Medicine Lodge Lake

After a stop at the Sheridan ranger station, we confirmed that a remote lake that we found on the map would be a great place for us.  It was deep in the Bighorn National Forest, down a mostly four-wheel drive trail, and the ranger assured us that the lake was pristine.

The road to Medicine Lodge Lake was a rugged 26 miles.  It took us nearly 2-1/2 hours to drive the rutted and rocky road.  The drive was well worth the effort... we found a beautiful lake, surrounded by pines and only a few other campers to enjoy it.

Medicine Lodge Lake in Bighorn National Forest

The lake is at 8,800 feet in altitude, and we soon found ourselves winded from even the smallest task.  The air was crisp and clean.  The water perfectly clear.  

Across the lake was a small, remote lodge called Paintrock Lodge.  Our fellow campers told us that we could get water there if we ran low.  Thankfully, we had filled our tank at Sibley Lake before we left.

Paintrock Lodge

We spent two nights on Medicine Lodge Lake.  Roxanne seems so happy to be back on the trail again.  She also appears to be getting stronger.  She was able to make over a half-mile hike with us.  

Hiking around Medicine Lodge Lake

The second day, we blew up Calypso, our little boat, and took a spin on the water.

David and Roxanne in Calypso

After David had rowed us across the lake, we noticed that storm clouds were beginning to roll in, looking much like snow clouds.  We headed back to shore and decided to eat early.  We barely had finished our supper before the rain began.  Within the hour, a fierce rainstorm blew over us.  We hunkered down in the camper for over three hours while the rain drummed on the roof to the camper.  

As the storm neared the end of its fury, the skies cleared.  We ventured out just as the sun was nearing the horizon.  My goodness... how beautiful it was!!!

After the storm

David and Roxanne after the storm

That night, the temperatures plummeted into the low 30s.  We decided that we had better head down to lower country in case the rain turned to snow or more rain made the roads more treacherous.  Medicine Lodge Lake, however, will be a beautiful memory that we will always hold dear... and, hopefully, a place that we will one day return to visit.