mixed forest. The loop trail winds its way by many popular destinations in the Bighorns, including Lake Geneva, Mistymoon Lake, Lake Solitude and the bases of Cloud Peak and Bomber Mountain.

ABOVE: Lakes Geneva and Solitude, along with Mistymoon Lake.

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ABOVE: Navar Holmes on the trail with the

Cloud Peak Wilderness as a backdrop.

A DETERMINED MINDSET The wilderness can affect people in different ways. For some, the mountains allow for peaceful reﬂection with friends. Holmes and Westkott joke that they serve as each other’s therapist for the ﬁrst two days, catching up on each other’s lives while testing and stretching their lungs as they trek uphill into the woods and adjust to the elevation. But, the Solitude Trail isn’t for everyone. “You head off with your whole house for the next few days on your back,” Westkott said. “At a certain 22

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point on the loop, the only way out is to keep going. You can’t turn back. You really put yourself out there and for a lot of people that’s out of their comfort zone.” In addition to the remoteness of the trail, at times the trek lacks the comfort of constant hikers passing by — hikers that could provide assistance if something goes awry. While portions of the Solitude Trail are heavily traveled, at other points, you can go a couple of days without seeing another human outside your group.

HOW TO PREPARE Despite the challenges both Holmes and Westkott admit come with the territory, both highly recommend the trip to anyone willing and able to tackle it. In fact, each year they invite friends, family and even strangers to meet up with them for all or part of the trip. Holmes said nothing compares to helping somebody fall in love with the mountains and trails. Westkott said his hiking pal played the role of mentor as he started backpacking. “I had a tendency to overpack,” Westkott said, adding that over the years he has gotten his pack from about 100 pounds to 70. “You learn over the years that you can pack less. You gain trust in

‘‘

the gear and in your hiking partners.” Both suggested that those planning to make backpacking a regular habit shouldn’t skimp on certain items. A well-fitting backpack, in particular, can make or break a trip. In addition, good clothing — which typically means no cotton — will keep you warm and dry on the trail. Training, too, can be key. Holmes recommended putting on your pack and walking around town — despite the odd looks you’re sure to receive. Later, he suggested adding weight to the pack and hiking up Red Grade Road or Tongue River Canyon to get used to elevation gains and the feel of a heavy pack on your back.

At a certain point on the loop, the only way out is to keep going. You can’t turn back.

Matt Westkott

”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? If you want to know more about the Solitude Trail, contact the Bighorn National Forest ofﬁces in Sheridan or Buffalo — 307-6742600 or 307-6847806. You’ll need to register with the forest to enter the Cloud Peak Wilderness. In addition, the offices

have maps of the area and can point you in the right direction. U.S. Forest Service officials also emphasize the importance of practicing Leave No Trace Principles to maintain the wilderness. See page 83 for more on those principles. WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

T WYO THEATER Online: www.wyotheater.com

SHERIDAN CIVIC THEATRE GUILD Online: sheridanstage.com

SHERIDAN

o those who know and love the arts, Sheridan’s vibrancy goes beyond Western stereotypes of Wyoming towns. It includes galleries, public art of all dimensions and an active theater community. DannyLee Hodnett, a Sheridan College theater faculty member, said generations of people have been participating in theater here and going to see theater. “So it’s becoming an ingrained part of the culture,” he said. “We like theater. We expect theater and we support theater. It’s a beautiful thing.” Sheridan’s stage productions have something for each age group. Tandem Productions provides opportunities for kids as they start their journey into the arts. Tandem Productions is in its 23rd year with Tami Davis and her husband, Richard, as the co-founders. Tami Davis is also involved with the Sheridan YMCA theater camps that take place in the summer as a bridge for kids to continue the art. At Sheridan College, Hodnett said they try to do a variety of plays over the two years that students are there so they get exposed to different genres. An additional Sheridan College student theater

THEATER SCENE

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club on campus is the Twisted Stair Theatre Company. The improv group is open to anyone that is a student at Sheridan College, not just theater majors. The Sheridan Civic Theatre Guild started in 1957 and has been the place for performers and crew of Sheridan to produce mysteries, dramas, musicals and comedies. The guild performs primarily at the Carriage House Theater. With the opportunity to perform there must be a space provided to accommodate the needs of the community. The WYO Theater has been one of those spaces for decades. The theater was once closed, butit was saved in 1989 when it reopened thanks to intense community involvement and fundraising. “It would be hard to imagine downtown Sheridan without the WYO Theater,” said Erin Butler, the executive director of the WYO Theater. “It says that the people who helped save and supported the theater were forward thinking and they saw where Sheridan was going and where it could end up.” The WYO Theater will undergo construction this summer as crews work to expand the lobby and spaces in the old Hallmark building at the corner of Main and Loucks streets.

WHITNEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

TANDEM PRODUCTIONS

TRIDENT THEATRE

Online: www.whitneyarts.org

Online: www.facebook.com “Tandem Productions”

Online: www.tridenttheatre.com

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Local Attractions

WE LOVE TO

RODEO G rab a rope, grab a horse and grab a saddle — or don’t, if you’d rather bareback it. It’s rodeo season, and Sheridan has plenty to offer. Sheridan loves its rodeo. Just swing through during the week of July 10. The entire town pretty much shuts down during the aptly dubbed Rodeo Week. Adjusts might be a better term, as the town deﬁnitely isn’t shuttered. The Sheridan WYO Rodeo is the most popular event of the year in Sheridan. It’s in its 87th year, so that should clarify just how big rodeo is in this town. The entire week features performances, banquets, contests

and a parade leading up to four action-packed days of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo performances. The best riders from all over the globe make their way to this town of 18,000 and showcase what it looks like to be a true cowboy. It’s tough to get a ticket to the generally-sold-out event. But what if you’re not here during that one week in July? What if you can’t get your hands on a ticket or two? Have no fear. Sheridan knows how to rodeo, and it knows how to do it all year long. The Elks Youth Rodeo, Little Britches Rodeo, Sheridan County Rodeo, Cowgirls Rodeo, the newly introduced Elite Rodeo Athletes rodeo and

ABOVE: Jade Corkill of Nevada ropes the heels of a steer in the

team roping event during the Sheridan WYO Rodeo in 2015.

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RIGHT: Tayte Augustus Clark ﬂyies off his mount in saddle bronc riding during the Sheridan WYO Rodeo in 2015.

junior high, high school and college rodeos give plenty of opportunities to watch or even compete in the old sport right here in Sheridan. WYO Rodeo board member Zane Garstad credits the identity Sheridan created for itself and has maintained for so many years as the main reason rodeo is so beloved in this area. “It is our connection to the old west,” he said. “It’s something that a lot of people have done starting when they were kids. And it’s fun; it’s a blast. It’s a way to continue something that we really enjoy.” Garstad compared some rodeo events to other popular sports, such as team roping and golf. And just like golf is popular in certain parts of the world — like Florida and other warm climates — rodeo is popular around Sheridan and Wyoming. And it’s popular for a reason. Ranches cover the Wyoming countryside, and those same skills used on the ranch are used in the rodeo arena, just in a sportier form. Folks can relate to cowboys and cowgirls in rodeos. And outsiders can’t relate, which provides a whole different appeal. Watching a peer straddle a bucking beast the size of a Toy-

ota Prius? Sign me up. The appeal is there for outsiders, and it’s there for locals. But it’s deeper than that, at least in Sheridan. Sheridan tries to provide opportunities for all kinds of subgroups: male, female, young and old. That’s why Bob Strauser started the Elks Youth Rodeo in 1993. “From my perspective, if you don’t keep kids busy doing something constructive, they’ll find something to do, and it may not be constructive,” Strauser said. The Elks youth rodeo is only available for children 17 and younger. It uses a unique point system that allows older kids to battle younger kids. Other than keeping kids active and out of trouble, Strauser said the rodeo was created as a possible sup-

SHERIDAN WYO RODEO

F plement for families who can’t travel all over the place to compete in more costly events. And if you’re still questioning the support Sheridan has for rodeo, ask Strauser to show you his sponsorship list or his list of volunteers. He’s adamant that the rodeo wouldn’t exist without all the local support, including a truck from Fremont Toyota for the overall champion each year. Whether it’s the attraction of the prizes — they also offer scholarships, scholarships Strauser’s favorite prize — the affordable entry fees or the unique format of the event, the Elks Youth Rodeo has reached a point where Strauser doesn’t think they can get any bigger without sacriﬁcing their original goals. It averaged 994 entries each day last year. And the success of youth rodeos isn’t just important for each individual organization. Garstad said the only way to keep rodeo thriving in Sheridan is to keep the youth involved. “We’ve got to get kids hooked, get them passionate about it,” he said. “And then that carries on, and we groom them, for lack of a better term, so they get to the WYO Rodeo. If we don’t take care

of that, we won’t have a WYO Rodeo. “We need that for our sport to grow and to continue that tradition,” he added. “It’s critical that we continue to groom our young kids all the way up to the professional ranks. We have that ability in our town.” Garstad credits his unofﬁcial coalition of rodeo super fans in keeping the popularity up within the community’s bud budding cowboys and cowgirls. He mentioned the junior high and high school rodeo teams have increased in size recently, and the addition of the new indoor rodeo arena at Sheridan College provides an opportunity that most rodeo communities don’t have. And once again, he brought it all back to the community. The heaping pile of donations to expand rodeo in Sheridan, along with full-on community support during the tradition-rich week of WYO Rodeo makes Garstad think that rodeo isn’t leaving Sheridan for a long, long time. And with the continued involvement of local youth, he’s probably right. Sheridan loves its rodeo.

rom bucking broncs to the antics of rodeo clowns to cowgirls racing the clock in barrel racing, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo is sure to provide entertainment and excitement for the entire family. Sheridan’s premiere event, held each July at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds, is a staple of summer in this Wyoming town. The rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. For several years, it has been an elite Million Dollar Tour Silver Rodeo, making it one of the top 30 rodeos in the nation. This year will mark the 87th year of a rodeo that has become a major stop on the rodeo trail for some of the world’s top cowboys and cowgirls. From July 10-16, locals and visitors will be able to enjoy four action-packed rodeo performances, highlighted by the heart-pounding and wildly popular World Championship Indian Relay Races. The fun doesn’t stop in the arena, though. Rodeo Week, scheduled for July 10-16, lights up the town with events sure to delight young and old alike. Make sure to take part in the boot kick-off competition, a parade down Main Street, a pancake breakfast that feeds hundreds, a golf tournament, bed races, duck races, street dances, live concerts, a powwow, carnival rides and games and more. Tickets are on sale now for the 2017 Sheridan WYO Rodeo. They sell fast so don’t delay.

MORE INFO: Location:

Rodeo events are held at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds, 1753 Victoria St. in Sheridan. Other events are held throughout Sheridan.

Phone:

307-672-9715

Tickets:

Sold at the WYO Theater box ofﬁce at 42 N. Main St., on the phone at 307-672-9084, or online at the Sheridan WYO Rodeo website.

Website:

Check the website for a complete listing of Sheridan WYO Rodeo week events at:

www.SheridanWyoRodeo.com WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Local Attractions

HORSE returns to SALE Sheridan by Tom Ringley

COURTESY PHOTOS | SANKEY PRO RODEO

he Bots Sots Remount Horse Sale organized by Ike Sankey will be conducted from the porch of the Historic Sheridan Inn, the place from which Buffalo Bill Cody watched riders perform for his Wild West show in the 1890s. It’s scheduled for June 3, with a preview the day before. Ike and Roberta Sankey, and their son, Wade, and daughter, Ryan, own Sankey Pro Rodeo, which provides stock for the Sheridan WYO Rodeo. While they still have ranches in Cody, Wyoming, and Joliet, Montana, Ike and Roberta Sankey recently moved to a place on Meade Creek in Sheridan County. The concept of the Bots Sots Remount horse sale is to showcase horses from every aspect of the horse industry — polo, showjumping, racing, rodeo, etc. The sale may include draft horses and even a couple of bucking horses. Why will the sale be called “Bots Sots Remount?” To begin with, “Bots Sots” is a Crow term that generally means “very nice,” or “very good” or, “heap good.” It has historical roots in the Sheridan rodeo world. In 1914-1916 there was a threeyear series of rodeos. The rodeo was called the Sheridan Stampede. In the advertising for the rodeo, the phrase “It’s bots sots, do you get it?” was used. Fast forward to 1944 and the Sheridan WYO Rodeo (established in 1931) emerged from a two-year layoff due to World War II. The rodeo committee had to restart the rodeo on a more modest basis and knew in the beginning they couldn’t put on a rodeo of the size and quality of the prewar rodeo. It was changed from a professional rodeo to a supposedly amateur working cowboy

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rodeo. Organizers didn’t want to sully the name of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo so they searched back in history to ﬁnd a new moniker. They adopted the name “Bots Sots Stampede,” which was the name used for the rodeo until 1951 when, because of public acclaim in the form of a poll sponsored by The Sheridan Press, the name was changed back to the Sheridan WYO Rodeo. By 1918, when World War I was over, the quality of horses in the United States had reached a rather deplorable state because of the attrition of horses used in the war. To rectify the situation, and provide quality horses for the U.S. Cavalry, the government started the Remount Program. This program farmed out high-quality (mostly thoroughbred) studs to farmers and ranch-

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ers to breed to their stock. Some mares were involved in the program as well. The Army bought suitable progeny for their purposes. There were several Remount studs in the Sheridan area. The program lasted until about 1948 and proved to be a success in that it did, indeed, improve the quality of horses in the United States. So, do you get it? Bots sots? Historical term in Sheridan that means very good. And remount? Quality horses of all kinds. Seems like a natural ﬁt for a horse sale in Sheridan, Wyoming.

MORE INFO: www.botssotsremount.com

TOTAL ECLIPSE to draw visitors

n August, Wyoming’s population could double — at least temporarily. On Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse will be visible on a path that crosses the state. While Sheridan isn’t within the prime viewing area, which is located just two hours south of the city, many visitors are expected to come through the area en route to and from the communities in the eclipse’s path. This is the ﬁrst time since 1918 that a total solar eclipse will be seen in the area, and astronomers, eclipse enthusiasts and travelers from around the world are making plans to visit the Equality State. The eclipse’s path of totality will make its way through the entire central region of Wyoming as it spans more than 365 miles — from Torrington and Lusk on the east side of the state

to Wilson and Jackson on the west side of the state. Areas and communities located directly under the path will experience the eclipse for approximately two-anda-half minutes, while it will be viewable for a lesser duration of time in communities located roughly 30-50 miles from the center of totality, but still in the eclipse’s path. The solar eclipse will pass over six Wyoming state parks and historic sites where astronomy experts will be on hand with telescopes to share insights and educational opportunities. Casper will host an eclipse festival Aug. 16-21 that will include lectures, tours of local historic sites and more. For additional information, see eclipsecasper. com. Statewide ofﬁcials expect nearly 500,000 visitors, essentially doubling the state’s population for the eclipse. WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Local Attractions

FARMERS MARKETS MORE INFO: Location:

Grinnell Plaza in Sheridan and Landon’s Greenhouse, located at 505 College Meadows Drive in Sheridan

Days:

The Sheridan Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. June through early October. The Landon’s Greenhouse farmers market is held each Saturday from 9-11 a.m.

ONLINE AT: www.sheridanfarmersmarket.org www.landonsgreenhouse.com

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ABOVE: Rick Walter, left, and Seth Walter of the 40 Mile Colony in Lodge Grass, Montana, bring corn to the farmers market.

hile northern Wyoming may not automatically be associated with fresh produce, a variety of efforts to support local farmers, agricultural producers and other crafters of homemade goods are alive and well in Sheridan and surrounding communities. For instance, one of the local school districts ditched the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s school lunch program in favor of more locally grown foods, and the Wyoming Legislature passed a bill in 2015 that will allow the sale of home-grown food products and raw milk in the state. Some of the most visible — and fun — efforts to support the local food movement are the weekly farmers markets held in several locations in the area. The Sheridan Farmers Market, sponsored by the Downtown Sheridan Association, is held every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. on Grinnell Plaza in historic downtown Sheridan from June through early October, with a Fall Festival ﬁnale to cap the growing season.

Local growers and artisans display and sell fresh produce, breads, baked goodies, jam, honey and arts and crafts. Each week, artists provide festive music and a variety of children’s activities and demonstrations also keep the evening entertaining. The goals of the market are to: increase farm and ranch proﬁtability to preserve the region’s agricultural lifestyle, to offer a low-cost marketing opportunity for small producers and artisans to encourage the local entrepreneurial spirit and to create a direct connection between vendor and consumer to encourage the mutually beneﬁcial exchange of ideas and knowledge. The events draw a large crowd and foster social interaction in the community. Landon’s Greenhouse and Nursery also hosts a farmers market each Saturday. From 9-11 a.m., all are invited to enjoy and purchase fresh produce and artisan items. The towns of Dayton and Ranchester also hold farmers markets. Residents in both towns are currently working toward providing more permanent farmers market spaces and events.

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Local Attractions

BIG HORN POLO CLUBS ABOVE: Joe Wayne Barry, right, and Bendabout

Gillian Johnston battle during a Skeeter Johnston Memorial Cup match.

BELOW: Gonzalo Teves scores a goal for the Jan

Pamela Polo Ranch at the Flying H Polo Club.

