Wind River Country, Wyoming by Ranger Publications

YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY – TAKE • KEEP • USE

• Lifestyle and Tourism Magazine of Fremont County •

Farmer’ s

Market,

, pg. 24

pg. 4

Thrill of the Ride,

pg. 6

Way of the Warrior, pg. 11

A Key Lime Air Company

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2016

Celebrities

of Ocea

n Lake, pg. 20

Striking Gold

• Outdoor Recreation • Outdoor Leadership • Environmental Science & Leadership • And more...

Apply now at cwc.edu 1-844-GO-TO-CWC

The outdoors is your classroom, join the adventure now! 2

10 Great Tips for Night Sky Photography, Page 18

Teton Park by Jim Brown © High Plains Reflections Gallery

Contributors

Contents

Cover Photo: Milky Way by Jim Brown

More than Beef: What’s for Dinner in Fremont County..... 4

Photography: Star Shots Break all the Rules....................... 18

Countdown to the Wind River Eclipse.................................... 6

Celebrities of Ocean Lake.......................................................... 20

Livin’ and Lovin’ the Rollicking Ride....................................... 8

Scaring Up Some Cash: The Fun Way..................................... 22

Trappers and Settlers: Where History Comes to Life........ 10

Las Vegas-style fun..................................................................... 23

Road Trip: 8 Inspirational Stops on the

Angler Strikes “Gold” at Thumb Lake................................... 24

Way of the Warrior...................................................................... 11

Plein Arts Festival........................................................................ 26

An Arapaho Legend: The Ghost by the Road......................... 14

Things You May Have Missed.................................................... 28

How to Get to Wind River Country (map)............................. 16

Calendar of Events....................................................................... 29

WIND RIVER VISITORS COUNCIL is focused on encouraging tourism to the unique destinations of Fremont County. They employ many different methods of outreach, including the websites WindRiver. org and WindRiverEclipse.org. They have graciously allowed us to pull some of the exciting and useful stories off these websites. Be sure to visit them, and plug “Notes from the Field” into the search bar to find more real life experiences from Shelli Johnson and Casey Adams. - Shelli Johnson, of YourEpicLife.com, is a life and leadership coach, keynote presenter, writer, adventurer and guide. She lives in Lander, WY, where she frequently hikes the foothills and mountains of the Wind River Range. - Casey Adams loves writing about the wonders, adventures and characters of Wyoming’s Wind River Country. As communications manager for the Wind River Visitors Council, she pursues her passions of writing, swimming in cold bodies of water, and biking or running around the mountains.

JACKIE DOROTHY is a national award-winning author of children’s books, blogger and marketing director for the Wind River Hotel & Casino. She considers herself both a student, and conservator of Northern Arapaho culture. You will find more legends like the one found here at ArapahoLegends.com. Special thanks to JIM BROWN of High Plains Reflections, this month’s featured photographer, for his expert insights into star photographer. And to MISTY WEIDEMANN, our gratitude for her graphic inspirations.

Road Trip, Page 11 CWC Intertribal Center

RANGER PUBLICATIONS, with newspapers in Riverton, Lander and the Wind River Indian Reservation, is the parent company to Wind River Country Magazine. Various people throughout the organization are involved in the publication process, including the following: - Cathy Cline writes a bit, takes a few pictures and manages the magazine operation. - Katie Roenigk is a regular Ranger reporter with a love for the area, outdoor recreation and fun things to do. - Stacey Bennett is the primary marketing representative to WRC advertisers. We thank her for bringing the business community into these pages and encourage readers to stop in at any of these businesses, even if just to say hi! ©The Ranger, 421 E. Main St. Riverton, WY 82501, 307-856-2244, rangerads@wyoming.com

More than Beef: What’s for Dinner in Wind River Country By Casey Adams, WindRiver.org “Food is the most direct and obvious connection to a place,” says Andy Eckhart, Wind River Farm to Plate board president. The flavor of Wyoming’s Wind River Country is increasingly locally grown and raised foods—and though we do beef really well, it’s not all steaks and burgers. From the mushroom and raspberry farms in Shoshoni to the meat processors of Dubois and Hudson, from the pumpkin patch outside Riverton to the small farms and homemade sauerkraut of Lander, from the mini-dairies to the goat dairies, Wind River Country has extensive and forwardthinking flavor. “The farmers’ markets have a lot more abundance and a lot more diversity than one might think you’d have up here in the high lonesome of Wyoming,” said Steve Doyle, co-founder of Fremont Local Foods, adding 42 vendors have been attending Riverton’s markets this summer. In fact, because of the Wyoming Food Freedom Act, Wyoming is one of few states in which you can buy raw milk and fresh cheese made with that raw milk directly from producers.

“That’s very special,” said Doyle. “For rural America, I can tell you, we are well above average. Riverton and Lander attract people from around the state. Aside from the rock climbing, [the attraction is] the local food thing that we are building here.” According to the USDA, the fresher and less processed a food item is, the better retention of nutrients is possible. Much of the food available to us is grown thousands of miles away, requiring substantial processing and shipping time, thus substantial nutrient loss. Additionally, locally grown foods, where farmers are diligent stewards of the ground and sensitive to crop rotation, profit from a nutrient rich growing environment. Riverton and Lander hold their farmers markets twice weekly well into the fall, sometimes even with live music by resident bands. Dubois hosts a weekly market, and a roving market moves throughout the Wind River Indian Reservation. “Okra, artichokes, bok choi often surprise shoppers … Wyoming is famous for superior honey,” said Sherry Shelley of

Fremont Local Foods. “Most important, shopping at a farmers market gives travelers an opportunity to meet Wyoming farmers and Wyoming people and get an idea about our local culture.”

Photo Credits: Cathy Cline

Taste Indian tacos, Dutch-oven meals and native berries; take home homemade pickles, relishes, jams and syrups, Shelley recommends. You can often find some of these same foods and souvenirs in Wind River Country’s grocery stores. Both Mr. D’s and the Wind River Mercantile in Lander and Riverton, respectively, sell local produce, honey and jams. Or, you can go directly to the source. A handful of farms welcome visits from locals and travelers alike, including Raspberry deLight Farms between Shoshoni and Riverton, SonHarvest Seasons’ pumpkin patch near Riverton and Doyle Family Farms of Riverton. If you prefer your “high, lonesome Wyoming” foods be prepared and served to you, the list of restaurants that meet those interests is ever growing. Lander’s Gannet Grill is renowned for its local beef burgers, and Cowfish restaurant next door features local produce and even uses locally grown hops in some of their beers, while The Bake Shop across the street uses produce from Lander’s Spear S Produce Company and others. Just down the street, The Middle Fork serves breakfast and lunch with a seasonally dictated and locally inspired menu, complete with hand-cured meats and Farmer Fred’s homemade sauerkraut. In Riverton, you’ll find the Trailhead, Roasted Bean & Cuisine and Le Complements serving up Wind River Country foods. Even Fremont County schools serve beef through a partnership with the local 4-H groups. “I think that there’s that overall connection to the area and it’s more of a spiritual, energetic connection. If we as a community are more connected to this place, then anybody coming through—in any interactions—it will come through,” explained Eckhart. Thanks to these farmers markets, the many restaurants that support local producers, the grocery and gift stores that sell local foods, and the Wyoming Food Freedom Act, it’s easy and exciting to get your taste of the West. WEDNESDAYS: Riverton, 5:00-7:00 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 606 N. 8th West SATURDAY MORNINGS: Fremont County Fairground, 1010 Fairgrounds Rd. off S. Federal, Riverton Lander City Park, 9-noon, 405 Fremont St, Lander Photo Credits: Cathy Cline

