Wyoming Part IV (Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site & Washakie Museum)

That's WY!  (the kids each received a flag that has this saying on it) This is a wonderful place to escape the heat of AZ, enjoy some beautiful landscapes, and learn something about history.  We just spent two nights at the Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site.  Yes, we were cut off from cell and data again, but there were so many bright sides that we hardly noticed!  It all really hit me over the past few days - my life seems more meaningful these days as we walk the paths of our human ancestors and view mammoth bones found in ancient settlements.  We are observing natural formations, animals, plants, and rivers with our kids and we get to have cool conversations about what it all means.  I am feeling very fortunate.  

The campground is so amazing, low cost, clean, well maintained, and has beautiful walking paths and views.  The vault toilets are the cleanest I have ever seen.  There are two very nice playgrounds. The other appealing thing about WY is that there are no crowds!  It is wide open and seems to be just waiting to be discovered.  I can't imagine not coming back here.  The camp sites are huge and are right along the river with a walking path to gorgeous views.

Shiprock

 But the main attraction is the cliff full of ancient art...

Here are two examples of the many panels...

I would have liked to stay longer.  It was magical and beautiful.  However we booked a night in Worland with full hook-ups to regroup after a week without so that is where we are tonight.  When we got into town we saw the Washakie Museum so we decided to take a couple hours and check it out.  Artifacts from the archaeological dig that took place at Medicine Lodge were displayed in the museum - like mammoth bones!

There were also human artifacts from the area as well as dinosaur bones and fossilized dinosaur footprints.  It was a great experience and really rounded out the experience of being at Medicine Lodge.  Overall this was a great stop.  Perhaps it was the beauty of the place that made it a perfect place for contemplation, reflection and thankfulness. Here is the last picture I took as we left the campground at Medicine Lodge.