ONLINE AT: www.TheBigHornPoloClub.com www.FlyingHPolo.com

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t’s an opportunity for tourists and locals alike to put on their sun hats and polo shirts and enjoy a genteel afternoon cheering on a sport that has thrived below the Bighorn Mountains for more than 120 years. Polo began in Sheridan on July 4, 1893, at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds in a game witnessed by more than 1,000 spectators. Today, the sport is played by the Big Horn Polo Club at the Big Horn Equestrian Center and at the Flying H Polo Club located just west of the Big Horn Equestrian Center at the Flying H Ranch, which is also a working cattle ranch and polo pony breeding and training ground. Some of the best players in the world spend their summers in Sheridan County and play polo at a variety of levels. The Big Horn Polo Club is comprised of local players from around the region. From the ﬁrst week in June through Labor Day weekend, teams play tournament games on Sundays and host practice games on Wednesdays and Fridays. Spectators are encouraged to

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come enjoy an afternoon of tailgating and polo each Sunday throughout the summer. Admission is free, the games are announced and concessions are available. Following the last match, the clubhouse is open for drinks and continued conversation. The Flying H Polo Club, located west of the Big Horn Equestrian Center on Bird Farm Road, became one of only three clubs in the United States to offer high-goal polo in 2005. High-goal polo is played when a team’s handicap totals 17 or more. The club features four tournament ﬁelds and one practice ﬁeld. Barns on the grounds can hold more than 100 horses. Games are held on Thursdays and Saturdays from early July through August. Players come to the Flying H Polo Club from around the world, many of them making Big Horn a summer stop in their travels to play professional polo. Admission to Flying H Polo games is also free, and any and all are invited to come for an afternoon of fun — and, of course, the half-time divot stomp.

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Local Attractions

BIGHORN MOUNTAIN

WILD & SCENIC

ONLINE AT: www.BigHornTrailRun.com

TRAIL RUN T

ABOVE: Callie Holcomb of Casper makes her way down

Tongue River Canyon in the 30-kilometer run.

BELOW: Runners pass the Tongue River as they begin their 100-mile

trek at the Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Run in Dayton.

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here’s a reason the Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Run is one of the summer’s most popular events in Sheridan County. It’s all in the name. Ultrarunning has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports. According to UltraRunning Magazine, the number of races in the U.S. and Canada jumped from 293 in 2004 to 1,200 in 2014. The sport, which considers any race longer than a traditional 26.2-mile marathon an ultramarathon, forces competitors to test the limits of the human body against the elements. As ultrarunning becomes

more and more popular, it becomes apparent the creators of the Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Run were ahead of the curve. This summer will mark the 24th year of the event and the 16th anniversary of the 100-mile race. Last year’s race featured more than 1,000 competitors in four different races: a 30K, a 50K, a 50-mile and the ever-popular 100mile. Nearly every state and more than a dozen different countries have been represented in the event. But what attracts these runners to Dayton every summer? It’s scenic. Beginning at the base of the Bighorn Mountains in Tongue River Canyon, the 100-mile and 50-mile races take competitors up and down the Bighorns, reaching elevations higher than 9,000 feet. The mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop while simultaneously creating a rugged terrain and sometimes treacherous running conditions. It’s wild. In a 2009 race, Karl Meltzer hit an unexpected roadblock at the halfway point. A disturbed moose chased Meltzer down the trail, kicking him in the hand and shin along the way. Luckily, Meltzer avoided any serious injuries and shook the moose on his way to a ﬁrst-place ﬁnish. As ultrarunning steadily gains popularity, the already attractive Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Run will only tighten its grasp as one of the highest rated races in the country. This year’s race will start June 16.

Local Attractions

ANTELOPE BUTTE

he Antelope Butte Foundation announced in February 2016 that it had secured all funding needed to complete its purchase of the ski area at

Antelope Butte, 10 months ahead of schedule. Now, the foundation seeks to raise the funding needed to restore the mountain recreation area and acquire the equipment to operate it.

ABOVE: Wildflowers fill the field among the campers during the

Antelope Butte Foundation’s Summer Festival in 2014.

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SUMMER EVENTS The Antelope Butte Foundation will host a number of events this summer on its path to raise necessary funding. The Antelope Butte Summer Festival will repeat for its fourth year July 21-23. The Bighorn Mountains Brewfest, a craft beer festival that will be held at Antelope Butte, will take place July 1. The Antelope Butte Summer Festival will highlight the summer opportunities at the facility, including mountain bike races and trail runs, hiking, camping and children’s activities. Other activities include a pancake breakfast, food and beverage vendors and more. Tickets and information for the Antelope Butte Summer Festival and the Bighorn Mountains Brewfest are available at www.AntelopeButte.org.

ONLINE AT: www.AntelopeButte.org

Sheridan area boasts

FESTIVAL CULTURE Every town and every city has something for which it’s known. Chicago-style hot dogs, Philadelphia cheesesteaks, Moab’s outdoor culture — all are oft-cited references. Sheridan — often recognized for its Western heritage — comes alive each summer with

festivals and events. The mild weather, sunshine and beauty of the Bighorns beckon people outside to partake in all the area has to offer. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the biggest festivals planned for the summer of 2017:

JUNE-SEPTEMBER THIRD THURSDAYS STREET FESTIVALS It wouldn’t be summer in Sheridan without the Third Thursday street festivals. On the third Thursday of each month between June and September, vendors take to the streets of downtown Sheridan to show off their wares and visit with friends. The event includes live music, food and beverage vendors and activities for children. For more information, see www.downtownsheridan.org.

JULY 1 BIGHORN MOUNTAINS BREWFEST Brewfest fun at the Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area, with activities for the whole family. For more information, see www.antelopebuttefoundation.org.

JULY 7-9 BIG HORN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL The annual event will mark its 13th year featuring acoustic, Americana, folk, old-timey, bluegrass and traditional music at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Buffalo. The multi-day event includes classes for children and adults, camping facilities and more. See the full schedule at www.bighornmountainfestival.com. 40

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

Biggest Festivals

JULY 21-23 ANTELOPE BUTTE SUMMER FESTIVAL The fourth annual event in the Bighorn Mountains includes morning yoga, trail runs, mountain bike races, live music, vendors, kids activities and more. The event kicks off Friday night and goes through Sunday, with plenty of camping available. For more information, see www.antelopebuttefoundation.org.

JULY 28-29 DAYTON DAYS The town of Dayton sits at the base of the Bighorn Mountains. Each year, the town celebrates with a parade, firefighters water fight and more. For more information, see www.daytonwyoming.org.

AUG. 19 SOD FARM FESTIVAL Each year, Project Schoolhouse organizes a music festival to beneﬁt the nonproﬁt that builds schools and clean water systems in Nicaragua. Project Schoolhouse was founded by Sheridan native Tab Barker, and the music festival features local music groups performing short sets on a summer afternoon and evening.

AUG. 25-27 STORY DAYS The quiet mountain town of Story comes to life each year with a parade, Dutch oven cooking contests, quilt shows and more. For additional information, see www.storywyoming.org.

AUG. 26 SUDS N’ SPURS BREWFEST The sixth annual brewfest, with brewers from all over the region, will feature tastings of the brews with an opportunity to vote on which is best. The event includes unlimited beer sampling, live music and food in Whitney Commons. For more information, see sheridanwyomingchamber.org.

SEPT. 3-4 DON KING DAYS Go back in time with ‘Old West’ rodeo events at Don King Days, which features match bronc riding, steer roping and end-of-season polo games. For more information, see www.donkingdays.com.

SEPT. 7-17 WYOMING THEATER FESTIVAL This will be the third year for the festival that brings national talent — of all kinds — to the community to test out new plays. The festival includes workshops, plays and readings. For more information, see www.wyomingtheaterfestival.com.

FOR A FULL LIST OF LOCAL EVENTS, SEE PAGE 44. DEST I NA TI O N SHERI D A N

2017 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS CALENDAR

MAY 18-20 WYOMING 3A and 4A STATE HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENTS 16 boys teams and 16 girls teams vying for

the state championship titles, at the Big Horn Equestrian Center (south of Sheridan). For more information, see www.whsaa.org or contact Don Julian at 307-672-2495, ext. 3106 or don.julian@scsd2.com.

MAY 21 EATONS’ HORSE DRIVE Stake out a viewing spot and watch up to 100 horses cowboy-driven through Sheridan, passing the Wyoming Information Center at approximately 9 a.m., down Fifth Street past the Historic Sheridan Inn, where Buffalo Bill auditioned Wild West Show acts, out to Eatons’ Ranch, the oldest dude ranch in the nation. For more information, call 307-655-9285 or email info@eatonsranch.com.

19-21 24TH ANNUAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN LEATHER TRADE SHOW All your leather shop needs under

one roof. Held at the Sheridan Holiday Inn. Over 60 leatherrelated suppliers, manufacturers and dealers. Great for hobbyists, artists and professionals. Free admission. International event with how-to workshops starting May 15. For more information, see www.leathercraftersjournal.com or call The Leather Crafters & Saddlers Journal at 715-362-5393.

27-29 (Memorial Day Weekend) HANG GLIDERS FLY-IN

Enjoy watching and photographing hang gliders from across the nation soaring above the Bighorn Mountains’ Sand Turn, west of Sheridan. For more information, contact Johann Nield at 307-751-1138 or wyomingwings@wyoming.com.

JUNE 3-4 HOOP JAM 17th annual three-on-three street basketball tournament providing wholesome family entertainment with 18 courts/800 participants. Registration and welcome barbecue held the Friday evening prior. Held at Sheridan High School. For more information, see www.hoopjamwyo.org or call Don Julian or Jeff Mowry at the high school, 307-672-2495. 4 START OF POLO SEASON First day of polo for the 2017 season — polo practices, games and tournaments happening up to four days a week through Labor Day weekend, at the Big Horn Equestrian Center or the Flying H Polo Club, in Big Horn. For the Big Horn Polo Club (playing at the Equestrian Center), call 307-674-4928 or see www.thebighornpoloclub.com. For the Flying H Polo Club (high goal polo), call 307-674-9447 or see www.ﬂyinghpolo.com. 44

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JUNE 15 - JULY 1 WILDFLOWERS PEAK SEASON

Meander through the majestic Bighorn Mountains on Scenic Byways 14 or 14A for the added beauty of the wildﬂower season ... and maybe even a glimpse of mountain wildlife.

JULY 24

(date tentative)

MISS WYOMING PAGEANT

Miss Wyoming 2017 Pageant, hosted by Miss Wyoming 2016, Jordan Hall. Pre-show at 7 p.m. with the crowning of young girls for the 2017 Princess program; pageant at 7:30 p.m. The winner will be crowned Miss Wyoming 2017 and will go on to the Miss America pageant in the fall. For more information, call Zoila Perry at 307-751-6898.

1 BIGHORN MOUNTAINS BREWFEST

Brewfest fun at the Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area, with activities for the whole family. Located in the Bighorn Mountains (U.S. Highway 14 at Fun Valley Road (FS 244)). For more information, see www.antelopebuttefoundation.org/brewfest.

1 KARZ ROD RUN 26th annual Rod Run show with 150 hot rods, muscle, classic cars and trucks on Historic Downtown Main Street, with vendors on Sheridan’s Grinnell Plaza. Awards presented to winners as judged by the public in kids, women and men categories. Car cruisin’ and picnic June 30. For more information, see www.karzclub.org or contact Bob Gates at 307-672-2473 or bob@karzclub.org. 15 THIRD THURSDAY STREET FESTIVAL

Enjoy family fun, food, live music and fabulous vendors on the third Thursday of each summer month, 5-9 p.m., on Sheridan’s Historic Main Street. Free admission. For more information and vendor inquiries, call Downtown Sheridan Association at 307-672-8881.

15-17 BIG HORN COUNTRY USA A three-day outdoor festival of country music and campers from all over. For more information, see www.bighorncountryusa.com or call 307-675-1027.

16-18 BIGHORN MOUNTAIN WILD AND SCENIC TRAIL RUNS Hundreds of runners from across the U.S.,

Australia and Europe compete in 100-mile, 52-mile, 32-mile and 18-mile races in the Bighorn Mountains west of Sheridan. For more information, see www.bighorntrailrun.com, call 307-673-7500 or email racedirector@bighorntrailrun.com.

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Events Calendar

JULY

JULY 28-29 DAYTON DAYS 41st annual festival celebrating the community of Dayton. For more information, see www.daytonwyoming.org or contact the Dayton Town Hall at 307-655-2217.

4 JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

Live music followed by a spectacular ﬁreworks displays at dusk, at the Big Horn Equestrian Center (south of Sheridan). For more information, call the Equestrian Center at 307-673-0454.

12-15 (during SHERIDAN WYO RODEO WEEK, July 10-16) 87th SHERIDAN WYO RODEO On the Million Dollar

Tour of Professional Rodeos with the world’s top cowgirls and cowboys, the WYO Rodeo offers fun all week long. In addition to four nightly PRCA rodeos and morning slack (preliminary elimination) performances, this week includes the First Peoples Indian Powwow, World Champion Indian Relay Races, parade, street dances, boot kick-off and barbecue, carnival, pancake breakfast, Beds Along the Big Horns races, Sneakers & Spurs Run and more. From the ﬁrst boot kicked off ‘til the last tailgate shuts, the Sheridan WYO is the most fun you’ll have anywhere. For event details, tickets and schedules, see www.sheridanwyorodeo.com or contact Rodeo Central at 307-751-1832.

20 THIRD THURSDAY STREET FESTIVAL

21-23 ANTELOPE BUTTE SUMMER FESTIVAL

Fourth annual festival in the Bighorn Mountains, including morning yoga, trail runs, mountain bike races, live music, vendors and kids activities. The event kicks off on Friday night and goes through Sunday, with plenty of on-site camping available. For more information, see www.antelopebuttesummerfestival.org.

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31-AUGUST 7 SHERIDAN COUNTY FAIR

Family fun focused on livestock and crafts competitions and special events. Free admission. For more information, call Liz Shaffer at 307-674-2980.

AUGUST 11-13 BIKE MS: WYOMING’S BIGHORN COUNTRY CLASSIC Two-day, 150-mile adventure bicycling ride

through Sheridan and Johnson counties, with an optional ride in the Bighorn Mountains. Hundreds of participants expected, raising funds for the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of National Multiple Sclerosis Association. For more information, see www.bikemswyoming.org or call Molly Palmer at 307-433-9559.

17 THIRD THURSDAY STREET FESTIVAL Enjoy family fun, food, live music and fabulous vendors on the third Thursday of each summer month, 5-9 p.m., on Sheridan’s Historic Main Street. Free admission. For more information and vendor inquiries, call Downtown Sheridan Association at 307-672-8881. 25-27 STORY DAYS 31st annual festival celebrating the community of Story. For more information, see www.storywyoming.org or contact Patrick Morgan at 307-763-2440.

Events Calendar

AUGUST 26 SHERIDAN SUDS N’ SPURS BREWFEST

Fifth annual Sheridan Brewfest, with brewers from all over the region providing tastings of their ﬁne brews. Vote in the People’s Choice category. Enjoy unlimited beer sampling, live music and food at this great annual event, at Whitney Commons Park, 3-8 p.m. For more information, call the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce at 307-672-2485.

26-27 SHERIDAN ELKS YOUTH RODEO

Toughest youth (17 and younger) competition with the best awards (up to $72,000 cash/awards), in 26 events having attracted almost 1,000 entries daily, from the multi-state region. Great fun for the whole family. Held at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds in Sheridan. Free admission. For more information, see www.sheridanelks.org or call Bob Strauser at 307-752-4007.

FIND AN EXPANDED CALENDAR ONLINE AT

SEPTEMBER 2-4 (Labor Day Weekend) HANG GLIDERS FLY-IN Enjoy watching and photographing hang gliders from across the nation as they soar above and beyond the Bighorn Mountains at Sand Turn, west of Sheridan. For more information, contact Johann Nield at 307-751-1138 or wyomingwings@wyoming.com. 3 (Labor Day Weekend; event tentative) ELITE RODEO ATHLETES (ERA) RODEO ERA, with the top 80 profes-

sional rodeo athletes in the world, making its second national rodeo tour to selected U.S. cities including Sheridan. Twelve competitors in each event – the top 10 cowboys in the world and the top two ﬁnishers from the 2017 Sheridan WYO Rodeo – for bareback, steer wrestling, tie down roping, saddle bronc, team roping, bull riding and barrel racing. High-stakes rodeo action. For more information about ERA and the 2017 tour, see www.eliteprorodeo.com. Locally, contact Jamie Ringley, Sheridan County Fair Association, at 307-672-2079.

www.SheridanWyomingChamber.org

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SEPTEMBER

3-4 (Labor Day Weekend) DON KING DAYS 29th anniversary — ‘Old West’ rodeo events, featuring match bronc riding, steer roping and end-of-season polo cups. The Big Horn Equestrian Center provides open space and no-fence setting in the majestic mountain foothills south of Sheridan. The family-oriented celebration honors renowned saddle maker Don King. Also included: World Championship Blacksmiths Horseshoeing Contest, starting Sept. 2. For more information, see www.donkingdays.com or contact Cecile Pattison at 307-751-5454 or pattison@wavecom. net or Vicki Kane at 307-752-0567 or vicki@kemperodell.com. 7-17 WYOMING THEATER FESTIVAL

Third annual theater festival with the performances of 4-5 plays, by playwrights and actors from all over the country, rotating every afternoon and evening over a 1-1/2 week period – along with workshops, tours, readings, etc. from morning to night. For more information as the 2017 festival develops, see www.wyomingtheaterfestival.com or call DannyLee Hodnett at 307-674-6446, ext. 3001 or email info@wyomingtheaterfestival.com.

8-10 FLYING COWBOYS ANNUAL FLY-IN

Pilots from five states with 200 remote-powered planes for display and flight from dawn to dusk. See all types of planes — from small electric powered flyers up to 10-foot wingspan giants powered by large gasoline engines. Free admission. For more information, contact John Steir at 307-674-7342.

13-OCT. 8 KOLTISKA PUMPKIN PATCH Opens for the fall in September. Offers a “pick-your-own, experience with wagon rides, refreshments, rafﬂes and more. Find them on Facebook for information. 21 THIRD THURSDAY STREET FESTIVAL Enjoy family fun, food, live music and fabulous vendors on the third Thursday of each summer month, 5-9 p.m., on Sheridan’s Historic Main Street. Free admission. For more information and vendor inquiries, call Downtown Sheridan Association at 307-672-8881. WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

TAGGING ALONG Recreating with our four-legged friends by Mike Dunn

BELOW: C.J. Mickey hikes with her dogs Cody and Kye.