Teton Village

Crowheart Pavillion

Path of the 2017 Wind River Country Eclipse

COUNTDOWN TO THE WIND RIVER ECLIPSE When a dark day is a bright light Casey Adams, Wind Rivers Visitors Council Visitors will flock to Wyoming’s Wind River Country. NASA will be watching us. Young scientists and the media will be all over the place. The sky will go dark in the middle of the day as the sun presents with Bailey’s beads and the diamond ring. The countdown to the Wind River Eclipse has begun. Are you ready for Aug. 21, 2017? This eclipse will move across the entire U.S., from Oregon to South Carolina, and only people within the direct path will have a chance of seeing the Total Solar Eclipse. Outside the path, the rest of the country will see a partial eclipse. But being smack-dab in the center of the path will mean nothing if you’re sitting under cloudy skies. From about 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, the total solar eclipse will pass over nearly all of Fremont County, from Dubois to Moneta. The Wind River Eclipse will draw an estimated 10,000 people to the region to witness this awe-inspiring celestial phenomenon. Some may ask, “why here?” But the real question may very well be, “WY not here?” Avid eclipse chasers and the Wind River Visitors Council have learned that

NASA named the high-altitude prairie between Casper and Moneta one of the best viewing locations in the nation as the Great American Eclipse sweeps from coast to coast. “The altitude of Riverton is itself a barrier to the Plains moisture … From a climatological point of view, the center line between Riverton and Shoshoni is probably the best location in Wyoming to wait for the eclipse,” according to Eclipsophile, a website dedicated to climatology and weather for celestial

For information on activities, lodging alternatives and package deals for the 2017 total solar eclipse go to WindRiverEclipse.org.

Mark your calendars and be sure to return to Wind River Country, Aug. 21, 2017.

events. Historical weather data shows that Riverton has only an 8-percent chance of experiencing cloud cover of any sort on that day. Casper and Jackson have up to an 18% chance of cloud cover. Furthermore, the mile high elevation of Wind River Country provides a thin, clear atmosphere ideal for witnessing and photographing a solar eclipse during the two-hours the moon passes before the sun and the 2 minutes, 30 seconds of Totality, when it fully blocks it. Finally, the vast, unobstructed views that make Fremont Country the true “big sky country” make for unrivaled viewing opportunities for what will be many, many visitors. Once in a Lifetime The last U.S. based total eclipse in 1979 was viewable only in a few states before heading into Canada, and most of that was blocked by overcast. The next solar eclipse will run from Texas to Maine in April 2024, a month full of iffy weather. Less than a year away, many lodging providers, guides and tour operators have accepted reservations from around the world. Business owners across the county are finding they are believers in the

magnitude of this event where they were skeptics mere months ago as their rooms are booked, their services reserved and their phones ring with calls from across oceans. Local homeowners are listing properties as eclipse lodging on websites such as VRBO and AirBNB. And the community as a whole is preparing to host visitors from around the globe. “We have been contacted almost daily by people from all over the world about the coming eclipse,” said Wind River Hotel and Casino Marketing Director Jackie Dorothy. The clock is ticking as we countdown the big day. Now is the time to plan and book. And when it’s all past, the big question is, how will you remember this once-in-a-lifetime-event?

Image Credit: windrivereclipse.org

Image Credit: greatamericaneclipse.com

All-Star REALTORS www.remaxriverton.com 938 W Main | Riverton, WY Phone:(307) 856-7827

LIVIN’ & LOVIN’ the Rollicking Ride

Have you heard? Wyoming’s Wind River Country/Fremont County is the hot new mountain biking destination. By Casey Adams, WindRiver.org Sure, Wyoming is still Cowboy country, and yes, it is necessary to clarify if you mean horses or bikes when you invite a friend out for a ride. However, rugged and beautiful Wind River Country isn’t necessarily any less suited for two wheels than four hooves. The opportunities for pedaling cowboys and cowgirls stretch as far as your enthusiasm and endurance will carry you.

Off-Road

There are lots of on-road rides all over the county, but off-road and mountain biking add additional levels of intensity. Highway 28 south of Lander provides access to a number of dirt roads, so if you’re in search of a mixed ride, that’s the way to go. Twenty-four miles from town, turn right off Hwy 28 onto Limestone Mountain Road for a long stretch of big climbs and exciting descents that eventually meet up with the Sinks Canyon Road at the top of the switchbacks (about 12 miles from town). Peddle a bit farther

uphill on the paved highway to the Louis Lake parking lot and from there follow the Loop Road all the way past Louis Lake, Worthen Meadows, and down Sinks Canyon for about 70 miles of mixed terrain, lake views, and mountain vistas. If you’d like to get to dirt faster, cruise just nine miles north of Lander on Hwy 28 to the Red Canyon Road and follow that up as far as you like, through the Nature Conservancy’s ranch, or until it meets up with 28 again. Turn around or link up with any of the above roads for a longer adventure. “In general, I’d say the volume of dirt roads in the county provides an excellent opportunity for exploring the area around and in the Winds,” former Lander resident Phil Schneider reminisced. “There are heaps of forest service roads that have a backcountry feel in the big mountains. Love it,” he concluded, encouraging visitors and locals alike to get out and see what they can find. 8

Photo credit: Jared Steinman

Mountain Biking

If you prefer off-pavement pursuits of more technical or single-track nature, the true mountain biking trail options of Wind River Country will not disappoint and are rapidly expanding. For example, Dubois boasts the new Overlook Trail. This trail starts at the top of the Town of Dubois Recreation Area Scenic Overlook at the end of McKinley Drive and covers 639 feet of downhill and 315 feet of climbing in 3.2 miles. Learn more about the mountain biking scene in Dubois at URL below. Outside of Lander, Johnny Behind the Rocks (JBR) and Sinks Canyon battle it out for top mountain biking destinations among the locals. JBR is a network of trails, many of which were designed or improved by the Lander Cycling Club. Leave Lander going south on Hwy 287 and turn left at the junction to Rawlins, continuing east on Hwy 287. Shortly after crossing Twin Creek and passing a red cliff band on the left, prepare to turn left. The parking area, which lies about 15 miles from Lander, is clearly marked. Each year, the LCC hosts the Jurassic Classic race on JBR trails. No list of adventures in Wind River Country should omit Sinks Canyon, which is rich in trails. For a prime example, pedal up Brewer’s Trail (from the Sinks Canyon Campground) to Fossil Hill, then out to Worthen Meadows parking lot and down Sheep’s Bridge—which joins up with the Middle Fork Trail—is a “top notch challenging mountain route,” Schneider recommends. Another excellent Sinks Canyon adventure is the Catalyst Trail. Drive to the top of the switchbacks up the Sinks Canyon/Loop Road. Park in the Fossil Hill parking lot on the left, pedal down the two-track to the east, and take the first trail to the left after crossing the cattle guard.