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J. Mickey looks forward to the summers. The Story resident spends most of the warm-weather months exploring the mountains, spending days hitting the trails and ﬁnding the perfect camping spot to take in the views. Mickey ﬁnds relaxation in the solitude of the mountains, but she doesn’t like to keep that feeling to herself. Instead, she brings her four-legged hiking companions, Cody and Kye, with her on the treks. Mickey is one of many people who choose to share the great outdoors with their dogs and she obeserved that bringing dogs with her makes the experience all that much better.

“I like being out there in somewhere beautiful, but I like the companionship while I’m there,” Mickey said. “It’s a bonding experience between them and me. I don’t think it would be the same if it were just me out there by myself.” Her two border collies have joined her on several of her multi-day backpacking trips over the years. For Cody and Kye, hiking comes natural. Both dogs have working lines within them, so taking to the trails on a long day’s hike tends to be no problem. On hiking trips, the dogs carry packs with their food, and will often walk alongside Mickey when she rides her horse on the trails. Mickey has had her dogs since they were 14 months

old, and hiking has become second nature to them over the years. As soon as Mickey pulls out the packs in preparation for a trip, both dogs jump up and down with excitement. “They love to run,” Mickey said. “They still have energy even when I’m done.” She’ll spend anywhere between a day and a week hiking a trail, and at least one of the dogs is at her side. They explore the trails just as their owner does, and keep a watchful eye over Mickey in the middle of the night. “It’s nice to have that alertness that they have so they can warn me if there is wildlife coming,” she said. Brenna Burgos of Story rarely takes to the streams and the lakes in the Bighorns alone. Burgos spent approximately 120 days on the water ﬂy ﬁshing last year, and almost every time she had rod and reel in hand, her two dogs, a Weimaraner named Ethel and a heeler mix named Waylon, were at her side. “Wyoming is a great place to take your dogs. Whether they are used to working dogs on ranches here or what, people are really dog-friendly here,” Burgos said. When they were puppies, Burgos started leashing her dogs on their adventures, but as they got older and better trained, the dogs would be let off the leash

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and stay by her and her husband’s sides. Most dogs will explore the area, ﬁnd sticks and get into mischief while their owner hits the streams, but Ethel will patiently stay by Burgos’ side, watching her as if studying every move of her owner’s cast. And the dogs might be the only ones more excited when a ﬁsh gets pulled out of the water. “Their ears perk up and their tails start wagging,” Burgos said. While taking your companion into the mountains is fun, both Burgos and Mickey stressed that training your dogs for these type of adventures is critical. Dogs are allowed on many trails in the Bighorn National Forest, but certain advisories apply. One misbehaving dog can be dangerous for everyone, Burgos said, and anyone looking to take their canine into the wilderness should ensure their pooches are well-trained and under control. “People need to be aware of the wildlife here that can harm your animal and yourself,” Burgos said. Still, Burgos and Mickey said with the right dogs, an adventure can be an unforgettable and wonderful experience. “I know they can’t appreciate the beauty, but I know they are having fun,” Mickey said. “You create these memories that you can’t do by just going on daily walks.”

I like being out there in somewhere beautiful, but I like the companionship while I’m there.

C.J. Mickey

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Adventures

RIGHT: Anthony

Tarver boogie boards the spring runoff rapids on Big Goose Creek.

LEFT: Anthony Tarver carries his mountain board up the trail at Soldier Ridge Trail.

TRENDS IN THRILL SEEKING Why try a new adventure? Why not? by Hannah Sheely

atbikes and paddle boards? They’ve ridden those. Boogie boarding on a river? Uh-huh. Riding an oversized skateboard down a mountain? It’s an after-work outing. Self-described adrenaline junkies, Sheridan’s Anthony Tarver and Buffalo’s Tim Cahhal regularly seek fresh ways to adventure to keep their outings thrilling. After all, the deﬁnition of adventure is “exciting,” and exciting often means new. “My garage looks like REI threw up in there,” Cahhal said about all the gear for his forays into trending activities that become part of his regular repertoire of fun. While zorbing — rolling down a hill in a giant plastic ball — has yet to hit the foothills of the Big-

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horn Mountains, there are plenty of trending adventures to pursue in the area including fatbiking, gravel road biking, paddle boarding, kayak fishing and mountain boarding in the summer and splitboarding and kite skiing in the winter. Fatbiking is one of the most popular new adventures in the area (Cahhal said trends tend to hit Wyoming later than other areas of the nation, so “new” is relative). The mountain bikes with oversized, underinflated (5-20 pounds per square inch) tires allow riders to tackle sand and snow but can be ridden anywhere just for fun. “If you were able to ride a bike on a trampoline, that’s the sensation you get. It’s a lofty, floating sensation,” Tarver said.

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While many people get intimidated by the size of the tires and fear they couldn’t ride the bike, Tarver said it’s geared to make it easy to pedal. He likes to head out and ride the slopes of the soon-to-open Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area, in summer and winter. Cahhal goes fatbiking with his 13-year-old son. “You can’t ride one and not smile,” Cahhal said. Jordan LeDuc, owner of Sheridan Bicycle Company, said he’s sold 20 fat bikes in the last few years — 10 in the last year alone — indicating an uptick in the activity’s popularity that is sure to continue as other user groups become more accepting and more people realize fatbiking is a fun way to hit the hills.

COURTESY PHOTO | ANTHONY TARVER

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“My take is if you have to ask why to climb the mountain you’re not the right person to be doing it. You climb it because it’s there.”

Tim Cahhal

Riding close on the trendy heels of the fatbike is the stand-up paddle board (SUP, in paddleboarder lingo), a foam or inflatable board ridden in a forward-facing standing position and powered by hand with a long paddle. While paddle boarding can be a full-body workout — SUP yoga is gaining worldwide popularity — both Cahhal and Tarver like it for the relaxation of quiet waters and breathtaking Wyoming views. The most popular locations are Lake DeSmet near Buffalo, Sibley Lake in the Bighorns and Tongue River Reservoir over the Montana border. When Tarver has had enough relaxing, or too little movement after a day in the office, he whips out his mountain board and does some summer carving on the nearby hills. For Tarver, mountain boarding is a way to snowboard all year long. The long skateboard with oversized wheels and step-in bindings first caught Tarver’s attention when he was fresh out of military service looking for fun stuff to do. Eventually, his wife bought him the board he still uses today. He went from a gravelly wipeout his first time on a slope to carving through

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adrenaline-pumping speed wobbles at 40 mph. “There’s a rush you get from it,” Tarver said about why he tries activities that aren’t mainstream. “There’s the thrill of doing something new, of ﬁguring it out, getting better at it and bringing other people into the sport. There’s a real camaraderie with it.” Camaraderie is what first roped Tarver into the lesser-known, more crazy adventures he now actively pursues. In the 1990s, he and his brother Pat joined the Condos family — also locally renowned adventurers — for boogie boarding the spring runoff rapids on the Big Goose Creek drop structure near Lewis Street in Sheridan. [Editor’s note: This area is dangerous and not recommended for casual ﬂoating or boating.] It is a tradition the now-grown men carry on each spring. If camaraderie (ahem, peer pressure) isn’t enough to spur the pursuit of a new adventure, there’s always the sheer challenge of it. “Why do it?” Cahhal said. “Why not? My take is if you have to ask why to climb the mountain you’re not the right person to be doing it. You climb it because it’s there.”

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Adventures

ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES Snuggle up to your next journey by Hannah Sheely

ABOVE: Levi Koltiska reads a children’s book about pirates in Ye Olde Book Knook on Sheridan’s Main Street.

he can’t tell you how many adventures she enjoys in a month. Vi Channel has climbed the 26,493-foot summit of Annapurna in the Himalayas then turned around to solve a murder mystery before exploring Australia, “The Sunburnt Country,” all in a few weeks’ time. Adventure doesn’t have to mean backpacks, boats, mud or maps. With a trip to your local bookstore or library, you can go just about anywhere from the comfort of your

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favorite armchair. Or trek to the movie theater, do some carbo-loading at the concession stand, and get lost in a summer blockbuster. Channel, the owner of Ye Olde Book Knook in downtown Sheridan, has customers come in “all the time” seeking a book that will let them escape and go somewhere new and exciting. She sells plenty of true adventure books about real-life travels and expeditions, but Channel would classify any book an armchair adventure if it takes

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the reader away from the here and now. “You completely block out anything around you and you go into this book because those characters are almost like your family now, especially if you’ve already gotten into the book,” Channel said. “They’re a part of my family, and I want to know what’s going to happen.” Like planning an adventure, a trip into a bookstore or library is part of the journey, Channel said. Eyes wide, customers will dive

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You completely block out anything around you and you go into this book because those characters are almost like your family now...

Vi Channel

deep into the back of the store, take a deep breath and exclaim about the old book smell. They will scan titles, trace a line along the book spines like reading a map, pull volumes down and read the covers. “Where should I go today?” they seem to ask themselves. Like a tour guide, Channel is happy to point the way. “A lot of times I can show them where they are, and then I just turn them loose and let them go,” Channel said. Sometimes, taking an armchair adventure leads to packing a bag and pursuing the real thing. A few years ago, a woman came in and bought the book, “Tuscany.” A year later, the same woman was back in the store seeking travel books on Italy. She was ready to trade her armchair for a seat on the plane. Often, the book is the adventure. “I’ll never do mountain climbing, except just up in our mountains up here,” Channel said about books like “Alive,” “Into Thin Air” and “Annapurna.” “The kind of climbing they do on these big, high mountains is so intriguing to me.” Whether the catalyst for a journey, or the journey itself, books open doors. Michelle Havenga, children’s librarian at Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, has spent 30 years guiding children into armchair adventures of their own.

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She delights in helping them get lost in the pages of a book and watching their imaginations bring the characters to life. “We always tell kids the best movie of a book is the one that you make in your head,” Havenga said. Books aren’t the only path to getting away. When Bill Campbell worked at his dad’s movie theater in the 1970s, he stood in the back of the cinema as “Jaws” played just to watch people react to the scene where Hooper is surprised by the sight of Ben Gardner’s half-severed head, eye pecked out, in his sunken ﬁshing boat. “Everybody would jump and throw popcorn like clockwork,” Campbell said. “I’d watch the whole reaction from the audience, watch them on that adventure.” Now the second-generation owner of Centennial Theatre in Sheridan, Campbell still revels in providing armchair adventures for movie-goers. He enjoys watching people gather to jump together, scream together, laugh together and feel embarrassed together. Unless someone has spoiled the plot, each member of every audience gets the chance to turn off real life and journey into a world where each step is new. “That’s the idea of moviegoing is two hours of just… escapism,” Campbell said. “How can it not be an adventure?” WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Adventures

CHACHING! by Ashleigh Fox

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Any time I think there’s a plan in action, you can set budgets and understand how much it’s actually going to cost you.

Devin Peterson

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QUICK TIPS TO CAMP ON THE CHEAP PLAN AHEAD

Know what you need and what you can live without.

THINK FOOD You can never have enough food, according to the Boy Scouts, but sometimes freeze-dried or dehydrated camping foods can be expensive. Make your own or plan meals that can be cooked with few ingredients. PACK LIGHT

Novice campers tend to overpack. Know that you can share gear within your group and pack accordingly.

SHOP SMART

Don’t get wrapped up in the urge (and thrill) to buy all new gear. Look for gently used gear at garage and yard sales, or, if you want something new, wait for it to go on sale at your local outdoors shop.

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FOR THE CHEAP AT HEART

or those unable to afford a lavish camping adventure, inexpensive options remain a top priority when planning a mountain trip. Who better to get tips on camping cheaply, safely and effectively than the Boy Scouts? Aspiring Eagle Scouts Sid Carroll and Brayden Weeder must complete at least 20 camping nights to earn the merit badge required to become Eagle Scouts. The boys focus on a few essential elements while camping – mindful preparation, strategic packing, preparedness and leaving no trace. Craig Blackwell and Devin Peterson, who lead Sheridan Boy Scout Troop 110, far exceed 50 years in combined experience camping. Peterson said participating in Scouts helped him become a “man.” Growing up with three sisters, Scout trips provided his only opportunity for camping and hunting adventures. He learned how to plan effectively, making for cheaper adventures. “I think the best part about the Scouts is you have to be prepared and you have to plan,” Peterson said. “Any time I think there’s a plan in action, you can set budgets and understand how much it’s actually going to cost you.” After making initial plans and

budgeting for a trip, the 17-yearold boys focus on food. “You can never have too much food,” Weeder said. Carroll said planning meals that can be cooked over a campﬁre may be cheaper than purchasing a lot of expensive, dried foods. “Bring cheap things you can cook, like eggs,” Carroll said. After a bout with hypothermia, Blackwell avoids winter camping trips, and makes sure to pack enough socks to ﬁght off the cold. Blackwell’s pack continues to become lighter each year as he learns to pack effectively and focus on the essentials. For Scout trips, he doesn’t bother to pack deodorant, and dwindles clothes down to bare necessities. “I don’t take near as many clothes,” said Blackwell, a Boy Scout for 22 years. “I’d rather smell a little bit than be having to carry an extra 10 or 20 pounds of clothing.” Compact remains key for the boys. “If we go on a hiking trip, you have to learn how to pack your stuff tightly and neatly so you can get to everything,” Carroll said. A canoe camping trip last summer tested the limits for Troop 110. Not only did they have limited space for tents, sleeping bags and the food supply, but the boys also had to contain their gear to

one waterproof bucket or bag. The trips vary for the Troop, from canoe camping trips to 40-mile, four-day backpacking trips in the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Peterson says proper planning will help reduce costs. “The other thing that’s great about the Scouting program is the fact that it allows you to know what you’re going to need. When you go camping, you’re not going to have access. Whatever you pack in, you pack out,” Peterson said. “You become really aware of what you need to be able to be a Boy Scout and to be able to camp effectively and efﬁciently.” Learning how to rely on the basics remains key for keeping peace of mind about the cost of camping. “I think the best thing you can do if you want to learn how to cheaply camp is ﬁgure out how to live in a tent. I feel like it’s a lost art,” Peterson said.

COURTESY PHOTO | CRAIG BLACKWELL

ABOVE: Morgan Blackwell, with Sheridan Boy Scout Troop 110, stands in the campsite during a past camping trip.

Peterson added that the experience helps you recognize what you can live without. The peace that comes with leaving lavish amenities behind helps one enjoy them upon returning. “That’s the best thing about camping,” Peterson said. “It gets you away from everything else and you sure enjoy the shower when you get back.” And while it’s easy for outdoor enthusiasts to get caught up in name brands and expensive gear, Weeder noted his success with catching good deals at local garage and yard sales. “I found this $200 backpack for around $20,” he said. “You can just ﬁnd a lot of camping stuff like boots and tents that other people use that are perfectly ﬁne.” WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Adventures

CITY EXPLORATIONS Need adventure? Open your front door by Hannah Sheely

vid users of the Sheridan pathway system, Bryan Swindell and Camden Easterling Swindell planned to walk to the hospital when it came time to deliver their baby girl nearly two years ago. As it happened, Neva Swindell would have been born on the pathway had her parents decided to take that stroll to Labor and Delivery. They barely made the 90-second drive to Sheridan Memorial Hospital before welcoming Neva outside the emergency room entrance. Still, after evening strolls with their son

Sawyer throughout the pregnancy, the pathway had been the plan. “It’s nice to be active and to have something to do that’s outside, that isn’t sitting in front of the TV, that isn’t using the tablet,” Easterling Swindell said. “I think it’s honestly been some of our best times as a family.” While a pathway birth would have become legend, locals and visitors alike enjoy adventures right outside their front door, every day. Sheridan County is ripe with opportunities for escape and recreation — city adventures, if you will — ﬁt for anyone from mom, dad and kids, to

BELOW: A girl plays in the fountain at Whitney Commons.

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avid cyclists, to the adventurer itching to pull that kayak out of the shed. The area is rich with history, photo opps abound, and with boutiques and antique stores galore, even shopping downtown can be an adventure in discovery. For those seeking to get out on foot, bicycle or boat, look no further than the area’s parks, pathways and water trails. Walkers, joggers and bikers will ﬁnd more than 30 miles of pathway spanning the city north to south and east to west. Much of the pathway system follows Big Goose and Little Goose creeks, offering

a peaceful getaway right in town. Within 20 miles of Sheridan, adventure seekers will find Soldier Ridge Trail, the Red Grade Trails System, Kleenburn Recreation Area and the Tongue River Water Trail. Projects of the Sheridan Community Land Trust, the Soldier Ridge Trail and Red Grade trails offer a non-motorized mountain experience minutes from downtown Sheridan. Soldier Ridge — Neva Swindell’s first hike — is a 4-mile out-and-back trail with 360-degree views located just five minutes west of town. The Red Grade Trails System is located 10 miles south of Sheridan on Highway 335. Phase one offers a 1.8mile looped path open to year-round hiking, biking and snowshoeing at the base of the Bighorn Mountains. SCLT Creative Director Katie Belton said the organization will begin building phase two of the trail this summer. It will offer up to 6 miles of trails and will feature the first bicycle-only route in the system. Eager to fish, boat or simply splash in the water? Kleenburn Recreation Area, located 10 miles northwest of Sheridan, offers a stocked fishing pond open to non-motorized boating. Big Goose

ABOVE: The Swindell family walk along the pathway near Sheridan Memorial Hospital. From left, Bryan Swindell, Sawyer Swindell, Camden Easterling-Swindell and Neva Swindell.

Creek in Kendrick Park is perfect for splashing. (Cap that adventure with ice cream in the park!) Sheridan County also offers several miles of publicly navigable streams. (See page 62 for more information on water adventures.) Looking ahead, SCLT, the city of Sheridan and several partner organizations recently placed 31 acres along Goose Creek north of Sheridan into a conservation easement that will offer a

public park and pathway near the new interstate interchange currently under construction. Each new park, pathway and permanently conserved green space secures the future of city adventures for all. “If you can just let people go and do their own thing, explore and see the beauty in just being out there in this incredible resource we have, they’ll see the value in it,” Belton said.