Dubois Overlook Trail And if you’re visiting around Sept. 24, you have the fortunate opportunity to check out the annual Jurassic Classic Mountain Bike Race near Lander. The LCC hosts the fifth annual Jurassic Classic, which will again feature three cross-country routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels and a three-stage enduro. “New this year, the advanced course will feature both a newly built section of trail and new terrain, making it a longer and more challenging advanced course,” said Lander Cycling Club President Julie Fairbank. The Lander Cycling Club has energized efforts to expand cycling in the Lander area in recent years, developing many new miles of trails in Wyoming’s Wind River Country. “My favorite aspect of this race is the strong local involvement,” said Fairbank, adding it’s nice to see out-of- town riders join the culmination of the mountain bike season. Tour the trails in the men’s or women’s beginner, intermediate, or advanced categories of three distances or the enduro. Racers can choose to ride in a single event or both cross-country and enduro races. To register go to LanderCycling.org, got to Events drop down menu and click Jurassic Classic. Follow instructions there. FOR TRAIL MAP LINKS Jurassic Classic 3-level courses: LanderCycling.Org/lander-cycling-eventscalendar/jurassic-classic/ Johnny Behind The Rocks, The Catalyst, Dubois Overlook trail maps: MTBProject.com, search specific names or locations

LANDER TRAIL MAPS

Johnny Behind The Rocks Trail

The Catalyst Trail

On the edge of the Shoshone National Forest, nestled between the Wind River Range and rugged Absaroka Mountains, sits the rustic and tiny rustic Town of Dubois. At the crossroads of the Continental Divide Hiking Trail and the Transamerica Bike Trail, Dubois is a pristine setting for backcountry skiing, picturesque hiking, remote climbing, and now, mountain biking.

You’ll find Dubois’ Overlook Trail is one of the state’s best. The single-track trail begins on the north side peak of the Overlook and has a highpoint of 7,505 feet above sea level and ends at an elevation of 7,061 feet above sea level. A total of 639 vertical feet of downhill and 315 vertical feet of climbing cover the 3.2 miles to the bottom of McKinley Drive, the overlook road. Despite one 400+ foot climb, the trail is primarily a downhill cruise. Designed and built by an expert mountain bike trail builder from the Jackson area, the path is rife with banks, plunges, and jumps. Not overtly technical, the Dubois Overlook Trail features options lending itself to both novice and expert mountain bikers alike. Riders will generally want to shuttle the trail or challenge themselves to pedal to the top before (or after) their screaming descent. Crafted not too intimidate, but delight hikers and riders alike, this trail is fun for all levels and all ages. The landscape surrounding Dubois – the multi-hued crimson layers of badlands, forested peaks, tranquil lakes, and the meandering Wind River – inspired a handful of outdoor recreation enthusiasts to conceive Dubois Association for Recreation and Trails (D.A.R.T.), a non-profit dedicated to maintaining and improving access to local outdoor recreation opportunities. Find more trail maps at DuboisTrails.org.

Trappers and settlers: where history comes to life By Katie Roenigk, The Ranger For anyone wondering about the wildlife that is native to Wind River Country, the Heritage Museum in Riverton is a must-see stop in Fremont County. Museum director Lew Diehl says the attraction is especially meaningful for children, who are transfixed by the life-size displays of more than 60 Wyoming animals, from raccoons and badgers to bison, wolves, moose and elk. “It’s rather significant,” an understated Diehl said of the collection. Visitors can’t touch the nicely taxidermied animals, but they can get close enough to know what it would be like to come across a bear or bobcat in the woods. The experience serves as a teaching tool that helps solidify the lessons students have learned in school about animal habitats and diets. Lately, Diehl said, his young visitors have gravitated to a new exhibit in the back of the museum, which features wax sculptures of historic figures including Jim Bridger, Jedediah Smith, Lewis & Clark with Sacagawea, Kit Carson, Red Cloud and Sitting Bull, and Wyoming’s first female governor, Nellie Taloe Ross, just to name a few. One piece shows a Mormon Trail family pulling a handcart. “They all like that (display),” Diehl said. “They read about the Oregon and Mormon Trails in history books, and now they get to see it.” Diehl said he usually is busy hosting school groups in the fall, but he invited any visitors passing through Riverton to stop in and take a look. “It’s a good place to come and walk yourself through – or we’ll furnish a guide at no charge,” Diehl said.

Photo credit: Cathy Cline

Anyone planning on bringing a large group should call ahead (307) 856-0706. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. 10

ROAD TRIP:

8 Inspirational Stops on the Way of the Warrior Wind River Visitors Council

From one end to the other, this trip is about 100 miles and can be made in 2 hours with no stops. But where would be the fun in that. Instead, experience some of Wyoming’s most serene wide-open spaces and fascinating geological features. We start in Castle Gardens, and what might seem to be a cathedral to prehistoric Native American warrior cultures. Then experience a bit of the more recent captains of industry – from trappers to farmers to uranium miners. Ever constant on this journey is the Native American culture in which the Wind River Country is rooted. We’ll end the adventure at Crowheart Butte, where an epic battle between tribes occurred in the 19th century, and where native youth still frequent on their spiritual quests. Cheif Washakie, Shoshone Chief & Crowheart Butte Warrior

1. Castle Gardens, named for its fancifully eroded

The site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Petroglyphs are sacred sites. Please protect and respect by not climbing or removing rocks, natural living plants or animals from the area.

sandstone turrets and towers, has been luring visitors for centuries and is one of the finest Native American rock art sites in the state. It is adorned with the best Castle Garden Shield Style petroglyphs in the west, dating back to 1000-1250 AD. The site features the country’s oldest recognizable shieldbearing warrior art. It is described as “elaborate and carefully made figures,” and “combines several different manufacturing techniques that serve to distinguish the style as unique in the Bighorn and Wind River Basins. The style is also unique in that it depicts shields alone as well as shield-bearing warriors.” (Francis & Loendorf 2002:136)

TO GET THERE: Travel south out of Riverton on Hwy 789,

turning left at Hwy 136/Gas Hills Rd. After about a mile, the road will split with Sand Draw. Turn left to remain on Gas Hills Rd. Travel 36 miles from this split to Castle Gardens Rd. Turn left and travel 6.3 miles. A sign will direct you to turn right and travel 5 miles to the petroglyphs. The road will end here at a cul-de-sac. Reverse directions to head back in to Riverton. Photo credits: Cathy Cline

2. Wind River Heritage Center (see story page 10)

provides an engaging 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous and trapper era experience through wildlife displays, collected artifacts and a wax museum.

TO GET THERE: From the intersection of Hwy 789 and Gas Hills Rd, turn right (WY 789/Federal Blvd). Signage will direct you to the museum on the right side at 1075 S. Federal Blvd. Hours are Mon – Sat, 10am – 4pm.

3. Northern Arapaho Experience: When is a casino NOT a casino? When it is a beautiful exhibit of stories and culture of the Northern Arapaho tribe. Feel the drum beat as you explore a trove of artifacts, history and artwork. Call in advance to arrange one-on-one time with Arapaho elders who will share their language, stories and traditions.

TO GET THERE: From Riverton, head back south down Hwy 789/Federal

Blvd to the Wind River Hotel & Casino on the right. Enter at the hotel where lobby staff will point you in the right direction. Call 307-851-5394 for hours.

4. St. Stephen’s Mission and Heritage Center: This historic

mission is another great place to learn about Native American culture, particularly through a transformational period. The church building is painted in colorful Arapaho motifs, featuring beautiful art and stained glass windows. The boy’s dormitory and classroom were rebuilt after a fire in 1928 and now serve as post office, community center and museum. The museum illustrates the meeting of Native American, European and Catholic traditions.

Castle Gardens

TO GET THERE: From the casino, travel back towards Riverton to the stop light at Hwy 138/Rendezvous Rd. Turn left and travel 2 miles, turning left again on Mission Rd. Follow Mission veering left again to its end.

5. The Riverton Museum collects, preserves and interprets artifacts

related to the early settling of the region, including Riverton and Fremont County history, as well as those of the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone peoples. You’ll find a deep interpretation of both agricultural and industrial histories of the area as well.

TO GET THERE: Traveling back to Riverton from St. Stephen’s, turn left on

Northern Arapaho Experience

Hwy 789. Two blocks past Main St., turn left on to Park Ave. The museum will be in an old church building (700 E. Park Ave) at the end of the block on the right side. The museum is open year round, Monday through Saturday, but hours vary by season.

Wind River Heritage Center

The Riverton Museum

6. CWC Intertribal Center: Walking through the halls, you get

a deep sense of the local tribal history around the turn of the century through an extensive collection of photography. The gallery here features a collection of Native American artifacts, beautiful beadwork and war tools, headdresses and buffalo hide painting. Modern art, sculpture and paintings, round out the total experience. Definitely worth a visit.

TO GET THERE: From downtown Riverton (Main St.) head west about 3 miles; this is Hwy 26. You will see Central Wyoming College on your right. The western most building is the Intertribal Center. Turn right on N. Hill St. You will find ample parking on the west side of the building.

CWC Intertribal Center

7. Pavillion petroglyphs (Couple this site with your explorations at Ocean Lake, see page 20): Petroglyphs abound throughout Wind River Country, some in the places you’d least expect. These are easy to miss, until you see them and then they just jump out at you. You’ll find two very large human figures – a male and female, along with various other smaller figures. The bluff is on private property, but it’s not necessary to trespass to see the larger images, and a good set of binoculars or camera zoom will allow you to see even the smaller images.

TO GET THERE: From CWC, travel west on Hwy 26 about 14 miles

then turn right on Hwy 133 towards the town of Pavillion. Travel 6 miles then turn right (this is Pavillion). Headed east, travel exactly 4 miles. Look to the north at the red bluff. You will know you are in the right place when you see a portion of pipeline infrastructure/valve. It is painted a stark white within a yellow pipe enclosure. The glyphs are directly north of the pipeline apparatus.

8. Crowheart Butte: Many variations of the following story have

been told over the generations, but it is generally agreed that a manyday battle between the Shoshone, under Chief Washakie, and the Crow, under Chief Big Robber took place in 1866, over hunting rights in the Wind River Basin. As it was, the Crows had been given the valley in the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851. The Shoshones were given the valley in the Fort Bridger Treaty of 1863. Three years later the Nations went to war, fighting a long, hard battle. Eventually, the chiefs agreed to a man-to-man contest to determine the outcome. The victory went to the Shoshone and affirmed their hunting grounds. Crowheart Butte was named to commemorate the event. Crowheart Butte is still a sacred site to this day, used as a place of spiritual renewal for young men on a vision quest. Non-Indians are legally forbidden to climb Crowheart Butte.

TO GET THERE: From the intersection of Hwy 26 and Hwy 133 near

Pavillion, travel west on Hwy 26 about 24.5 miles. The butte will have come into view before this point. There is a turnout on the left side of the road along with an interpretive sign giving more information about the battle that took place on and around the butte. The turnout is directly south of the butte and offers a great view. About 4 miles further up Hwy 26 is the Crowheart Store and Exxon station where you will find refreshment as well as a large variety of local native crafts. Our road trip ends here. You have three equally good options at this point. Head back down to Riverton, go further west up to Dubois or take the split off Hwy 26 east that takes you to Lander. Any of those choices can provide a great place to spend the night and offer plenty of dining choices.

Pavillion Petroglyphs Photo credits: Cathy Cline

SAND CREEK MASSACRE TRAIL

On November 29, 1864, Col. John Chivington organized the Colorado Territory militia and headed to Sand Creek, Colorado. There the 600 plus group attacked a peaceful village of Arapaho and Cheyenne people. They brutally murdered 165 people, mostly children, elders and women. Chivington’s force mutilated helpless victims and later displayed them as they paraded back to Denver. The actions of Chivington and his force have been condemned by the U.S. government and both tribes. The site has since been recognized as a national historic site for its significance to America. The Wind River Reservation was originally home to the Eastern Shoshone. Today it is home to both Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone including many Arapaho descendants of Sand Creek Massacre survivors. In Wind River Country you will notice signs marking the trail from Ethete to Araphoe, Riverton, Shoshoni and on to Casper. The Sand Creek Massacre Trail runs from the Wind River reservation to the Colorado border, and represents a modern-day link between the massacre site and current home of the Northern Arapaho. An annual Spiritual Healing Run is held for descendants of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people every year.