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Adventures

CITY SPOTS TO EXPLORE 1 DOWNTOWN SHOPPING If adventure is spelled S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G for you, explore downtown Sheridan, Dayton and Ranchester. You will ďŹ nd unique boutiques, art galleries and antique stores, not to mention plenty of options for food, drink and coffee.

Trailhead

Soldier Creek Road

DISC GOLF

The city of Sheridan offers three disc golf courses. Sheltered Acres Park is the easiest and most family friendly; use caution near the creek. The course at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center offers long greens and mountain scenery. The course at Sheridan College is the longest and most challenging. Drive to Story for another fun disc golf excursion at Story Centennial Park.

SOLDIER RIDGE TRAIL Soldier Ridge Trail is a 4-mile out-andback gravel trail with 360-degree views located just ďŹ ve minutes west of town. Walk, jog, mountain bike and ride horses beneath the beauty of the Bighorn Mountains. Find the trailhead on the second left after the pavement turns to gravel on West 5th Street.

RED GRADE TRAILS SYSTEM A project of the Sheridan Community Land Trust, the Red Grade Trails System is located 10 miles south of town, past the town of Big Horn, on Highway 335. Phase one offers a 1.8-mile looped path open to year-round hiking, biking and snowshoeing. It sits at 7,800 feet on state land at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains and offers a mix of shaded forests and open bluffs with a sweeping view of the valley below. Phase two, to be started this summer, will offer up to 6 miles of trails, including a bike-only route. ABOVE: Sheridan Community Land Trust executive director Colin Betzler

leads a tour of the new Red Grade Trail System.

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Soldier Creek Road

4 3 4 2

3 SHERIDAN PATHWAY SYSTEM The city maintains more than 30 miles of pathway, some paved, some gravel, that span the city north to south and east to west. It is perfect for a 10-minute power walk or a couple hours of bike riding and creek exploring. Choose your own adventure.

4 BOATING & FLOATING The Big Goose and Little Goose creeks in Sheridan offer plenty of opportunity for fishing, boating and floating. Consider Leopard Street to Kendrick Park on Big Goose Creek and Sheltered Acres Park to Thorne-Rider Park on Little Goose Creek. The man-made drop feature on Big Goose near the confluence of the two creeks is very dangerous and should be avoided. Find a map and floating advice at rivertrip.sheridanclt.org/map/.

MORE INFO: For interactive maps of Sheridan, see www.SCLT.com

RIGHT: Darian Jenkauski and Hannah Johnson

ﬂoat down Big Goose Creek in an inﬂatable at Kendrick Park.

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Adventures

SOAR ABOVE IT ALL Recreationists take to sky by Chelsea Coli

tanding at almost any point in Sheridan, some portion of the Bighorn Mountains peek from behind a storefront or from over a house. While there’s this constant inclination that physically moving closer to the mountains will give the spectator a remarkable sight, sometimes it takes more than a step back to experience the beauty; sometimes it takes a leap to experience the sense of freedom and exhilaration that only occurs when feet leave the ground.

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HANG GLIDING Johann Nield has six steps to commit to ﬂying before he launches off Sand Turn cliff. At 6,400 feet in elevation, Nield focuses and leaves nothing to chance. After all, a hang glider won’t ﬂy itself; control is up to the pilot. “Your mind has to go to a focal point. It has to basically just look at one point and everything else drifts away,” Nield said. “It’s just you, the wing, the wind sock in front of you and the commitment that you have to make.”

Nield has been hang gliding since the 1970s and ﬂying Sand Turn in the Bighorn Mountains since 1979. He said while originally the activity was littered with fatalities, coining the reputation of a “death sport,” superior equipment and safety standards tightened the bolts, weeded out shifty gear and allowed hang gliding to become a safer sport. The retired 70-year-old runs Wyoming Wings out of Dayton. Nield doesn’t offer tandem ﬂights, as he

BELOW: Johann Nield picks up his hang glider to launch

during the hang gliders ﬂy-in at Sand Turn west of Dayton.

ABOVE: Jim Bowman is the ﬁrst to test the air during a past hang glider ﬂy-in at Sand Turn west of Dayton.

says the leeside of the mountain that Dayton and Sand Turn sit on isn’t conducive to it, but he does offer lessons to those eager to ﬂy. “As a kid you’re jumping out of things, you’re putting sheets on your back, crawling on your house,” Nield said of his lifelong desire to ﬂy. “You’re doing everything you can to break the bonds of earth.” During lessons, Nield said students start on smaller hills to get a feel for the glider and learn how to control it. He said lessons can last for hours, essentially as long as the student wants to stay out, and move as fast as the student learns, increasing altitude with ability. Once a pilot is ready, it’s time to launch from Sand Turn.

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Nield said the rising air, or thermals, the Bighorns produce on the leeside can cause gliders to climb anywhere from 500 feet a minute to 1,000 feet a minute from launch. The highest Nield said he’s reached is about 11,000 feet above launch. He said this altitude boasts spectacular views. From the air, the pilot can see the backside of the Bighorns, Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area and the curvature of the Montana border, thus leading the location to be one more about beauty than challenge. “It’s a beautiful place to fly because you can fly above the mountain for hours,” Nield said, “fly out to Dayton, land, pick up everything else and go out and have supper.”

Nield said the sport is also a great meditation that separates the pilot from everyday stresses. He said it takes the pilot into a fourth dimension, where he can go up and down, sideways and around in circles without hitting anything but air. He said the pilot is only within the restraints of his or her

own skills. It all adds to the beauty he holds so dear to him once his feet leave the ground. “There’s nothing in here except you and the air,” Nield said. “And when you land that stuff don’t come back, it don’t come back into you, it’s gone. It’s a new day.”

It’s just you, the wing, the wind sock in front of you and the commitment that you have to make.

Johann Nield

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Adventures

HOT AIR BALLOONING Hot air balloon pilot Ginny Holcomb doesn’t let go of all control, but she does leave much up to Mother Nature. Hot air balloon flying, the balloon pilot said, is different than other types of flying because the pilot can only control the up and down of the balloon; the rest is determined by the weather conditions. “So how fast we go, is how fast the wind blows,” Holcomb said. Holcomb, who’s been flying for about nine years, owns Cloud Peak Ballooning in Sheridan. She said wind blows at different speeds and directions at different altitudes, so to navigate, she ascends or descends the balloon to altitudes with appropriate wind directions. During outings, riders get to help set up her balloon, named Feelin’ Groovy, fly around for about an hour and a half and enjoy a champagne

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ceremony with Holcomb and her crew of seasoned balloon pilots. While she said she has about eight weather sites she checks regularly before flights, a lot is left to years of trial and error and relating weather conditions to what actually happens during flight. She said the dangers come when making decisions about weather conditions and when to fly. As long as the pilot is aware and experienced, she said, there’s more chance of getting into a car accident than there is a hot air balloon accident. Holcomb said she’s a conservative pilot; she’s not out for risky flights, just for the rider to have a good time observing the landscape from a different perspective. “My goal for any flight that we take,” Holcomb said, “is that my passengers think it’s the coolest thing they’ve ever done.”

My goal for any ﬂight that we take is that my passengers think it’s the coolest thing they’ve ever done.

Ginny Holcomb

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ABOVE: In this sequence of photos, The Fireﬂy

system hot air balloon called “Feelin’ Groovy” rises upright and takes off above Westview Health Care Center off Big Goose Road.

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ABOVE: The old Taylor School building and North Main street are seen from the hot air balloon.

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Adventures

FLOAT, PADDLE, DIVE Find adventure in local streams, lakes by Hannah Sheely

ith the Bighorn Mountains beckoning, it is easy to look west for adventure in Sheridan County. The mountains are a plentiful playground, but local paddler Don Crecelius urges people to also look east — and right below their feet — to the region’s streams and lakes. Kayaking, paddle boarding and even scuba diving make getting

onto — and into — local waters a burgeoning option for adventure. Crecelius is a board member for the Sheridan Community Land Trust and has spent decades exploring local waters in his canoe. He has been an integral contributor to SCLT’s Tongue River Water Trail project, an effort to improve ﬂoating conditions and promote access on the region’s publicly navigable waterways. When Crecelius moved to Sher-

idan in the late 1970s, its waterways were neglected, serving as dump sites for cars and concrete. “There was no appreciation of what a great resource it is in a semi-arid area to have this really beautiful stream coming off the mountains,” Crecelius said. However, attitudes are changing. In 2008, Sheridan County identiﬁed a “water trail” along the Tongue River and Goose creeks in

BELOW: Tongue River Elementary teacher Jesse Hinkhouse pulls Piper Walter and Cole Kukuchka’s kayak onto the

shore during Tongue River Elementary’s Outdoor Education Camp at Sibley Lake in the Bighorn Mountains.

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its comprehensive plan. In 2009, a poll used to guide the city’s updated Parks and Recreation Master Plan found that 30 percent of respondents considered canoe/ kayak launch sites the most needed recreation facility in Sheridan. It was the second-highest facility requested, indicating an uptick in interest in water sports. In 2011, the land trust received a grant to assess publicly-navigable waters and create a plan that examines improvement opportunities along prime stretches of public water. The eventual goal is formal designation of the Tongue River Water Trail as a national water trail, or blueway, that connects access sites, resting places and attractions for users of non-motorized watercraft. The hope is to further enhance Sheridan’s quality of life by providing a high quality recreational experience for new and experienced boaters alike.

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Currently the Tongue River, Big Goose Creek, Little Goose Creek and Goose Creek offer nearly 90 miles of navigable water in Sheridan County. Recreationists should be aware, however, that only a few prime stretches are currently free and clear of obstructions and hazards. The bulk of Tongue River Water Trail streams sections traverse private property and contain obstructions like fences and diversion structures. SCLT is working with landowners to promote access and knowledge of Wyoming’s stream access and navigable water law, which allows for boaters to portage around in-water fences and other hazards. SCLT is also working with recreational boaters to be respectful of private property as they enjoy the public water resource. While Crecelius has floated many streams in the area, including the Powder, Big Horn,

The Tongue River is so convenient and so local. Other than spring runoff, it’s friendly for families.

Don Crecelius

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Yellowstone and Little Missouri rivers, one of his favorite ﬂoats is a half-day trip starting on Goose Creek near the old Acme town site, converging onto the Tongue River and ending at the BLM Welch Recreation Area. “The Tongue River is so convenient and so local. Other than spring runoff, it’s friendly for families,” Crecelius said, noting it is rated mostly as Class 1 waters with a few stretches of Class 2. Besides the scenic values on the Tongue River, Crecelius also appreciates the historic events that happened along its banks. The area is rich with stories of Indian wars and the Wild West of peo-

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Adventures ple’s imaginations. If the spray from a few rapids isn’t wet enough, there’s always scuba diving. High Mountain Divers owner and instructor Rick Stephens said there is a surprising number of Sheridan area residents who don mask and tank to explore the depths of the region’s waters. Even so, scuba diving is not people’s ﬁrst — or second or third — thought when seeking an adventure in Wyoming. “People are still surprised we’re here,” Stephens said. He hopes that will change. Diving is a stimulating way to explore, providing up-close-and-personal

views of the area’s gilled wildlife and lake and stream ecosystems. Stephens ﬁnds Lake DeSmet, 28 miles south of Sheridan and 110 feet deep, endlessly fascinating, especially on a night dive when the ﬁsh get even closer. High Mountain Divers also takes students on trips to explore Yellowstone Lake and the waters of the Caribbean. “You can have great experiences in local water,” Stephens said. “There’s nothing like a night dive in fresh water in DeSmet. You come up, and the stars are out, and there’s hardly any lights, and it’s a wonderful way to experience a Wyoming night.”

HAVE BOAT, WILL FLOAT Whether you buy or borrow a canoe or kayak, there are plenty of opportunities to get on local streams and float. Check out two recommended floats below. Before your adventure, see rivertrip.sheridanclt.org for an online Tongue River Water Trail trip planner or call the Sheridan Community Land Trust at 307-673-4702 for more information. Other water adventures include boating, floating or paddle boarding on area lakes such as Lake DeSmet, Tongue River Reservoir, the Kleenburn Recreation Area ponds and Sibley Lake.

DIVE INTO LOCAL WATERS Curious about scuba diving but afraid to commit to certification? Check out the “Discover Scuba” class held monthly at the Sheridan County YMCA. Classes are typically held the fourth Saturday of each month from 9-11 a.m. The fee is $25 for members and $40 for non-members. Call the YMCA at 307-674-7488 for current class dates. If you decide you like scuba diving, High Mountain Divers offers basic open water certification on up to advanced, rescue, dive master and instructor certifications. For more information, call High Mountain Divers at 307-751-3782.

TRIP 1

ABOVE: Autumn McHenry, left, and Trenton Smith try to maneuver their canoe after brushing against Kyle Breen’s ride on Rotary Park Pond. BELOW: Tamie Simmons, top, and Kaileigh Winder react

to a large splash of water while on a kayak outing at the Kleenburn Recreation Area.

Little Goose Creek from Sheltered Acres Park to Thorne-Rider Park Length: 3.2 miles Float time: 1-1.5 hours Launch: Accessible but undeveloped site in Sheltered Acres Park south of pathway near tennis courts End: Accessible but undeveloped site in ThorneRider Park west of pathway, near baseball fields Beware: Shallow water in Little Goose concrete chute on Dow Street between North Gould and North Brooks streets Alternative route: Add an extra mile by floating to North Park where you will find an accessible but undeveloped access site. Beware the diversion structure just prior to the takeout. Also note that the stream beyond this point is not recommended for floating.

TRIP 2 Goose Creek and Tongue River between old Acme town site and Welch Recreation Area Length: Approximately 11 miles Float time: 4-5 hours Launch: In-use but undeveloped site on Goose Creek north of Acme Road bridge near old Acme town site End: Accessible and developed site on Tongue River in BLM Welch Recreation Area west of Decker Highway bridge Beware: Diversion structure 1 mile prior to takeout at Welch Recreation Area 68

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Camaraderie OF ADVENTURE

our women stood at the foot of Emerald Lake, 5.4 miles of trail behind them, and shrugged out of heavy packs. They scanned the dark clouds piling high like the stacks of work each had left behind on this adventure into the mountains. It was going to rain. They unfurled tents and rolled out sleeping bags with haste. The clouds, heavy with the icy air at 10,250 feet, unleashed just as the four women crawled into one small tent and sighed. They’d made it. The expected rain was actually hail, small pebbles drumming the nylon over their heads. That kind of music could only call for one thing: whiskey. Shots poured, one woman stretched her hand out of the tent, grabbed some hail and plopped it in her whiskey to cool it. The other three quickly followed. Jenae Neeson knew then that this

group of friends was special. “It was such a perfect combination, it feels rare,” Neeson said. That first night on that first trip — 14 miles over Edelman Pass and to the Lakes of the Rough in the Bighorn Mountains — cemented an annual backpacking tradition each woman anticipates eagerly and guards fiercely. “We all meshed so perfectly that now we won’t let anybody else join us,” Neeson said. After expressing such exclusivity, Neeson tried to soften it — “I don’t know if there’s a nice way to say that” — but realized she couldn’t. The bonds forged between the four friends through the challenges, victories and shared beauty of exploring together are so strong and so worthy of protecting, there was no apology. That is the camaraderie of adventure.

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by Hannah Sheely

It was such a perfect combination, it feels rare.

Jenae Neeson

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RIGHT: Kameron Condos and his climbing companions

pause atop the summit of Denali Peak in Alaska.

LEFT: Wendy Smith, Julie Greer and Jenae Neeson take

in the beauty of the Bighorns on a backpacking trip.

ALL PHOTOS IN THIS STORY COURTESY PHOTOS | JENAE NEESON OR KAMERON CONDOS

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Camaraderie

THE JOURNEY BEGINS WITH THE DREAM Like any good adventure, his excursion to transverse Denali with three friends began as a half-joke, half-dream before it became a do-or-die commitment over a couple beers. “We ﬁnally got enough gear and guts to go ahead and try it,” local adventurer Kameron Condos said. That was in 2009. Two years later, after extensive planning that took enough time and effort to be a second job, the friends set out in April 2011 to trek the 20,310-foot peak deep in the heart of Alaska. Planning what to put in each man’s 150-180 pounds of gear took mountains of emails and phone calls. The men had to ﬁgure out food, cookware, medicine, maps, electronic gear, clothing and shelter for 40 days in

sub-zero temperatures. They sent most of their gear to a dogsled company more than a month before departure to have it placed on the Muldrow Glacier for retrieval. After snowshoeing 30 miles to reach the cache, each man carried approximately 20 pounds in a backpack and pulled the remaining 150 pounds on a sled, usually ferrying along each day’s route in two trips to split the load. The logistics were daunting, but dreaming and scheming are part of any journey. It was when Condos and his friends — a childhood buddy, a college pal and the college pal’s acquaintance from a trek up Aconcagua in Argentina — began to build the ties that would hold them together in the life-or-death situations to come.

ABOVE: Kameron Condos and his companions

hike along Denali.

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FURTHER IN Julie Greer is the planner, and Neeson is the dragger. It’s been that way since they were 5 years old, a push-and-pull relationship where Greer strategizes the adventure and Neeson pulls her into situations that weren’t in the plan. Adding two more friends to the mix — fellow career women and storytellers — made a perfect square of complementary personalities. If the women were Star Wars characters, they decided, they would have Han Solo, Princess Leia, Yoda and C-3PO trekking up the mountain. Each woman strong on her own became even stronger bound together in adventure. Pretense and expectations came down when the women set off on their ﬁrst trip. “None of us are super fit,” Neeson said. “We work too hard, maybe drink too much. We’re

not proud of our physiques. But the fact that we’re all in that situation makes it less intimidating.” With only an end goal to achieve, each day could be as driven or relaxed as any woman desired. Little conversation was given to venting about work; this trip was for deepening friendships and letting the world drop away the further in they climbed. This trip was for pulling off boots and cooling tired feet in a stream that made music with the wind in the trees. It was for skipping over rocks to get one more photograph, for silence together gazing at vista after vista, for soul-baring over bottles of wine worth the extra pack weight, for skinny dipping. “Each of us play a key role that helps us go further, go deeper into the wilderness and feel conﬁdent about it,” Neeson said.