An Arapaho Legend:

The Ghost by the Road

Photo art: Cathy Cline

By Jackie Dorothy, arapaholegends.com This ghostly tale was originally recorded by Professor James Andrew Cowell as told to him by Dickie Moss, the oldest son of the respected Arapaho storyteller, Paul Moss. Throughout the story, Dickie would say “Wohei” which means “and then.” A long time ago, when ghosts (biiteino’) and similar creatures were around, a certain man fooled a ghost. Wohei. He was walking downstream and then he realized that someone was following him. He kept turning around to look but he didn’t see anybody. Wohei. He clearly heard the sound of someone walking. Whenever he stopped walking, it stopped walking. Wohei. He set off again and he would hear the sound of someone walking toward him once more. He was certain that someone was following him. Wohei. After a while, he cleared his throat. It cleared its throat. He clapped his hands, and it clapped its hands. He was coming this way [towards Ethete] somewhere on his way home and it was dark.

Wohei. There at the Red Hills, wohei and then at the Washakie Springs, wohei and then right there at the bridge. He was going to have to walk right over that bridge. And way out away from the settlements, someone was hollering out in a strange way. Every time it hollered out, it was a little closer to him. And now the man had come really close to the bridge. Soon, judging from where it had hollered out last, the ghost was real close to him. Right around the bridge was where he had heard it last. Then he arrived there at the bridge. And someone was standing there. But he didn’t want to run off back in the other direction. He didn’t want to run off back that way. “I might as well go ahead while I’ve still got my wits about me.” He closed his eyes and then he started running straight through there. He doesn’t know if he was going to run into that ghost, or what might happen. He just kept on running this way, without even slowing down. 14

And that’s how they told this story. That spot out there, well apparently there’s something powerful there. Whoever wants to go on a vision quest should do it there. But maybe nobody has. I was supposed to take my brotherin-law out there. I told him the story, and – what do you know! – and he didn’t ever go out there again. Instead, his father took him way out here somewhere, way out north. He got scared of the Red Hills area again after hearing the story. That’s the story I told him. That’s how the old men told it. They knew all about the places to go on vision quests. That’s it, how they told it. Wohei And that’s the true story of how the man escaped from the ghost right here on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. Hohou! — Jackie Dorothy 2016

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M ILEAGE T O T HE Way of the Warrior Road Trip B ORDERS O F W IND

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� BILLINGS, MONTANA • CODY, WYOMING Travel south from Cody on Wyo. Highway 120 to Thermopolis and then 789/20 south to Shoshoni. State Highway 789 continues to Riverton, Hudson and Lander.

ains

lan

From Cody

Wind R i

oody ke

reek M o u n t a i n s Owl C Wind River Canyon

Wind River Indian Reservation

Cottonwood Bay

Crowheart Butte

26 287

Lake Cameahwait Bass Lake Road

Crowheart

Pilot Butte Bull Lake

Pavillion Kinnear

Ocean Lake

137

e Agi po Po

Shoshoni

Riv e

20 26

From Casper

Riverton Museum 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous Site

Arapahoe

er Riv

789

St. Wind River Stephen's Heritage Center Mission

Castle Gardens

136

Gas

Hills R oa d

Wind River Indian Reservation

135

Ca ny

Sin ks

The "Sinks"

Frye Lake

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Louis Lake

287 789

Can

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Fiddler Lake

Red

Lo op R

Shoshon e Nat ion al For est

Gas Hills Uranium Mines

Popo Agie Bruce's Falls Bridge

g i e Ri v e r

Worthen Reservoir

Miner's Delight Camp Stambaugh

vid

Hudson

Lander

Dickinson Park

po A

Riverton

North American Indian Heritage Center

Roberts Mission

Ethete

St. Michael's Mission

Ft. Washakie Gravesites of Chief Washakie and Sacajawea

= Commercial Airport

Chief 132 Washakie Hot Springs

Atlantic City South Pass City

South Pass City State Historic Site

South Pass Overlook

From I-80

= Airport

Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center

W ind

Boysen Reservoir

Loop 1

287

Boysen State Park

Loop 2

= Rest Area

Willie's Handcart Monument

South Pass Summit 7412' Con

Oregon Buttes

Div ide tal

Continental Peak

Swe

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Jeffrey City

287 789

Split Rock Interpretive Site

Green Mountain

D e s e r t

From o I-25

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Muddy Gap U

28 Great Divide Basin

twater R o c k s

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Star Shots break all the rules

10 Great Tips for Night Sky Photography

Stop in at High Plains Reflections, 309 E. Main St. in Riverton to enjoy an entire gallery of beautiful photography, as well as unique ceramics and more. © High Plains Reflections Gallery

Aurora Borealis by Jim Brown

By Casey Adams, WindRiver.org It’s tough to compete with the aurora borealis when it comes to night photography. But acclaimed photographer Jim Brown has found something that does, and it’s here in Wyoming’s Wind River Country. “We’ve got the best Milky Way in the country,” Brown said. “It’s just absolutely gorgeous … the colors and the textures that the Milky Way gives you here are the best.” The Milky Way is most photogenic May through September, but it’s quickly followed by the kind of cold nights that sharpen the stars in the night sky. “Your stars are more vibrant in the winter. Night photography is so much better in the wintertime,” said Brown, who owns High Plains Reflections Gallery on Main Street in Riverton. Brown has earned awards for his photography from the Smithsonian, National Audubon Society, North American Nature Photography Association

and more. He shares his hard-earned knowledge (watch out for badger holes when shooting at night), through workshops and a few tips he offered us: • Plan around the phases of the moon. You don’t want light from more than a quarter moon, as it dilutes the stars. Pay attention to when the moon will rise and set, which will dictate the time of night that you shoot. You’d be surprised by how much light the moon puts out over the course of a 15- to 60-minute exposure. • Be aware of ambient light—look at what is going on in the shot to prepare. • All the rules for photography are out the window. If somebody tells you a rule about photography, generally the first thing you should do is go out and try to break it.

Well, then, let’s start over: 1. Often, light pollution can help your photograph. Don’t be afraid of the moon or a big city. Sometimes the effect is pretty cool. 2. The light you get at night can be surprising, whether it’s a city in the distance or a haze over the moon. When you start developing it, don’t automatically change it to a color that you expected. 3. Light painting and night photography go well together. This is where you intentionally light the subject with artificial light, ranging from your cell phone to big, studio lights. It’s fun! 4. Always set up before dark. Make sure you know your surroundings so you know what you’re expecting. Previsualize your picture. Don’t go out at midnight thinking you’re going to get something good without putting in the effort in advance.