EXPOSED IN THE ELEMENTS Mountains, like life, are full of ups and downs. And like drilling a well to reach clean water, it is the lows that drive friendship deeper and make it satisfying. On the last day of their ﬁrst trip in the Bighorns, Neeson sprained her ankle. Her friends loaned her their hiking poles and encouraged her down the mountain. On every trip, the women must bear with each other’s weaknesses, no matter how small or large. When someone puts on her grumpy pants in

the morning, they bear with her. When someone is tired, they let her rest. When someone hurts on the inside, they soothe her wounds with listening ears. “There’s moments around dinner, around the whiskey and hail, that some of those personal moments come out, personal struggles,” Neeson said. “You’re so exposed to yourself in the elements. Those are the places it’s nice to get it out and share it with someone who’s there for you.”

WITH LESSER FRIENDS… On Denali, sickness plagued three of the four men from the start. Condos did not get sick but felt deeply the stress of keeping everyone safe — and alive — as their north to south traverse of Denali proved why it was not the traditional route. A third of the way in, safety started to deteriorate as the men struggled through differing opinions on how to navigate dangerous terrain. They were tired, grumpy and calorie-starved. After climbing up the Great Ice Fall and back down to get their second load, the men rested, quiet but not peaceful. Tense nerves strung between

them, threatening to snap if plucked too hard. Condos called a powwow. The men talked about how they needed to calm down and get along for everyone’s safety and decided together what food to dump down a crevasse to lighten their loads. “With lesser situations, lesser friends and lesser dynamics, we would have probably perished in certain situations we got ourselves into,” Condos said. “That comes down to camaraderie, understanding each other, the deepness of the friendships and what we would do for that other person instead of being selﬁsh.”

TOP: Two tents that would house four women hikers are nestled

into the rocks near Emerald Lake.

BOTTOM: The climbing party’s camp on Muldrow Glacier.

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With lesser situations, lesser friends and lesser dynamics, we would have probably perished in certain situations we got ourselves into.

Kameron Condos

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LEFT: From left, Julie Greer, Jenae Neeson, Wendy Smith and Kristen Czaban gather for a photo on their second hike into the Cloud Peak Wilderness.

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Camaraderie

OUT OF THE WILD

FROZEN TEARS It didn’t matter that they were grown men toughened by 30 days of climbing, eating and sleeping in the harsh ice and wind of Denali. It didn’t matter that they’d snipped and grumped at each other or that they still had 10 days left of the challenges Denali would throw at them on the trip down. Condos and his friends

had made the summit together, and they would cry there together. “We weren’t bawling, but there were tears freezing to the face,” Condos said. “If you zoom in on the photos, you’ll see frozen tears on the cheeks. To be comfortable enough with three other adults to let those emotions happen shows that it’s a real neat moment, a real successful moment.”

ABOVE: The climbing party crossing the Alaskan

tundra prior to ascent.

BELOW: Julie Greer, Wendy Smith and Kristen Czaban pause

for a snack near a trail in the Cloud Peak Wilderness.

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Christopher McCandless, who perished after journeying into the wilds of Alaska alone, scribbled these words in the margin of the book “Doctor Zhivago” before his lonely death: “Happiness only real when shared.” Even though McCandless threw off societal and relational restraints in his quest for meaning, many feel the expression was his ultimate lesson learned. Our happiness does not depend on others, but it is given greater life in their presence. Condos and Neeson share the sentiment. “I remember the trips with friends more than by myself,” Condos said of his adventures, whether in Alaska for 40 days or in the Bighorns for an afternoon. “I think it’s that reason. It’s

because humans crave interaction whether they think they do or not. They do.” Neeson and her friends keep their relationship strong out of the wild, too. They chit-chat about a day’s ins and outs through group texting and strive to get together every few weeks. “Adventure would be all of our middle names,” Neeson said. “I love doing things on my own, but if you have someone who is just an easy partner…” Her voice trailed off, lost in memories of adventures together. “…Knowing the other person sees exactly the beauty you see in this rare place, it’s nice to experience that together and know you got there because of each other.”

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Adventures

MORE THAN A DISABILITY Finding alternative adventures by Ashleigh Fox

heridan prides itself on fostering opportunities for outdoor recreation. For those who live different lifestyles due to mental or physical disabilities, outdoor activities can be frustrating, but local programs and amenities can alleviate the obstacles for those seeking to explore.

ADVENTURING IN SHERIDAN

Chloe Laumann, a 15-yearold resident of Sheridan and avid athlete, was diagnosed with a developmental delay when she was 2 years old. Both Laumann’s ﬁne and gross motor skills are affected, which makes both small and big muscle movements difﬁcult. Those aspects of her life do nothing to stop her from enjoying the outdoors, both with groups in the area and with family.

“Chloe remains very active in Special Olympics year round,” Laumann’s mother, Danielle, said in an email. The spring brings basketball and track competition for Laumann, practicing two days a week in three-on-three basketball, the tennis ball throw, 25-, 50- and 100-meter dashes and long jump. In addition to consistent practice with one of the few Special Olympics teams in Sheridan, Laumann also participates in Children, Horses and Adults in PartnerShip equine assisted therapy one day per week throughout the spring and summer. “This…helps with her balance, coordination and strengthening her core,” Danielle Laumann said. “Horse therapy for her has helped her in so many ways. She often struggles with posture and back pain and riding a horse helps her to sit upright and use her core muscles necessary for

BELOW: Matthew Elkins-Graham brushes his favorite horse at

CHAPS Equine Assisted Therapy.

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balance and good health posture.” In addition to physical aid, Laumann said her daughter has become more independent and confident in her riding skills and horse knowledge. She will also compete in equine events through the Special Olympics. When not competing in organized programs, Chloe Laumann swims at Kendrick Park, walks the family’s Bernese mountain dog along the walking paths throughout Sheridan and ﬁshes at Mavrakis Pond and Sibley Lake. “She loves to fish and has amazing patience for it,” her mother said. “She prides in catching her ﬁsh and also eating them.”

HUNTING DOWN THE ROAD Dustin DeCroo and Rich Sweeny run Bighorn Outfitters in Buffalo. They lead hunting and fishing adventures in the Bighorn Mountains and occasionally are given the opportunity to guide hunters with physical disabilities. Both DeCroo and Sweeny helped conduct hunts through the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the Wounded Warriors Project before purchasing the company together. After buying Bighorn Outfitters, they continued serving hunters with disabilities and already have their next hunt planned for the fall. “We’ve had everything from wounded vets to old age running its course with some folks,” DeCroo said. “We’ve had anything

COURTESY PHOTO | DANIELLE LAUMANN

ABOVE: Chloe Laumann shows her prized catch

while ﬁshing at Sibley Lake.

from archery elk hunters with neuropathy or something similar to folks that are 100 percent in a wheelchair.” Bighorn Outfitters ensures ADA compliance with all of its facilities. DeCroo said the team remains fortunate to work in this area of Wyoming, as much of the hunting grounds remain easily accessible to those with physical disabilities. “Pretty much what any outfitter guide does is knowing what animals are around and figuring out the easiest way to get them,” DeCroo said. “It’s not a whole lot different with a hunter that’s got specific challenges versus any other hunter.” The job of a hunting guide requires a lot of giving, as guides hunt with and for others’ benefit, leaving limited time for personal hunting. “But, you get to experience it with other people and they get the excitement from it,” DeCroo said. “That’s where that comes from, and it’s cool to be able to extend that to people that really may not have that opportunity just because of physical or mental disabilities. To be able to be part of that is pretty rewarding, a pretty humbling experience.” The sympathetic reactions to people with physical or mental disabilities on the street disappear in the Bighorn Outfitters territory. “The hunt is focused on that individual and we all have a common goal,” DeCroo said. “It’s not about what, ‘We wish that you could do it this way,’ it’s about, ‘Alright, this is the way we’re going to do it and it’s going to work because that’s how we need it to work.’ It’s always a positive situation.” Helping those with disabilities enjoy outdoor adventures propels DeCroo forward with each different hunt. “The individuals themselves have been ecstatic,” DeCroo said. “It’s been really cool to be on that side of it to where you get to see, you get to help somebody experience life the way that we do it ourselves.” WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Adventures

WESTERN ADVENTURES

Experience something different and step back in time

ALL PHOTOS IN THIS STORY ARE COURTESY PHOTOS | DOUBLE RAFTER CATTLE DRIVES

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by Kristin Magnusson

estern adventures come in many different packages — rustic camping or a homey lodge, cowboys on horseback or the thrill of the hunt. Any way you dream it, Sheridan and surrounding open spaces likely have it. Double Rafter Cattle Drives offers an authentic 1880s cattle drive experience, with six weeklong trips to the mountains per year between July 1 and Oct. 1, as regulated by the U.S. Forest Service. The trips are grueling and physically demanding. The lack of electricity demands cooking with Dutch ovens and coals. “We don’t do it any differently than what was done 125 years ago,” Double Rafter Cattle Drives owner Dana Kerns said. The ﬁrst trip up the mountain is brutal because cattle don’t walk well in the heat, Kerns said. The day begins at 3:30 a.m. saddling in the dark; breakfast is at 4:30 a.m. and the cattle drive begins at sunrise. There is no guarantee you’ll stop for lunch. If there is a hail storm, everyone heads to the timber to wait it out. If it’s raining, you keep pushing the cows. The day ends when the cattle arrive at their destination, which could be after dark. People sleep in tents and the

camp is broken down, moved to a new location and set back up two or three times per week. It is an opportunity to see what ranching life is like day in and day out. Rangeland Adventures offers guided camping and horseback trips and outfitted hunting trips with owner and guide Brant Hilman. Ellen Allemand oversees the lodge — the cooking, making sure the rooms are cleaned and ranch work. She also guides hunts and mountain horseback riding and camping trips. The outfit has a USFS lease 10 miles north of Bear Lodge with five sleeping tents and an enclosed cook shack with a sink and gas stove. The camp is complete with portable toilets and a shower. The camp provides riding, fishing, hiking, sleeping and unlimited photography opportunities. Allemand said she does trips for women, some family vacations and hunts for bear and elk at the camp, providing a client draws a tag for that area, which is hard to do. Hunting with Rangeland Adventures is not a rustic experience. When hunters arrive, they get settled into their rooms at the lodge and then go out and sight in their rifles. They go for a drive to places where they will hunt to scope for animals. The hunts are all on private land.

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Adventures

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We invite hunters to come spend time at the lodge and be part of our life. They can go out and feed the bum lambs or gather eggs. It’s an experience that is a change from their daily lives.

Ellen Allemand

“We invite hunters to come spend time at the lodge and be part of our life,” Allemand said. “They can go out and feed the bum lambs or gather eggs. It’s an experience that is a change from their daily lives.” Cattle ranches, dude and guest ranches and hunting have all been an integral part of Sheridan County culture since the late 1800s. The Kerns family homesteaded in the Ranchester-Parkman area in 1887. In 1888, they were the first to start trailing cattle to graze in what would become the Bighorn National Forest in 1890. The Hilman family had the first dude ranch in Sheridan County, first taking in paying guests in 1889. Eatons’ Ranch followed suit when they moved their existing operation from Medora, North Dakota, to Wolf, Wyoming, in 1904. For the first 20 years of the 20th century there was a boom of guest and dude ranches, Sheridan County Museum director John Woodward said. Some started off like Eatons’, transplanting a dude operation started elsewhere.

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Others started as working cattle operations and evolved into dude ranches. Still others started off as a mountain retreat or a mountain lodge. The Great Depression affected the people from the East Coast that were used to going to Florida to lavish resorts. They couldn’t afford it anymore. But, they found they could afford a week at a Wyoming dude ranch. The dude ranches of that era offered dances, theatrical productions and other activities. Guests moved from ranch to ranch, mingling and having a good time. Time spent at ranches were social events even publicized through newsletters as to who was there and what they were doing. After World War II, airfare became more affordable and the old luxury destinations became popular again, resulting in a slow decline in dude ranch popularity. Today, dude and guest ranches provide the opportunity for people to step back in time, forget all the problems they have back home, relax and experience a different life for a week. Hunting in Wyoming can also offer an escape

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from day-to-day life. Hunting has been part of the Western culture since trappers ﬁrst explored the Sheridan area and homesteaders arrived and lived off the land, Wyoming Game and Fish Department wildlife management coordinator Lynn Jahnke said. Grandfathers take their grandchildren hunting year after year, and families gather from near and far for hunting adventures. People come to hunt the Sheridan area for the vistas and the ability to hunt animals they may not have in their home state, such as elk, antelope or mule deer. “For many hunters, especially those that have hunted for a few years, you’ll often hear them say it’s not so much harvesting the animal as just the experience,” Jahnke said. “Getting out there, putting their daily work-life behind them and recreating.” Hunting game, having it processed or processing it yourself and enjoying the meat and memories for the rest of the year, that connection with the past is part of the experience for many people who visit and live in the area.

Adventures

MOUNTAIN BIKING ADVENTURES

Ride a freedom machine through the landscape by Kristin Magnusson

hether streaking down a gravel road or maneuvering along a mountain trail, cycling adventures are a great way to take in the landscape and recapture the freedom you experienced when you kicked off your training wheels and had two wheels of your own to explore the world — or your neighborhood — for the ﬁrst time. Many trails exist within pedaling distance of Sheridan, on the vast expanse of gravel roads throughout the county, as well as hundreds of miles of trails in the Bighorn Mountains. The Sheridan Community Land Trust is working to create an infrastructure of trail systems that can be accessed quickly from town, such as Soldier Ridge Trail and the Red Grade Trail System. “You don’t have to load up and go,

you can ride from pretty much anywhere in town to access the Soldier Ridge Trail,” Back Country Bike and Mountain Works owner Jeff Stine said. Bomber Mountain Cycling Club president Jordan LeDuc said the fastest growing genre of cycling is gravel road riding. It is appealing because there is less trafﬁc, it’s accessible and there are miles of it, not just here in the Bighorns but across the country. The Bomber Mountain Cycling Club has night road rides on Tuesdays and night mountain bike rides on Fridays throughout the summer. The club also participates in several bicycling events including the Christmas Roll poker run; Biketoberfest; the Story Community Fun Ride; the Beaver Creek Slog; the MS150, which is a 150-mile road tour, not a race, to raise money

RIGHT: Andrew Walton turns a corner for the bike

race during the Summer Festival at the Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area.

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LEAVE NO TRACE

KEY PRINCIPLES

In order to guarantee future generations will be able to enjoy the vast open areas and the wilderness in the future, outdoor recreationists are taught the Leave No Trace principles, essentially the golden rules of outdoor fun. There are seven principles and any number of anagrams to help you remember. They apply to all outdoor activities.

1 Plan and prepare — Carry a map and know where you’re going. Know the regulations for the area you plan to visit; be prepared for weather changes, emergencies, etc.

2 Travel and camp on durable surfaces — Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams and remember that good campsites are found, not made.

3 Dispose of waste properly — The basic thing to remember is pack it in, pack it out. Take all trash out with you; deposit all solid human waste in catholes 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

4 Leave what you ﬁnd — Preserve the past and protect the future by leaving artifacts, structures, etc. where they are. Leave rocks, plants and other objects as you ﬁnd them.

5 Minimize campfire impacts — Use established campfire rings where fires are permitted and keep fires small. Ensure your campfire is completely out before you leave.

6 Respect wildlife — Observe those gorgeous critters from a distance. Don’t feed them and don’t let your pet harass them.

7 Be considerate of other visitors — Be courteous; step aside when encountering pack stock; take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors; avoid making or creating loud noises.

MORE INFO: www.LNT.org WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Adventures

for Multiple Sclerosis; and the Lion’s Club road ride, put on by the Lions Club to beneﬁt a camp for the blind in Casper. In addition, the club is sponsoring a 100-mile gravel road race this summer, called the Dead Swede Hundo, organized by the Black Tooth Brewing Company and Sheridan Bicycle Company, which LeDuc hopes will rival the Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Run in popularity. Bighorn National Forest trails coordinator Sara Evans Kirol said there is a variety of trail opportunities in the mountains that are single track and motorized trails that people can use for mountain biking. People can ride on four-wheel drive roads, so there are quite a lot of miles people can cover on two wheels. Some of the popular mountain spots include Tongue River

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Canyon out of Dayton, Clear Creek Trail out of Buffalo, Bench Trail in Shell Canyon and Red Grade Trail, Stine said. Evans Kirol said Bench Trail was rebuilt and designed with mountain biking standards in mind. It covers 10 miles of trail starting high in elevation and goes through different habitat zones, ending at a lower elevation in a juniper forest at Pole Creek Picnic Area. She added that Trail 205 out of Buffalo in the Grouse Mountain area, was funded by the city of Buffalo and is designed for mountain biking with nice climbing turns and hills. “Clear Creek out of Buffalo is an up and back ride, which is good for all levels of riders,” Stine said. “Tongue River Canyon is a little bit more toward the advanced side. It’s steep, rocky and technical. It is not a ride that a novice mountain

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ABOVE: Eric Barkan, left, follows Melissa Marsh on Soldier Creek Trail in the 25-mile mountain bike race during the Biketober Fest fundraiser.

biker is going to enjoy.” Evans Kirol said mountain trails are classed 1 to 5 with 1 being very primitive and 5 fully developed. “Over a third of the trails are trail class 3,” Evans Kirol said. “Those trails have defined tread, not as many obstacles or junctions that are not signed. Trail class 1 and 2 are harder with more protrusion, more rocks, tighter switchbacks, more turns and more on the primitive side, such as the tread being gone, like in a meadow.” Before hitting the trails, it is important to be prepared for the adventure. “Make sure your bike is in worthy operating condition — the air pressure in the tires are good and the drive train components are shifting properly,” Stine said. “Also, be prepared for the weather, such as sudden storms in the summer time and choose a trail that is suited for your riding level.” Evans Kirol suggests carrying a travel repair kit that fits in a pouch in your backpack or bike seat with tools and an extra tube in case you must change a flat tire or your chain

comes off. LeDuc said most people should be prepared with a hydration pack with a water bladder so you don’t have to carry a water bottle, as well as a pump, ﬁrst aid kit, food and energy gels. Evans Kirol also recommends taking a map with you in case you come to an intersection that isn’t marked with a sign. She said there is an interactive visitor map available on the U.S. Forest Service home page, www.fs.fed.us, that allows the user to click on a trail to learn the name of the trail, trail class, physical grade and what it is managed for. Other advice includes letting people know where you are going and when you expect to be back, wearing a helmet, staying on the trail with your bicycle and practicing “Leave No Trace” principles. “Bicycling is ‘the freedom machine,’” LeDuc said. “It takes you back to your childhood days. It clears your mind. It’s a fantastic way to see our landscape, not only in the Bighorns, but anywhere. It’s healthy; it’s fun; it’s ﬁtness.”

GEARING UP by Mike Pruden

s adventurous as it may be to roam the wilderness with nothing but the shirt on your back, it’s not the most practical and deﬁnitely not the safest. Planning your trips ahead of time and securing the right gear will make the trip much more enjoyable in the long run. Each camper has his or her own preferences for what is important and what can be left in the garage, and with practice comes a discovery of what works best. Under-packing can lead to a miserable, shortened trip, and over-packing can lead to a sore back. While the gear often piles up as the adventures build — both in quantity and experience — here are some of the standard materials you’ll want to gather for each trip into the wild:

HIKING Oftentimes, you’ll have to hike into your camping spot. No car means no trunk, which means the gear gets carried on your back. You’ll want a lightweight yet sturdy backpack. Try them on; find one that will be comfortable for long excursions. A nice pack will carry just about everything you need on your trip and should automatically force you to eliminate some of the unnecessary items. It doesn’t hurt to keep a first-aid kit in your pack, as well, including sufficient supplies of sun block and bug spray, among other items.

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SLEEPING The Wyoming wilderness provides great opportunities to sleep under the stars, but the elevation also lends itself to frigid temperatures. You’ll want to have a nice sleeping bag to provide warmth when the sun sets. It also provides some cushion between yourself and the hard ground — a blow-up sleeping pad is lightweight and compactable and adds even more comfort at night. A small tent is necessary, too, to absorb the frequent changes in the elements — rain, wind and, yes, snow. It’s a good place to store stuff at night, as well. A small lantern will help in situations where you can’t build a ﬁre.

NUTRITION Food is heavy, but you’ll need it to get through your day. Packing a small camping stove, a couple of pots and bowls and some utensils will allow you to cook on the ﬂy, rather than carry bulky snacks in your pack. You’ll want to bring a water bottle and a water ﬁlter, both for drinking and cooking. Don’t forget a lighter to light the stove.

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HISTORY IN HOUSING by Chelsea Coli

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They’re getting that ranch type of thing where they’re sleeping in the woods, in a bed.

Shelley Wilson Kinnison

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BELOW: The Kinnisons keep a tiny house and bunkhouse on their property

as lodging for guests.

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rom the acres of famed ranches that dot Sheridan’s landscape to the Western and time-honored Wyoming way of life, history runs through the veins of this small city. That history has a way of making itself known in modern life. Locals and visitors alike take to the roads, plains and mountains in vehicles and homes of all shapes, sizes and storied pasts. Shelley Wilson Kinnison took the age-old tradition of ranch bunkhouses and modernized the concept to create a space for travelers who want to get closer to nature while keeping modern comforts. “They can be outside,” Kinnison said about staying in the bunkhouse she updated. “…So they’re getting that ranch type of thing where they’re sleeping in the woods, in a bed.” As one facet of Kinnison’s Born in a Barn guest ranch — which also includes a large

barn for events, a 1950s Shasta trailer and a tiny house that can all be rented out — the bunkhouse has a queen and twin-size bed, wood stove, bathroom and small kitchen with apartment-sized appliances. With fewer people staying on the property at a time, Kinnison said staying on the guest ranch, regardless of what housing is rented, gives the occupant a more private stay than they’d ﬁnd on a dude ranch. “They’re not here to have a dude ranch experience at my place,” Kinnison said. “It’s just, you know, we want to be out in the country where it’s quiet and pretty and enjoy that kind of thing.” Each type of lodging brings its own story to the guest ranch, but it’s the bunkhouse that embraces true cowboy life. “All of these ranches, they used to have bunkhouses,” Kinnison said, explaining that most only had beds and bathrooms, and some even less than that. The bunkhouses were exclusively for hired help and the cowboys working for the ranchers would sleep there, then eat meals prepared by the rancher’s wife or cook in the main house or cookhouse. She said today, on some of the big ranches that are still in service, bunkhouses sit unused as the days of hired cowboys

have largely come and gone. “Everybody has their own place now,” Kinnison said, “and they don’t have these traveling cowboy situations like they used to.” Born in a Barn includes another type of sleeping shelter that brings with it its own ties to history and the Wyoming way of life: a sheep wagon. While Kinnison said they don’t rent out the sheep wagon for stays, it is equipped with a full-size bed and drawers for an enthusiastic adventurer to spend the night. Linda Mccoul also had the idea of restoring a sheep wagon, but soon realized she wanted something a little more glamourous. The idea evolved into building the feminine version of one: a gypsy wagon, as she calls it. “In like the 1800s…people lived in them but they used them for different things like carts to sell brooms,” Mccoul said, explaining that hers is ﬁlled with feminine trinkets like costume jewelry, gypsy beads, shawls and lingerie. Mccoul said she started with an old John Deere hay wagon that her husband took apart and re-welded to build. She said no blueprints were involved; it’s just a product of combining elements from different wagons she liked. This includes a bay window

BELOW: The interior of the bunkhouse kept at the Kinnisons’ ranch.

COURTESY PHOTO | SHELLEY KINNISON

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Housing

on the back wall over the bed. The yellow and blue wagon is a vardo, or traditionally horse-drawn, wagon with modern updates like rubber wheels. It also has a traditional clerestory roof that runs the length of the wagon, called a mollycroft. The mollycroft includes windows and allows air to circulate through the wagon. Inside, the wagon has detailed woodwork that curves, arches and points throughout, cut with a jigsaw.

The gypsy wagon is fully insulated and wired for solar power as well as 12- and 110volt electric, making it ready to pull in and hook up to any campground. Mccoul doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rent out her gypsy wagon, instead she lets family and friends stay in it and uses it for her own serenity. The wagon is parked 30 miles into the Bighorn Mountains near her cabin, giving her a little slice of glammed-up, historic adventure in Wyomingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wilderness.

ABOVE: Shelley Kinnison shows the sheep wagon she keeps open through the summer for guests.

ABOVE: Shelley Kinnison sits inside the tiny house she keeps open through the summer for guests. 90

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Q &A

How did you get started taking trips on your own?

Elizabeth “Biz” DeGrandpre

Setting off SOLO by Kristen Czaban

lizabeth “Biz” DeGrandpre tends to live her day-to-day life surrounded by people. She works as the coordinator of campus life at Sheridan College. She lives on the community college campus and on the weekends — and sometimes weekdays — she seeks an escape from it all by trekking into the forest alone. Well, not completely alone. Lately, her treks have included her dog, Bailey. She’s taken roadtrips to national parks solo and chalks up her ease of living independently to her time growing up on a farm on the East Coast. Below, we caught up with her to discuss her adventures. The interview has been edited for length.

DeGrandpre: I am a very independent and adventurous person. It’s what I do.

But why the woods rather than traveling to big cities?

DeGrandpre: I grew up on a farm near Freeport, Maine. I was surrounded by woods, the ocean and different gardens. I was brought up jumping into the ocean and exploring state parks around there. Every day we went for walks. We skipped rocks, climbed trees and I have very fond memories of all of that. Our parents encouraged us to get outside and get dirty.

What were some of your ﬁrst hikes in the Bighorns?

DeGrandpre: Tongue River Canyon was probably my ﬁrst hike. I still go there frequently, but I’m scared of rattlesnakes. Those have literally pushed me to go higher (into the mountains).

What have been some of your favorite hikes?

DeGrandpre: I think the trip to Cloud Peak (in August 2015) has been my favorite. It was grueling and intense, but it was so rewarding afterward. I was nervous about bringing my dog because we hadn’t really ventured that far into the mountains. I was also with people I knew, but not really well, so it was something new and different. We had to help one person get down, but amongst all that there were still positives and we still laughed. On our way out it got dark, so I had my cellphone strapped to my belt because my headlamp was dying. I’ll never forget that. 92

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What kinds of hikes do you gravitate to?

DeGrandpre: Any trail that leads me to lakes. I miss the ocean; I used to just sit by the beach. So as long as I have different bodies of water, I’m happy. I’m also a very competitive person, so I need to achieve something — reaching a certain landmark or destination.

What’s the biggest thing you notice that’s different about hiking by yourself, outside of the obvious, of course.

DeGrandpre: I like going by myself because I can go at my own pace. It let’s me process life, what I want to achieve and what’s around me versus looking out for others. When I’m by myself, though, I don’t have the support of others.

Is there a piece of equipment or something you don’t leave home without?

DeGrandpre: Out on the trail my safety blanket is my dog. I also have a Camelback that I always take with me, but Bailey’s my comfort. She gets me up and out. She pushes me and I know it’s good for her. Everything else is materialistic. That bond with her is what really matters.

What advice would you give to people looking to strike out on their own?

DeGrandpre: Start small. If you’re nervous about it, get a map. Don’t let those nerves stop you. Start at something you’re comfortable with, but just go try it. Don’t let fear get in the way. The adventure is well worth it every time. BELOW: Elizabeth DeGrandpre takes a photo of

her dog while hiking.

COURTESY PHOTO | ELIZABETH DEGRANDPRE

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YOUNG

RECREATIONISTS by Mike Dunn

he Bighorn Mountains are a second home for Anthony and Jenny Aiello. Once the snow thaws, the Sheridan couple hops in the car and spends the afternoons in the mountains any chance they get. They car camp, day hike or spend days backpacking in the wilderness. When they got married, the Bighorn Mountains served as the perfect location to say their vows. Even as technology has begun to take over society, the Aiellos, both 31 years old, are a part of the next generation that has developed a love affair with the outdoors. More and more people in their 20s and early 30s have taken to nature as a primary choice for

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entertainment. Anthony Aiello said it’s easy being an outdoor enthusiast when they live 30 minutes from some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the country. “The Bighorns really are a gem in Wyoming,” he said. “There are times when it’s the middle of the day or middle of the week and I’ll be the only person going up the mountain. If I was somewhere in Montana or somewhere in Colorado, I know there would just be a string of cars and people all over the place.” According to the 2017 North American Camping Report, millennials account for 38 percent of the 75 million active camper households in

I think the industry is getting a lot more attention, and it’s making it more accessible and easier for folks to get outside and try new things.

Seth Ulvestad

BELOW: Jenny and Anthony Aiello snap a selﬁe while hiking in the Bighorn Mountains.

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COURTESY PHOTO | JENNY AND ANTHONY AIELLO

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ABOVE: The Aiellos sort out their backpacking gear

in their garage.

the U.S., up from 34 percent in 2016. More than 50 percent of millennials say they plan to increase their camping this year. The reasons for heading outdoors differ for each person. The report found that most younger people like to camp and spend time outside, be with friends and family and be physically active. “There is deﬁnitely the more hardcore people, and then there are more of the weekend warriors who like to go out into the mountains and then you have the people who don’t care about it at all,” Aiello said. Outdoor recreation has been a part of American culture for generations, but each generation has put its own spin on how they take to the mountains. The biggest change from their parent’s generation, the Aiellos agreed, is the technology in outdoors equipment. Instead of just throwing blankets and a tent to stay warm, now there are specialized sleeping bags to combat every climate. Mapping has improved, and equipment has gotten lighter and easier to haul long distances. Seth Ulvestad, program director with the Sheridan Recreation District, said

more members of the younger generation are trying new outdoor recreation activities — rock climbing, kayaking, fat biking and other unique sports. “I think outdoor recreation is getting more popular all over the country,” Ulvestad said. “ ... I think the industry is getting a lot more attention, and it’s making it more accessible and easier for folks to get outside and try new things.” But as recreation becomes more popular, more problems come with it. Energy and environment research ﬁrm Shelton Group found in a 2013 study that while millennials — born between 1980 and 2000 — say they are “green,” they don’t always act on those beliefs. Both Anthony and Jenny Aiello hold preservation dear to their hearts — it pains them to see trash on the trails or people disrespecting the wilderness. Jenny Aiello said she believes that it’s up to the current generation to protect the environment for years to come. “This is it,” she said. “This is all we have ... We have to protect what we have or else our future generations won’t be able to experience the solitude, beautiful flowers and the wildlife.” WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

DESTINATIONS PARKS KENDRICK PARK From West Loucks Street, head north onto Badger Street. Located near the western border of Sheridan just blocks from downtown, the 56-acre park was once home to a city zoo and retains a wildlife refuge that supports several elk and bison. The animals can often be seen from the park or the sidewalks surrounding the refuge. In addition to the wildlife, Kendrick also boasts picnic pavilions, playgrounds, a swimming pool and ice cream stand. On summer evenings, the park’s bandshell is often used for outdoor concerts or movie showings.

THORNE-RIDER PARK To reach this opportunity-filled park, head north on Main Street to 11th Street, turn left, then make a right turn at Spaulding Street to enter the park. ThorneRider boasts two baseball ﬁelds, tennis courts, basketball courts and playground equipment. It also boasts a BMX bicycle track, horseshoe pits and walking paths. The park includes picnic shelters and a skateboard facility as well. 96

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With several miles of city pathways stretching the length of Sheridan, two large parks and a multitude of neighborhood parks, recreationists and leisure seekers need not look far in Sheridan.

For a complete list of city parks and a map of city pathways, see www.sheridanwy.net

SOUTH PARK To reach this natural park, head south on Coffeen Avenue, turn right on Brundage Lane, then turn right to enter the parking area. South Park is one of the more recent additions to the city’s park properties. Work has been done to clear noxious weeds, pave a pathway through the area and restore the creek that runs through the property. This park boasts natural wildlife including pheasants, deer and prime access to the creek for ﬁshing.

NORTH PARK This mostly undeveloped park boasts a pathway connection that makes a loop through some of the city’s marshy woods. The park is one of the newest additions to the city’s repertoire. To access the park, head north on Decker Highway. Turn left on Industrial Road and you’ll see the parking area on your left.

SHERIDAN LIONS CLUB PARK Much work has been done on this park over the last several years, including the installation of fences to provide a dog park for Sheridan residents and visitors. The park is located at the corner of Sheridan Avenue and First Street. The dog park portion of the property includes water fountains, benches and tables for pet owners and paved areas for handicap accessibility. Here, dogs are allowed to be dogs, running off leash and playing. Outside of this exercise area, the park also features playground areas for children and picnic tables.

KENDRICK PARK

ABOVE: Valery Vadil, top, and Alexis Gonzalez hold their breath as they come out of the waterslide at Kendrick Pool. BELOW: Gus Wright dives into the water at Kendrick Pool.

hen the Kendrick Park pool celebrates its 80th birthday in 2017, it will be in dire need of a makeover. When Associated Pool Builders (North Dakota) inspected the pool in 2012, they gave the pool another five years of life expectancy. Now, as doomsday quickly approaches, the city of Sheridan finds itself in a bind. What’s next for the beloved pool? The story may be less about the impending renovations to the pool and rather the history that led to those fixes. The fact that the pool is approaching the big eight-o justifies its significance to the city. Before the pool, though, came the plot of land where that cement pond now sits. According to Sheridan Recreation District Executive Director Richard Wright, Kendrick Park dates back to the late 1800s. Years later, Sheridan has grown, changed, evolved and improved. Kendrick Park has been there through it all. There have been some changes along the way, sure. After all, the park was home to a zoo in the middle of the 20th century. There were bears, ostrich, coyotes and handfuls of other animals. Eventually, though, the cost to run the zoo, along with some irritation from the public, meant its demise. Many residents didn’t like seeing the animals locked up in small cages. But the end of the zoo didn’t mean an end to the park. Kendrick Park, less than a mile from Sheridan’s Main Street, provides a wealth of activities for its visitors. Almost as old as the park itself, Kendrick Pool has been passed down and maintained by a number of people over its lifespan. Kendrick Pool was built in 1937 by Evelyn and Edward Moore, who presented the pool to the city of Sheridan. Much as it is today, the pool was used as a service to the community rather

than a way to make money. The city funded the utilities and the chemicals, but the Kiwanis Club managed the pool. That meant they staffed and maintained the pool throughout the years. Eventually, as the Kiwanis Club diminished in size and revenue, the city assigned the Sheridan Recreation District the responsibility of running the pool. The organization has been doing that since the mid1980s. The pool offers swim lessons, private parties and regular old swimming fun from the ﬁrst of June to the end of August. The pool sees more than 20,000 swimmers each summer. There’s also Concerts in the Park. Every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in July and August, Kendrick Park hosts a free concert at the bandshell in the park. Bands from all around the country come in to play for Sheridan residents and tourists. Wright said each concert draws between 700 and 900 spectators. There are tennis courts, a recently renovated playground, walking paths and of course the Kendrick Park ice cream stand, one of the summer’s most popular stops in Sheridan. So, while murmurs of a new pool or even moving the pool out of the park continue, and the expiration date approaches, it’s important to Wright that people understand how all of the park’s attractions work together to make Kendrick so special. “With the bandshell there and the ice cream stand there, I think they all work together in the same light,” Wright said. “Wherever you move the pool, you’re going to have to have those things. If that pool shuts down, I think you’d hear an outcry of people, like, ‘What do we do now?’” The pool is one piece of the larger puzzle that is Kendrick Park, a park that has been a place of recreation for the Sheridan community for more than 100 years.