5. Use tools to help you with this set up. The Sky Guide app

shows you where the Milky Way will be that night. You need a compass for star photography, because you need to face due North or due South to get a circular star trail. Set up your tripod for stability. 6. You’ll need a camera that allows manual adjustments so you can test exposure times, ISO, f/stop, etc. A camera with a wide angle lens is best; it can manage a good shot at a shorter exposure, limiting star trails. If you’re going out with your little instamatic, it’s probably not going to work. 7. A place to start: Set lens at F2.8 with 1600 ISO. A 16mm wide angle is great. Tripod is a must plus at least a 2 second timed delay to avoid camera shake. 8. Always be looking. Every time I see something that might be interesting in the middle of the night, I make a note of it. Some of my favorite places set up an intriguing foreground are Castle Gardens, Sinks Canyon and Beaver Rim. 9. Don’t be afraid of the cold. Stars are more vibrant in the winter. Your batteries go more quickly, but the skies are just amazing. Keep extra batteries in your inside pocket close to your body—or in the truck, which you’ll probably park nearby if it’s very cold! 10. The eclipse will present another low light opportunity as day turns to night within minutes. Make sure to use your largest telephoto lens, and don’t be afraid to use an extender. ISO should start at 400 to 1600, at F8-F16 with high shutter speed as subject will be moving. Get as many shots as you can get then stack using a program like StarStaX. Run a midday test on days before the event so you know what you’re doing before the big day. 19

Paddlers, Plumes and Ponds:

Celebrities of

Ocean Lake

For birding enthusiasts or casual observers, Ocean Lake is a “hot one.”

hite American W

Cormorant Pelicans and

Chukars

Young Bald Eagle

By Katie Roenigk, The Ranger Ocean Lake, west of Riverton, offers expansive vistas of nearby mountains and year-round recreational opportunities for visitors to Wind River Country. The horizon to the west is filled by views of the Wind River Mountains, which can be seen while boating, picnicking or camping at the man-made lake. In the fall, local bird-watching enthusiasts say they venture out to Ocean to observe migrating flocks and other wildlife. It’s an excellent place for viewing water and marsh fowl. “There are lots of overlooks,” birder Bob Hargis of Riverton said. “The ponds on the east side of the lake are wonderful, and Long Point has wonderful picnic areas and shelters. … It’s a great place to bird.” He called Ocean Lake “one of the hot ones.”

Ocean Lake was created in the 1940s to help control waters of the Missouri Valley project. The entire 12,000 acres is managed by Wyoming Fish & Game. “It’s one of my favorite areas,” Hargis said. “It’s basically an inland sea.” In the fall, the water body provides a stopover point for sea and land birds on their autumnal flight paths, Hargis said. He has seen ducks, loons, grebes and shorebirds resting from their migratory journeys in the past. “You’ll start to see loon migration – common and maybe if you’re lucky a red-throated loon,” he said. “And there are probably some good ducks to be seen before the frost. (Fall) is a good time for ducks. All of the ducks will be there in the open water.” 20 20

Photo credits: Cathy Cline

Young Meadowl ark

Vesper Sparrow

Great Blue Heron

Some birds that spend their winters in Wind River Country will start showing up in the fall, too, Hargis said, like roughlegged hawks. “That’s the pretty hawk you see in the prairies in the winter,” he said. “They nest in the arctic, but this is the southernmost point of their range, so they’ll be (here).” Significant sightings of birds rarely found in the area would involve Sabine’s gulls. “We had one last year in a blizzard at the end of September,” Hargis recalled. Another bird that watchers would be lucky to see is the jaeger; it could appear at Ocean Lake on its way to South America. Some winters, snow buntings and tree sparrows show up in the area, too. Hargis recommended avid bird-watchers purchase “A Birder’s Guide to Wyoming” by Oliver Scott, which was published in 1992 but still is relevant today. Birds that Scott mentions include red-breasted mergansers, horned grebes, oldsquaw and barrow’s golden eye ducks, sand hill and whooping cranes, long-billed curlews and California gulls. A marshy area near the northside boat ramp houses sora and Virginia rails, Scott says, and when he wrote the book there was a big colony of yellow-headed blackbirds and marsh wrens in the same area, along with short-eared owls.

“You can never tell what you might see here,” Scott writes, noting that one person sighted a red phalarope in 1988. On the west side of the lake, Long Point – which Hargis mentioned earlier – reaches into the water for about a mile, providing birders with new views of various types of loons and grebes. A reedy estuary at Goose Knob serves as a nesting area for grebes, terns and cormorants. People do hunt around Ocean Lake (pheasants are planted by Fish & Game), especially during dawn and dusk, so it may be wise to wear bright colors when birding at those times. However, both Hargis and Scott said the real danger involves wet roads. “Don’t enter any roads around Ocean Lake after rain or moisture,” Hargis said. “It’s hot clay – like primordial ooze. It’s like driving in mayonnaise.” You’ll find even more variety in the areas surrounding the lake including great blue heron, bald and golden eagles, transplanted clown-like chukars, meadowlark and more.

TO OCEAN LAKE WILDLIFE HABITAT Petroglyphs Ocean View

To Pavilion

Summerhill Rd

Missouri Valley Rd Dock

Shady Ln

Walk-in Access

E Pavilion Rd

To 26 to Boysen Reservoir N. Irishman

Camping Angler

Goose Knob

Long Point

Ocean Lake Rd

To Dubois

Gabes Rd

Camping

S. Irishman

8 Mile Rd

Buckhorn Flats Rd

To Riverton Sandhill Crane

Scaring up some Cash,

the fun way!

As we head into October, the nights grow darker and colder. You can feel the chill in the air, and the rustling of the leaves. An owl hoots out in the distance and you can sense the restless spirits. There are more than zombies strolling around Wind River Country in October. There are zombies and vampires and transformers and ninja turtles and more! And they’re all headed over to the Creature Feature Costume Contest at the Wind River Hotel and Casino, Saturday, Oct. 29 from 9pm to 11pm. Everybody’s invited to the Monster Mash Ball, where the costumed creatures will strut their stuff and vie for cash prizes. Creature Feature contestants must be 18 years or older and appear in costume in the Entertainment Room at the casino. There are three categories with three prizes in each: Couples/Group, Judges Choice, Most Creative, plus Best Overall. Registration begins as 9pm and ends at 10pm when judging begins. But there’s more haunting yet to be had. Spooktacular cash drawings throughout the night, from 9pm to midnight will help up to 19 lucky winners get in the spirit of Halloween. Prizes start at $100 each in the first hour, then grow in goulish delight up to $500 by midnight.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOME FUN, SLITHER ON OVER TO THE WIND RIVER CASINO’S MONSTER MASH BALL!

ino

Looking for Las Vegas-style fun without the

crazy crowds?

Betting on games of chance, athletic contests, horse races and hiding or guessing games has always been a part of American Indian culture. Now you can catch the gaming excitement at any of the four casinos located on the Wind River Indian Reservation in the heart of Wind River Country—the only Las Vegas-style casinos found in the state.

LITTLE WIND CASINO is located on Big Sky Highway in Ethete, south of Kinnear off Hwy 26. Nearly 200 slot machines beckon you to play. The Morning Star restaurant offers a nice menu of good food at great prices. A 24-hour facility, promotions found at the big casino, are generally available here also.