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Destinations

BIGHORN T MOUNTAINS

he opportunities in the Bighorn Mountains for enjoyable day hikes are endless – whether adventurers choose to follow established trails or blaze their own. The following is a list of some well-loved trails in the area. A complete list of trails and a map of the Bighorn National Forest is available from the U.S. Forest Service Ofﬁce located at 2013 Eastside Second St. in Sheridan.

TONGUE RIVER CANYON To reach this trailhead, head west on U.S. Highway 14 to County Road 92 just before Dayton. The trailhead begins at the end of County Road 92 and continues 11.2 miles to Forest Service Road 196. It is not necessary to hike the entire distance, however. Many

locals make Tongue River Canyon a short day-trip to enjoy the sounds of the Tongue River and enjoy the beauty of high canyon walls towering above. Those willing to trek up the canyon are rewarded with an open meadow ﬁlled with wildﬂowers in the spring.

BLACK MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT This trail will take you to the historic Black Mountain ﬁre lookout built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The elevation of the lookout is 9,500 feet, and it provides spectacular views south toward Black Tooth Mountain and east toward Steamboat Point. Black Mountain lookout is a rewarding but relatively short day hike,

clocking in at approximately 2 miles from the camping area off of Black Mountain Road. There is a two-seater outhouse at the top before the last rocky jaunt to the lookout. To reach the trailhead, travel west on Highway 14, turn onto Forest Road 16 (Black Mountain Road) and then head east on Forest Service Road 222.

SIBLEY LAKE This oft-traveled trail boasts two picnic areas, a campground and the lake with ﬁshing and boating access. The trail system in the area provides hiking options in the summer and Nordic ski and snowshoe trails in the winter. The trail includes several miles for exploration around the man-made lake built

by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and also winds into mountain meadows and back to a warming hut west of the lake. To reach Sibley Lake, travel west on U.S. Highway 14 past Steamboat Point and Black Mountain Road, following signs to Sibley Lake.

BUCKING MULE FALLS Trekkers have two options on this trail. An easy, fairly ﬂat 3-mile trail to an overlook of the falls provides a short jaunt primarily in the shade of towering evergreens. This hike to the overlook takes just a few hours roundtrip. The second option is a more strenuous 11-mile trail that drops down into and out of Devil Canyon. The U.S. For98

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est Service also recommends this trail for backpacking and horse trips. The trailhead for this trek has facilities for horses and camping is allowed. To get to the trailhead, take U.S. Highway 14 west and get on Highway 14A at Burgess Junction. Head west then turn north on Forest Service Road 14, following signage to the trailhead.

STEAMBOAT POINT A breathtaking landmark in the Bighorn Mountains, Steamboat Point is visible from U.S. Highway 14 and resembles the bow of a steamboat, especially during a fog-ﬁlled morning. Hikers can make the trek to the top of Steamboat Point for 360-degree views of the Bighorns and surrounding valleys. The hike is just under 1 mile but is a steep climb. Parking is available at the base of Steamboat Point, approximately 19 miles up Highway 14 from the town of Dayton.

LODGES

Recreationists have long known the attraction of the Bighorn Mountains, and lodges in the mountains as well as the local economy are reaping the beneﬁts. Bear Lodge, Elk View Lodge and Arrowhead Lodge are located on the north end of the Bighorn National Forest and operate year-round. While wintertime is the busiest time for these three lodges, summer and fall can also bring in their share of business. Hunters tracking big game often stay at the

lodges. Summer brings bus tours, weddings, family reunions and of course motorcyclists who are headed to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Other lodges in the Bighorns include the Paradise Guest Ranch, located 16 miles from Buffalo. Wyoming High Country Lodge — located 30 miles west of Lovell — is another active lodge in the Bighorns. The area lodges, whether year-round or summer focused, have one primary goal — to welcome people to the Bighorns.

MEDICINE WHEEL NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK While the drive from Sheridan to this historic landmark takes time, the impact of the site on visitors is significant. Constructed approximately 700 years ago, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is believed to have been built by a member of the Crow Tribe before the tribes that now occupy the area arrived. The landmark is made of rocks gathered in the area and arranged into a “wheel” with 28 spokes about 8 feet long that radiate from a center pile of stones. The piles of rocks at the end of each spoke line up with stars to mark important dates in Crow culture. The walk to the landmark from the parking area is approximately 2 miles. To find this important piece of Wyoming history, follow Highway 14 west and turn onto Highway 14A. Turn onto Forest Service Road 12 and travel 2 miles to find the parking area, which also offers restroom facilities.

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Destinations

A GOLF

DESTINATION

f you like golf, you’ll love the Sheridan area. Between Sheridan and Buffalo, the area offers four diverse golf courses, each with views of the Bighorn Mountains, so be sure to toss your golf clubs in with your rodeo tickets, your ﬂy rod and your cowboy hat when you visit.

HIDDEN BRIDGE GOLF CLUB Hidden Bridge Golf Club is one of Wyoming’s newest courses. It features a challenging but fair layout that can be enjoyed by all level of players. The par-72, 18-hole course includes ﬁve sets of tees and 23 bunkers along rolling terrain. The course seeks to offer a comfortable environment to socialize, relax and enjoy great golf. It also features an outdoor patio with beautiful views of the Bighorn Mountains and a wide selection of food and beverages. Hidden Bridge Golf Course is located minutes from downtown Sheridan, along the town’s extensive bike and walking pathway system.

KENDRICK GOLF COURSE This 18-hole, par 70 golf course is located 3 miles west of Sheridan off of Big Goose Road, also known as Loucks Street. It is owned and operated by the city of Sheridan and sits on land donated by former Wyoming Governor and U.S. Senator John B. Kendrick. The golf course plays host to a number of summer tournaments and is a favorite after-work or Saturday destination for Sheridan’s many avid golfers. It has a driving range, practice areas, a clubhouse grill and pro shop. Kendrick Golf Course is located at 65 Golf Course Road in Sheridan. Call 307-674-8148 for tee times and details.

BUFFALO GOLF CLUB Located just 34 miles south of Sheridan on Hart Street in Buffalo, the Buffalo Golf Club is also a nationally recognized course. In 2009, Golf Digest named the Buffalo Golf Club Wyoming’s “Best Municipal Golf Club.” The club holds a variety of scrambles and tournaments and is a favorite stop for any golf enthusiast living in town or just passing through. The traditional layout, which opened in 1980 and was designed by PGA professional Bill Poirot, is a par-71 course. It has a clubhouse, practice areas and a bar and grill. 100

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THE POWDER HORN The Powder Horn is often rated as the number one course in the state. It was named Golf Digest’s #1 Best Wyoming Golf Courses to Play in 2006 and has made Golfweek’s Best Residential Golf Courses list and Top 100 Modern Golf Courses list for nearly 10 years in a row. In 2011, it was the host course and facility for one of the top amateur tournaments for women, the Women’s Trans National Championship. Top players from around the world competed in the tournament. The Powder Horn’s offers three distinct nine-hole courses, 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, award-winning pro shop, convention facilities, tennis courts, ﬁtness facilities, pool, nature trails, trout ponds and ﬁne food at The Powder Horn Grill and the Cowboy Bar. The Powder Horn has also been designated a National Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and attracts a variety of wildlife. The Powder Horn was developed by Homer Scott Jr., in the mid-1990s after he fell in love with the 900 acres of pristine land below his beloved Bighorn Mountains. The master planned community also includes a variety of real estate options. Scott has lived most his life in Wyoming and is a friendly presence on the course and in the clubhouse. The club recently became private.

Destinations

CRAFT CULTURE

Black Tooth Brewing Company

From Sheridan Travel & Tourism

he culture of craft is as quintessentially Wyoming as long days on the ranch, bucking broncs and snow-capped peaks. Sheridan is home to a vast spectrum of craftsfolks, including world-renowned leather crafters, metalsmiths, carpenters, sculptors, painters and writers – maverick artisans that are often celebrated for their steadfast belief in the relevance of craft in a world where design and aesthetic are increasingly influenced by technology, media and demand. Kolts Fine Spirits, now the Koltiska Distillery, crafted the first Koltiska Original Liqueur in 2001, kick starting a nascent regional distilling industry. Then along came Black Tooth, a rebel outfit that ushered in sweeping changes to the craft brewing and distilling industries, and changed the craft paradigm forever in a region that had long held fast to archaic notions of what libations were, and what they were supposed to be. Now burgeoning beyond even the wildest expectations, Sheridan’s craft beer, spirits and wine scene is among the most robust in the Mountain West (given Sheridan’s size). Where the blue yummie once reigned supreme, and where whiskey once flowed south from the Great White North, craft is now king.

RIGHT: Co-founders Seth Orr, left, and Cooley Butler sit inside Luminous Brewhouse. 102

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Stewarded by the genius of head brewer Travis Zeilstra (formerly of the Montana Brewing Company in Billings, Montana, and 2007 recipient of the Brewer of the Year Award from the Great American Beer Festival), the Black Tooth Brewing Co. has garnered critical acclaim since it opened its door in 2010. Dozens of banners from national festivals and competitions hang from the tap room’s ceiling,

and you would be hard pressed to ﬁnd a bar, pub or restaurant within a hundred miles that isn’t serving at least one Black Tooth brew. Black Tooth has become the largest brewery in Wyoming, growth spurred by a fundamental dedication to producing top-quality beer with the ﬁnest possible ingredients. Black Tooth Brewing Co. hosts live music, local food vendors, game nights and more.

WWW.BLACKTOOTHBREWINGCOMPANY.COM

Luminous Brewhouse One of the ﬁnest brewery secrets in the American West, the Luminous Brewhouse is a purveyor of malty gold that has carved out a niche as a bespoke brewer of unique beers, oft-lauded Ginger Pale Ale, the Black Mountain Coffee Ale and the bold, hoptastic X-X IPA, brewed with Amarillo, Cascade and Magnum hops. Luminous brews specialty beers for local

establishments like the Sheridan Inn; the Bourbon Porter is notable for toasted oak staves soaked in Woodford Reserve, imparting both vanilla and bourbon through the beer. In 2016, Luminous moved into a larger tap room on Broadway Street. Head brewer Seth Orr leans on his science and psychology to aid him in crafting Luminous’ array of brews.

WWW.LUMINOUSBREWHOUSE.COM

Weston Wineries

Sheridan’s Weston Wineries crafts wines from West Coastgrown grapes sourced from the ﬁnest producers along the Paciﬁc. Each of Weston’s 307brand wines are an exercise in local vintnering wizardry, and an homage to the legends and outlaws of the state of Wyoming. 307 Wines celebrate the life and times of legendary

horse trainer Buck Brannaman, “Longmire” author Craig Johnson, bronc rider and recording artist Chris LeDoux, as well as the icons of Wyoming itself, including the Grand Tetons, Devils Tower and the Flaming Gorge. Weston’s 307 wines are available at ﬁne retail establishments and restaurants throughout Sheridan.

WWW.WESTONWINERIES.COM

Koltiska Distillery

History and tradition run deep in the Koltiska family; the Koltiska’s settled in Sheridan County in the late 19th century, and have called Wyoming home for more than ﬁve generations. The original Kolts Fine Spirits, established in 2001, released the handcrafted Koltiska Original Liqueur, followed by KO 90, each an embodiment of the spirit of the American West. In early 2016, Kolts Fine Sprits became the Kolt-

iska Distillery, and the company opened a new production facility and tasting room that offers guests an opportunity to sample old favorites, new products (gin, vodka and whiskey) as well as craft cocktails inspired by more than 100 years of local family lore. The Koltiska Horse & Carriage Co. offers daily tours that include classic carriage rides throughout Sheridan’s core and distillery tastings and tours.

WWW.KOLTISKA.COM WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

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WHITNEY CENTER for the ARTS Whitney Center for the Arts boasts top-tier events

he Whitney Center for the Arts at Sheridan College opened in 2016 thanks to contributions from Whitney Beneﬁts. The facility was conceived to provide Sher-

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idan College with space for its ﬁne and performing arts programs. It includes gallery space and a 422-seat concert hall, which features a changeable proscenium stage, motorized ﬂy

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system and hydraulically convertible orchestra pit. It also includes new classroom space for students and storage for instruments. The center’s director, Erin Hanke, runs the facility for the

college. She has said its versatility makes it unique. “For example, the concert hall can be tuned (acoustical banners can be lowered and raised to effect the requirements of the performer),” Hanke said last fall. “Also, we have many open spaces in addition to our secure gallery so that we have the capability to show larger pieces of artwork that might not fit in the gallery. The entire facility is a canvas.” Hanke said the Whitney Center for the Arts will first and foremost serve the students of Sheridan College, but will bring in art and performers the entire community can enjoy. “Sheridan is incredibly fortunate to have such a high number of arts venues,” Hanke said. “Fortunately, there is no risk of competition as there are few subjects as widely diverse as the arts! The type of programming that you will see at the WCA will be quite different from the arts already available at the other fine venues in the area.”

WYO THEATER W

MORE INFO: Location:

42 N. Main St. in Sheridan

Phone:

307-672-9084

Box ofﬁce hours:

Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday when there is a performance, noon to 4 p.m.

ONLINE AT: www.WyoTheater.com

ith its classic neon sign and light-up marquee, the WYO Theater is an anchor in Sheridan’s Main Street scene. What goes on inside the theater makes the WYO a staple in a city known for its culture. The venue hosts a variety of live entertainment and performance art from local, national and international performing groups. One night may feature area children in a Stars of Tomorrow talent contest while the next Saturday morning will bring world-class opera to Sheridan audiences via a live broadcast of a show at the Metropolitan Opera. Live concerts, ﬁlm festivals, classic movies and local and national stage productions all grace the theater throughout the year. With a nod to Sheridan’s growing emphasis on the arts,

the old Perkins Building located south of the theater was recently renovated to create the Mars Theater — a black box theater and performing arts laboratory — ofﬁces for Sheridan College theater faculty and a 9,380-square-foot costume support area. The lobby and restroom areas were also improved and wing capacity was expanded. The expansion was a collaboration between the WYO Theater and Sheridan College. The WYO Theater opened in 1923 as the Lotus, a vaudeville theater. The venue was renamed in 1941 during a major renovation and continued to show live performances and ﬁlms until it went bankrupt in 1982. The dedication and generosity of a large group of community members helped the theater re-open its doors in 1989. It is owned by the city and serves as a cornerstone for the arts in Sheridan.

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

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Destinations

SAGE COMMUNITY ARTS

S MORE INFO: Location:

21 W. Brundage St. in Sheridan

Phone:

307-674-1970

Hours:

Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

ONLINE AT: www.ArtInSheridan.com

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AGE Community Arts gives national and local artists a place to showcase their work in exhibits and provides learners and educators a place to be surrounded by and participate in art. From photography to paintings, the art displayed in the center comes from artists all over the world who want their work to be displayed in the Sheridan community. The art center is operated by SAGE, or Sheridan Artists Guild Et Al, which was founded in 1975 and is supported by a monthly membership fee. The art center has more than 200 members. “Our mission at SAGE is ‘to inspire and build community through the visual arts,’” said Laura Lehan, the president of the SAGE board of directors. The art center was housed at the old train depot on East Fifth Street until 2010, but moved to its new and permanent location in the old Montgomery building on the corner of Brundage and Main streets in downtown Sheridan in January. “Moving to our new location in the Montgomery building

gives us an opportunity to be in the heart of downtown Sheridan and in closer proximity to other organizations committed to supporting the arts such as the WYO Theater, Downtown Sheridan Association and the Public Arts Council, to name a few,” Lehan said. “We are already partnering with the WYO Theater who is displaying the work of our member artists, and we look forward to helping draw both locals and visitors to share in the experience of a vibrant downtown.” She added that the move also provides more visibility for the group. “It can be very expensive for artists to maintain their own retail gallery and this space provides artists with a prime retail location to display and sell their art at a fraction of the cost,” Lehan said. “It also provides them with a wonderful classroom space to share their talent and craft with beginning to advanced students.” The Montgomery building underwent renovations, with intentional design, to create a unique atmosphere for the community art center. The space has an open and

LEFT: Sally Tibbs-Lapis paints with acrylics during an Uncorked workshop.

BELOW: The art gallery at the new SAGE Community Arts.

inviting feel with a modern industrial design. The entire layout of the space is designed to support the creation, display and sale of art, Lehan said. SAGE Community Arts hosts many workshops and events that members and non-members are able to attend. Youth classes and summer art camps are also

available. “In the new building we plan to expand classes and show more art work in the ﬁne art and member gallery like we always do. We hope to expand our classes and workshops and that they will prosper from being downtown,” SAGE executive director Kate Harrington said.

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

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Destinations

The

BRINTON MUSEUM

he Brinton Museum was opened to the public as the Bradford Brinton Memorial on June 17, 1961, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2015, a 24,000-square-foot expansion was completed in the form of the new For-

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rest E. Mars Jr. building. “There is a lot more art to display and a lot more tours have been done and with more space to accommodate them,” Dr. Ariel Downing, the curator of museum education, said about the Forrest E. Mars Jr. building.