WIND RIVER HOTEL & CASINO, the Big Daddy of casino action, has it all. The casino features over 800 slot machines and table games including poker and blackjack. You won’t go hungry with the dining choices: Cee Nokuu Café featuring Native American specialties, Red Willow fine dining, the espresso bar and the 5 bar Buffalo Restaurant, a wide array food court with The Smokehouse, Mongollian Grill, Rio Taco Mexican, Tuscan Hearth pizza and Italian and a killer dessert bar. The hotel provides 90 rooms ranging from luxury suites to pet friendly rooms with beautiful views. Make sure to save some time for the Northern Arapaho Experience Room to hear stories from the elders and learn about the tribe through paintings, artifacts and more. Summer stays also treat guests to weekly Native American dancing, interpretation and song. Just a mile south of Riverton, this is a great place to play, stay and win!

789 CASINO & SMOKESHOP is the place to go when you’re on the run. Located just outside Riverton over the river, you’ll find a gas station and convenience store, with the solution to all your smoking needs. And tucked inside is 789 Casino with 200 slots ranging from video games to poker to progressives and everything in between. 789 Casino is where it all started, as a bingo hall and Wyoming’s first casino, back in 1995. A local favorite, with success at 789, the Northern Arapaho launched the Wind River Hotel & Casino.

SHOSHONE ROSE CASINO is owned and operated by the Eastern Shoshone Tribe for whom the Wind River Mountains are the ancestral home. At time of printing, The Rose has featured over 300 table games and a full service restaurant. By mid-September we expect the new facility to be open, increasing slots to 500, expanding the table action and adding 55 hotel rooms and 6 luxury suites. We’re all excited for the new opening. You’ll find the Shoshone Rose about 5 miles west of Lander on Hwy 287.

Angler Strikes

“GOLD”

at Thumb Lake

Golden Trout

By Shelli Johnson, WindRiver.org Shawna Pickinpaugh, 52, is a mother, wife, artist, high school art teacher and a lover of Wyoming. She is a native of Wyoming, and has called Wind River Country home for almost 19 years. She also happens to be an avid angler. She’s been fishing for “at least 50 years,” and has caught hundreds and hundreds of trout in her lifetime. This day we would set off on an epic hike. As her hiking guide, I proposed Wind River Country’s Upper Silas Canyon area as our destination. Upper Silas Canyon is a long, glacial-carved canyon in the Wind River Mountain Range that is dotted with numerous lakes that just happen to be teeming with trout. I love Upper Silas Canyon. It’s possible to hike to, and/or near 6-8 lakes in Upper Silas Canyon, and the scenery is stunning. I picked Shawna up in town, and we started the 45-minute drive through Sinks Canyon

and up the Switchbacks to the trailhead. During the first mile, we were rewarded for our early wake-up with a remarkable sunrise that appeared to light the pine trees around us on fire. The trail winds through a forest before reaching an intersection with the Christina Lake Trail at about one mile. To continue upper Silas Canyon, stay right and continue another 1.5 miles to a point where you’ll hear a creek. Watch for a big cairn here, which marks a fork in the trail. Go right and cross Silas Creek. After crossing Silas Creek, you may go left to hike to Tomahawk Lake, which offers great fishing, or stay right to continue a little over a mile to reach Upper Silas Lake. Upper Silas Lake is a beautiful lake that is set in a pine forest with a big granite mountain at one end of it. There’s terrific camping and fishing at this lake. As we hiked up the trail, which parallels the lake’s shore, we could see fish. Lots of

them. “It was hard walking by without pulling my fishing rod out and casting a few,” recalls Shawna. I mentioned to Shawna that there were golden trout in Thumb Lake. Any Wind River Country angler who knows anything knows they want to catch the elusive and beautiful golden trout, which can be found only in select high altitude lakes. In fact, some people come to Wind River Country from all of the country with one goal in mind: To catch a golden trout. “I have caught cutthroat, brookies, lake trout, browns, rainbows, and Yellowstone cutthroat,” explains Shawna. “I had never caught a golden trout before. When Shelli mentioned golden trout, my heart started racing, and I had great anticipation that at 51 years old, I would finally get to check this off my bucket list!” Photo credits: Shelli Johnson

From Island Lake, we continued up another mile or so, off trail and above treeline to reach what would be our destination, Thumb Lake. We were both eager, but we stopped briefly above Island Lake to admire another small, unnamed lake. After that, we were rewarded yet again but this time not by a lake but by a moose. We did our best to quietly back up and take a different route. Soon, we spied Thumb Lake, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Wind River Mountain Range. It is above treeline,

and nestled under tall granite mountains. From a short distance, we could see fish in the lake. Shawna, a much more experienced angler than I, suggested we sneak up slowly “because they can see us, too.” I tied a fly to my fly rod, and she selected a lure for her fishing rod. We went to separate locations. and started fishing. “I had a hit on my first cast, so that made my heart race, and I became very intent on what would happen next,” recalls Shawna. What happened next was Shawna struck

THE FASCINATION OF

gold! In fact, she struck gold not one time, but three. “I landed three small golden trout that morning, and had a number of good hits,” explains Shawna. “You could see the little guys chasing the lure, and it was fun watching them stay just out of reach of the hook. I typically bring a few fish home to eat, but I didn’t bring home any of the goldens. They need to stay where they are.” For my part, I casted my line no fewer than 50 times, and caught not a single fish, golden or otherwise. But I felt as if I had also struck gold just by witnessing, and being a part of Shawna’s experience. “I have hoped for years that I would have the opportunity to catch a golden. That day, after catching one, I had a smile on my face from ear to ear,” recalls Shawna. “They are so beautiful, and I have such a great appreciation for them. Not too many people can say they have caught a golden.”

FLY FISHING

Whether you’re looking to connect with nature, find relief from the stresses of the workaday world or just looking for a good time, fly fishing is a good excuse to get out and enjoy Wind River Country.

Here are a few choice flies you might find do very well in local trout waters.

1. High Visibility Grasshopper

Good in either lake or river, this is the grasshopper season. A good fly in fast water or bad light, you can see the action on this fly from about 100 yards. Fall, when trout are looking for a bigger than usual meal, is the best time for grasshoppers.

2. Purple Foamulator

3. CDC Rubber Legged Flashback Pheasant Tail

Good spring through fall, this fly provides an attractor or stimulator pattern. That is, it stimulates fish to come to the surface. Use where there’s a strong presence of fly hatch.

This is the best nymph on the market, working in lakes, rivers and still waters. Even bass and croppie will show an interest. The CDC allows more lifelike movement and durable dancing legs. This is a good year-round fly.

4. Film Critic Blue Wing Olive

The Film Critic presents year round with a deadly blue wing olive pattern that rides flush with the surface film. Representing an adult or cripple blue wing, it is good on cloudy days or when cloud cover moves in.