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The three-ﬂoor building includes the Brinton Bistro, which strives to provide a changing menu for every visit. “It’s doing beautifully,” said Ken Schuster, the director and chief curator. “[The chef] bought into the goal of preparing food that is farm to table food; it’s right out of the garden and continually revolves.” Visitation to the museum has more than doubled since the expansion, with more than 25,000 visitors expected to visit the museum this year. Those visitors come from all 50 states and more than 34 countries. Through surveys, the museum was able to learn that Montana and Wyoming are not the leading states from which visitors are coming. According to the numbers, Midwest travelers lead in visitation to the museum. Exhibits featured at the museum include 19th, 20th and 21st century art and artifacts that are either showcased at the museum permanently or remain on display for a certain amount of time. “The museum’s exhibitions committee carefully reviews potential exhibits as well as artists interested in showing at The Brinton,” said Barbara McNab, curator of exhibitions. Permanent collections at the museum include Western art, American Indian art and the historic Brinton ranch house. Schuster said the most popular exhibit is the Brinton house. “It’s the jewel of the Brinton collection,” Schuster said. “The big museum has permanent exhibits to showcase Indian art. The house and Indian art is the greatest attraction.” “The Brinton Museum offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all walks of life. Guided tours of the exquisite ‘To Honor the Plains Nations’ exhibit… outstanding Western art by renowned artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Hans Kleiber, Winold Reiss and others on display…are available for bus and

MORE INFO: Location:

239 Brinton Road in Big Horn

Phone:

307-672-3173

Hours:

Monday to Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. school groups,” McNab added. “The historic main ranch house, Little Goose Creek Lodge and the grounds are also open to visitors. There is so much to see and do at The Brinton you can spend the whole day and come back again.” Schuster said he looks forward to enhancing the education center by adding two components: print making classes and a leather shop that

has its own exhibitions. In addition to providing educational resources, staff members said they hope to open archives in the coming years. “It’s where you bring company; it’s a destination,” Downing said of the museum. “When you want to have beautiful scenery, see ﬁrst-rate art and learn about the settlement of Sheridan County, you learn when you come to the museum.”

ONLINE AT: www.TheBrintonMuseum.org

Admission: Adults: $10 Seniors 62+: $8 Students 13 and older: $8 Bus tours: $5/person Free for: Members, Sheridan and Johnson County students, children 12 and younger, school groups, NARM and ROAM members, active duty and retired military and their families, Indian Tribal members* *All groups need valid ID

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

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Destinations

SHERIDAN COUNTY MUSEUM

he mission of the Sheridan County Museum is to preserve, interpret and exhibit historical materials that relate to the history of the Sheridan area; to provide educational opportunities for people of all ages; and promote and encourage historical entities and programs in Sheridan County. The Sheridan County Museum sees more than 6,000 people each year. “[The museum] gives us a connection to the past with some of the youth programs we do; it provides a link to what we had in the past and link to the present world to make that connection,” said Shawna Michelena, the museum’s curator of education. Programs in the fall and winter include the evening program series in which the museum hosts speakers who talk about a topic related to local or regional history. The museum also offers

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hands-on programs for children call Tidbit Saturday. Each event features an activity around a given topic. Permanent exhibits include one depicting the Battle of the Rosebud which was fought eight days before the Battle of the Little Bighorn where Cheyenne and Sioux tribes fought against U.S. soldiers and their Crow and Shoshone allies just 30 miles north of Sheridan. The exhibit is called “Before Custer there was the Rosebud” and includes a guided tour and a diorama depicting the battle. John Woodward, the museum director, said that the Battle of the Rosebud is the most popular exhibit that the museum currently houses. “We really concentrate on local history. The people who were important in the town, events that occurred in the area and what we do when people bring things to donate to the museum,

we look at them with the eye that they’re a part of Sheridan history,” said Peg Cullen, the collections assistant. “Sometimes when you go to a local museum, they take anything that anybody gives them and throw it into the museum. This museum tells a story and we are very proud about that.” The “Black Diamonds in Sheridan County” exhibit depicts the more than 60-year history of coal in the area, including the coal towns in Sheridan County that had miners from all over the world. Once the railroad arrived in Sheridan, construction on a network of tie flumes began in 1893. For more than 20 years, wood flowed out of the Bighorns to be used in railroad construction and maintenance. The exhibit includes an interactive diorama that traces the route of the flume network. “January to April we develop new exhibits through the year and programs too. In October, we start creating the new exhibits for the

upcoming year. In that time, we are busy locating artifacts that are either in our collection or we have to reach out to find the pieces,” Woodward said. The process to plan and execute the theme of the exhibit takes more than four months. “Some museums only focus on local and regional history. Other museums only talk about specific areas. There is no other institution that talks about the broader strokes as the Sheridan County Museum,” Woodward said. “We talk about the development of industry in Sheridan and the development of the Tongue River tie flume. We cover a broad area and we keep historical stories alive and open to the public.” He added that the museum bridges the gap between academic research and public research. “To preserve and share stories of Sheridan that would otherwise be in a book or less accessible today,” he said.

MORE INFO: Location:

850 Sibley Circle in Sheridan

Phone:

307-675-1150

Hours:

January-April: gift shop only, 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. May: 1-5 p.m. daily. June through Labor Day: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

Admission:

Adults $4, seniors 60 and older $3, students $2, children 12 and younger, veterans and active military free

ONLINE AT: www.sheridanmuseum.org

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

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Destinations

TRAIL END MORE INFO: Location:

400 Clarendon Ave. in Sheridan

Phone:

307-674-4589

Winter Hours:

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily Sept. 1 through Dec. 14

MUSEUM

he Trail End Museum is a fully furnished historic house that interprets the time period 19131933 in Sheridan. It is the home of John and Eula Kendrick and the Kendricks are the only family to have lived in the home. “It’s kind of like they just stepped out and you’re stepping in to view the home as it was,” Curator Sharie Prout said. More

than 90 percent of all items are original, down to Band-Aid boxes and tooth paste. The home became a state historic site in 1982 and more than 17,000 people a year visit Trail End. According to Prout, the ballroom is the most popular thing visitors want to see. “[People] can’t believe it’s up there,” she added. “Carpenters like to see the wood work and people like to see the doors marked ‘open me’ because people get to open them and see the surprise.” Resources offered to visitors include self-guided tours, audio tours and an extensive website full of articles with more information that couldn’t ﬁt into the museum’s exhibits, including photos of the families. From Dec. 15 to the end of March, the museum is closed. That time period allows the museum staff to create and install new exhibits and deep clean, which is hard to do when the museum is open to the public. However, before the Trail End closes for the season, a special event is held to celebrate Christmas. For more than 30 years, the museum has hosted an annual Holiday Open House. “The ﬁrst weekend of December we have the whole Kendrick house decorated from one end to the other,” said

Cynde Georgen, the site superintendent. “With several 9-foot tall trees decorated. There is hot cider and Figgie pudding, live music in the ballroom and drawing room, with the greenery and poinsettias, the house comes alive.” “John Kendrick was a big inﬂuence, he built a lot of buildings on Main Street that are still used today and of course being a senator and governor of Wyoming, but also not everybody lived like this 100 years ago in mansions, but it’s a glimpse on how at least one family in Sheridan lived,” Prout said. “We talk about how the family interacted with town. Where they did their shopping, where they did go for entertainment, what kinds of things people living and working here would also be doing and so we are able to branch out and it’s not just on the family but life in Sheridan from 1913 to 1933.” New at Trail End this year is a whole-house exhibit entitled “Wake Up America: Life During the War, 1917-1918.” According to Georgen, the exhibit commemorates the centennial of America’s entry into World War I, examining it through the experiences of those on the home front. “Wake Up America” will be on display at Trail End throughout the 2017 and 2018 seasons, closing on Dec. 14, 2018.

ONLINE AT: www.trailend.com 112

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Historic

SHERIDAN INN ONLINE AT: www.SheridanInn.com

nce deemed the finest hotel between Chicago and San Francisco, the Sheridan Inn opened its doors May 27, 1893. It was located next to the train tracks and became a favorite stop for passersby who found comfort in its running water and electricity — it was one of the ﬁrst western hotels to feature such amenities — and excitement in watching William “Buffalo Bill” Cody conduct auditions for his Wild West Show from the front porch of the inn. Today, visitors can walk that same famed porch,

allowing history to come alive in their imaginations. Notable among the hotel’s guests in its heyday was Ernest Hemingway who labored over “A Farewell to Arms” in the area in the late 1920s. As passenger trains became a less popular mode of travel, the inn’s business began to dwindle. By 1965, it was bankrupt. However, the inn was given new hope when Neltje, a local artist and philanthropist, began a campaign to save the historic building in 1967. The inn went through 50 years of openings and closings, experiencing partial renovations under the

nonprofit Sheridan Heritage Center, Inc. from 1990 to 2012. However, the downturn of the economy led to the eventual foreclosure of the inn. In 2013, Bob and Dana Townsend, an Oklahoma couple with family ties in Sheridan, purchased the inn. The Townsends remodeled 22 rooms on the second and third ﬂoors that are now available for guest rental. The Open Range Bar and Grill, a restaurant with Western fare and ﬂair, opened in a previous restaurant location on the north end of the inn.

MORE INFO: Location:

856 Broadway St. in Sheridan

Phone:

307-674-2178

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

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Destinations

BATTLEFIELD SITES B attleﬁelds are reminders of our past and Sheridan is no exception. These battles shaped the area in ways that still impact the community today.

BATTLE OF THE ROSEBUD Rosebud Battleﬁeld is associated with the lead up to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The battle represents the proactive position of the 1,500 Sioux and Northern Cheyenne as they forced the withdrawal of Brigadier General George Crook’s 1,000 troops at Rosebud Creek. The presence of thousands of warriors and soldiers on the ﬁeld on June 17, 1876, made the day one of the largest battles of the Indian wars. Just eight days later, because Crook’s troops were withdrawn from the war zone to resupply, they were

not available to support Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and his troops at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

1 Location:

Take Wyoming 338 (also known as Decker Road) into Montana. Follow the road until you reach the entrance to Rosebud State Park near Busby, Montana.

Phone:

406-757-2298

ONLINE AT: www.stateparks.mt. gov/rosebud-battlefield/

WAGON BOX FIGHT The Wagon Box Fight is known as one of the most unusual battles in the history of the West. Fought on Aug. 2, 1867, about 5 miles west of Fort Phil Kearny near the town of Story, the battle pitted an estimated 1,000 Indians under Chief Red Cloud’s command against a handful of soldiers and civilians under the command of Capt. James Powell. Powell and 26 soldiers and six civilian woodcutters were camped about 5 miles from Fort Phil Kearny when the Indian forces attacked. They took cover inside an oval of wagon boxes used as a stock corral. They were able to hold off the Indian warriors from be-

hind the 14 wagon boxes with their new rapid-fire rifles until a relief force arrived from the fort. Three men were killed and two wounded inside the wagon box corral. Indian casualties were estimated between five to 60 killed and five to 125 wounded.

2 Location:

Take exit 44 off of Interstate 90 to ﬁnd Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site. The Wagon Box Fight State Historic Site can be located from here off of Wagon Box Road.

Phone:

307-684-7629

ONLINE AT: www.philkearny.vcn.com 114

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BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIGHORN Located over the border in Montana, the Little Bighorn Battleﬁeld National Monument and battle site is a good day trip to take from Sheridan. On June 25, 1876, without authorization from his superior ofﬁcer, Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer led his men into an ambush that killed more than 250 men, including Custer himself. The battle was a crucial engagement because it was the last major Indian victory in North America. The site includes a museum and historic interpretation of the battle.

3 Location:

Museum – Off of Interstate 90 at Garryowen at exit 514. Battle Site – Crow Agency off exit 510 on Battleﬁeld Tour Road 756.

Phone:

406-638-1876

ONLINE AT: www.custermuseum.org OR www.nps.gov/libi/

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

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BATTLEFIELD SITES CONNOR BATTLEFIELD

ABOVE: A diorama of the Connor Battler, a portion of which is shown here, is on display at the Ranchester Information Center in Rancheste.

Located in Ranchester off of Interstate 90, Connor Battleﬁeld State Historic Site was where the U.S. Army and the Arapahoe tribe met in the Battle of Tongue River. The battle is considered the most important engagement of the Powder River Expedition of 1865. It caused the Arapahoe to ally with the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes at the Fetterman Fight just a year later. The park has picnic areas, a playground, overnight camping facilities, ﬁshing access and historic interpretations. Local residents recently marked the 150th anniversary of the battle that occurred on Aug. 29, 1865. Several people, including town historian Kim Fuka and Sheridan diorama artist Tom Warnke, teamed up to commemorate the anniversary. A diorama created by

Warnke and several area residents was dedicated to the town as part of the anniversary commemoration. It took more than 500 hours of work to complete and includes more than 500 miniscule pieces including 91 cavalrymen, 30 Arapahoe scouts and 99 villagers as well as teepees, trees and a model of the Tongue River.

4 Location:

Two blocks off of U.S. Highway 14 in Ranchester

Phone:

307-684-7629

Camping:

There are 20 camping sites operated on a ﬁrst come, ﬁrst served basis. The park closes for camping on Oct. 31.

ONLINE AT: www.wyoparks.state.wy.us/ Site/SiteInfo.aspx?siteID=15

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SHERIDAN AREA COMMUNITIES

BIG HORN COMMUNITY • 490 total residents • Male: 244 • Female: 246 • Under 18: 144 • Largest age group: 50-64: 117

BIG HORN

The Brinton Museum The jewel of the Big Horn area, The Brinton Museum is located on the historic Quarter A Circle Ranch. It features 19th, 20th and 21st century Western and American Indian art. The museum boasts

a new building, The Forrest E. Mars Jr. Building, ﬁnished in the spring of 2015. The 24,000-square-foot building offers expansive views of the Bighorn Mountains, three ﬂoors of gallery space, a mu-

seum store, the Brinton Bistro and storage. The building also has the largest rammed earth wall in North America. For more information, see thebrintonmuseum.org.

Big Horn Mercantile Like many buildings in the area, the mercantile has seen its share of turnover in tenants. It has been a staple of the community since 1882 and has served as restaurants and a store over the years. Now, the Big Horn Mercantile serves up brick oven pizzas. For more information, see bighornmerc. com. 118

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Big Horn Equestrian Center

Big Horn Smokehouse & Saloon

Home to summertime polo, weddings and the annual Fourth of July ﬁreworks display, the vast expanse of soft green grass hosts many events each spring, summer and fall. For a full calendar of events and additional details on the facility, see thebhec.org.

While Big Horn’s business district takes up only a couple of city blocks, it boasts restaurants worth the 15-minute drive from Sheridan. The smokehouse is a popular spot for a quick burger or classic barbecue fare. For a full menu or more information, see bighornsmokehouse.com.

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Destinations STORY COMMUNITY • 828 total residents • Male: 423 • Female: 405 • Under 18: 118 • Largest age group: 50-64: 280

STORY ONLINE AT: www.storywyoming.org

The Waldorf A’Story Guest Haus This building has undergone a number of transformations. It was a restaurant and store before it was renovated into a charming guest house. For more information, see waldorfastory.com.

Story Woman’s Club

Story Branch Library This cute little nook offers plenty of options for local residents to escape into the pages of a good book. The branch library hosts regular events and activities for community members of all ages. For more, see sheridanwyolibrary.org/story-branch.

The Story Woman’s Club has been active since it was ﬁrst organized in 1919. The building is a popular spot for public events, public meetings and the Story Woman’s Club annual turkey dinner, which also has a line that snakes out the building’s door. For more information, see storywyoming.org/woman-s-club.html.

Tunnel Inn and Wagon Box Inn The Tunnel Inn and Wagon Box Inn are popular dining destinations in Story and the greater Sheridan area. Get out of town for a bite to eat in the foothills of the Bighorns. 120

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TOWN OF CLEARMONT • 142 total residents • Male: 64 • Female: 78 • Under 18: 43 • Largest age group: 50-64: 40

CLEARMONT

Clearmont Branch Library This cozy small-town library serves the residents of Clearmont, Leiter, Ucross and Arvada. It boasts a selection of books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, videos and books-on-CD. It also has four public Internet computers available for use, offers access to online databases and other perks. For more information, see sheridanwyolibrary.org/clearmont-branch-2.

Ucross Foundation Clearmont Town Jail Built in 1922, this building is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Clearmont was originally platted and ﬁled with the county in 1892.

Raymond Plank founded the nonproﬁt in 1981 with the mission of fostering fresh, innovative thinking in the visual arts, literature and music. The organization provides work space and uninterrupted time to artists who participate in the residency program. It also boasts an art gallery and the facility hosts several events throughout the year.

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

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Destinations TOWN OF RANCHESTER • 855 total residents • Male: 432 • Female: 423 • Largest age group: 50-64: 160

RANCHESTER ONLINE AT: www.ranchesterwyoming.com

Connor State Park The Connor Battleﬁeld State Historic Site includes 20 camping and picnic sites in an oxbow of the Tongue River. The site also includes two restrooms, a playground and horseshoe pits. For additional information, and a history of the park, see wyoparks.state.wy.us/site/siteinfo.aspx?siteid=15.

T-Rex Natural History Museum The mountains of the West are well-known for their archaeological and paleontological discoveries. This museum, dedicated to the Tyrannosaurus Rex, is small, but packed with attractions. For more information, call 307-655-3359.

Tongue River Valley Community Center Before the spot in Dayton, Ranchester was the lone home to the TRVCC. The facility houses one branch of the Tongue River Valley Community Center, which offers after-school programs, ﬁtness programs and programs for kids and adults. For more information, see trvcc.org. 122

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Destinations TOWN OF DAYTON • 757 total residents • Male: 376 • Female: 381 • Under 18: 192 • Largest age group: 50-64: 197

DAYTON ONLINE AT: www.daytonwyoming.org

CORNER GROCERY

ATM • Groceries • Hunting & Fishing Licenses Gas • Diesel • Propane • Beer • Wine • Liquor

415 Main in Dayton 307 • 655 • 2534

Scott Bicentennial Park The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including a playground, skateboard facility, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, volleyball and a baseball ﬁeld. A bike/walk/run path also goes through the park. For additional information, see daytonwyoming.org/scott park.

Art Badgett Swimming Pool The pool is a popular summer spot for local children and visitors. The pool is open in the afternoons for open swim during the warmer months at an affordable price. For additional information, see daytonwyoming.org/artbadgetpool.

Downtown Dayton The small downtown of this foothills community boasts a number of local businesses including the popular Gallery on Main, Mountain Inn Bar, Branding Iron Cafe and the Dayton Mercantile.

Tongue River Valley Community Center When Sheridan County School District 1 moved into the community’s new high school, the town of Dayton acquired the old building. Since then, the facility has been repurposed to house one branch of the Tongue River Valley Community Center, which offers after-school programs, ﬁtness programs and programs for kids and adults. For more information, see trvcc.org. 124

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WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

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