Consider using these flies in combination. The grasshoppers is a good lead fly as a strike indicator combined with the CDC nymph as a dropper. You’ll find these, and a wide range of flies, equipment and good advice from Kyle Waggoner at Lander Fly Shop, 307-438-3439. 25

Wandering Dubois in search of Plein Air As you travel around Wind River Country over a handful of September days, you may come across small groups of folks with easels up and paintbrushes in hand. They are a part of SKB and you’ll find them around Dubois, Dunoir Valley, and the far reaches of the Shoshone National Forest. The Susan Kathleen Black (SKB) Foundation is celebrating its 15th annual artist workshop Sept. 18 through 24 in Dubois. Assembling top nature artists from across the nation, the event includes a 5-day workshop plus additional lectures and social events. It takes place at the Headwaters Arts and Conference Center. Daily instructors include special guest artist James Gurney, Lee Cable, John Phelps, Guy Combs and Mark Kelso in oils, Andrew Denman in acrylics, Mort Solberg, Nancy Foureman, and Mark Mehaffey in watercolors, Christine Knapp in sculpture and John & Suzie Seerey-Lester, Jeanne McKenzie, John & Ann Trusty, David Rankin, Wanda Mumm and Heiner Hertling in plein air. Are you an experienced artist looking to recharge your creative juices with a little plein air? Look forward to next year’s event. You’ll find information at skbworkshop.com.

DROP IN, DROP OFF

GET GOING.

Can't wait to get your taxes done? We understand. Because you've got other things to do, feel free to drop off your tax documents and we'll get to work preparing your taxes. Your tax professional will contact you to follow up. When we're finished, you can come to the office to review and sign your return or you can approve your return online — whichever's easiest for you.

STOP BY YOUR H&R BLOCK OFFICE TO GET STARTED.

219 E MAIN, RIVERTON, WY 82501 307-856-2256 672 W MAIN ST, LANDER, WY 82520 307-332-6102 15-0265

800-HRBLOCK | HRBLOCK.COM

Northern Arapaho PowWow, Sept. 3-5

Crowheart Festival of the orkshop, Dubois, SKB Plein Air W

Cowboy, Sept 10

Sept 18-24

Things you may have missed. SAVE A DATE FOR NEXT YEAR

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Land er Liv e Con cert’s ret thru t ro-soul by he su mme Lake Stree r t Div e,

-11

ept 10 owboy, S

Fremon t

Lander, Sept. 10-11 Wings ‘n Wheels,

County Fiber Septemb Arts Festival, er 10

CALENDAR OF EVENTS REGULARLY SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary Tours Enjoy a real wild mustang horse tour where 130 wild horses! Located on the Wind River Indian Reservation between Lander and Fort Washakie. Learn about Native American horse culture. See life on a real working horse and sheep ranch. Horse Tours offered thru Sept. 5, 10am – 6pm, thereafter available by appointment. Please register in advance: 307-438-3838. 8616 Hwy. 287, Lander. Lander Arts Center: The Bridge by CARAVAN Art Show Friday, Sept. 9 through Oct. 13 Caravan is an international humanitarian arts organization that focuses on building bridges through the arts between the creeds and cultures of the Middle East and West. Visit landerartcenter .com for more information. 224 Main St., Lander Riverton Library Lego and Lego Robotics Club Every Thursday (robotics on 2nd Thurs each month), 3:00 – 5:00pm (3:30-4:40 for Robotics) Children ages 8 – 12, free, LEGOs are provided. Each week children are presented with a different building theme. Robotics weeks, children work with simple robotics software and LEGOS to create items such as spinning birds and snapping alligators. Registration required only for Robotics Thursdays as supplies are limited. Register at cwc.edu/rrec. 1330 W Park Ave, Riverton. SPECIAL EVENTS SKB Foundation Art Show & Workshops Sunday, Sept. 18 thru Sat Sep 24 15th Annual Susan K. Black Foundation Art Show and Workshops. 175 artists and top-notch art instructors meet up for a week of art in the high country. Here colorful ideas flow freely between students and teachers. Classes held inside and on location. See the art at the Headwaters Arts Center Show, 20 Stalnaker St., Dubois.

5th Annual Jurassic Classic Mountain Bike Race Saturday, Sept. 24, 8am-5pm The Lander area is fast becoming a mountain bike mecca for cycle enthusiasts. Races are held 15 miles south of Lander on Hwy. 789 at long time secret local haunt known as Johnny Behind the Rocks. Look for the signs. Lots of prizes, food truck, games, raffles, and amazing scenic routes to choose from that vary in length between 4-22 miles. This spectacular location is a geologists’ dream. Without a doubt, this race has something for everyone so all skill levels welcome to participate. Visit www.landercycling.org. Dubois Museum Trek: Torrey Lake Petroglyphs Saturday, Sept. 24, 9am-1pm Museum staff will lead a trek to view Native American Dinwoody Tradition petroglyphs. These ancient images are pecked into large boulders that are scattered throughout Torrey Valley. Bring your own lunch and plenty of water. We will leave the museum at 9am sharp. All ages are welcome! LIMIT: 12 PEOPLE. Please register: (307) 455-2284. 909 West Ramshorn St., Dubois. The Pickle Workshop with UW Thursday, Sept. 29, 5:30 – 7pm, register by Tuesday, Sept. 20 UW’s Nutrition and Food Safety Extension Educator Laura Balis will teach you how to make delicious pickles that anyone can enjoy – and who doesn’t love pickles? Cost $10. Riverton Middle School Home Ec, 840 Major Ave, Riverton. Register at cwc.edu/rrec. Dubois Museum: Greater Yellowstone’s Trumpeter Swans Thursday, Sept. 29, 7pm – 8pm WY Community Bank Speakers Series: Greater Yellowstone’s Trumpeter Swans: Rebuilding a Secure Population. Drew Reed, Northern Rockies Trumpeter Swan Stewards, will share the history, ecology, and conservation of Greater Yellowstone’s nesting swans. The species neared extinction in the early 1900s, our region provided a crucial sanctuary for the last nesting Trumpeters in the lower 48. A century of conservation efforts has saved this magnificent species. Dubois Museum, Dennison Lodge, 909 W. Ramshorn St., Dubois. 29

Fun run/walk 5K and children’s 1 mile run Sat, October 1, 9:00am (registration) Run 10:00am – 11:30am Join the Fremont County Libraries teen department and the Lander Library Friends Association for their annual fun run/walk 5K and children’s 1 mile run. Pick up a registration form at the Lander Library or download a registration form at http://www.fcls online.org/land erreaders-run/ . 405 Fremont St, Lander. Dubois Museum Trek: Dubois Cemetery Tour Saturday, Oct. 1, 11am – 1pm Steve Banks will lead the Cemetery Tour: Respecting Dubois’ Past. Learn about the people who helped shape and settle Dubois. Everyone is welcome to come listen and share your own stories about the people of the area. Have you ever heard of family names like Green, Clendenning, Moriartey, Manseu, Stringer, Boedeker? Did you know we had a Civil War Vet in Dubois? Please register: (307) 455-2284, 909 West Ramshorn St., Dubois. CWC Spirit Week Sunday, Oct. 2 through Saturday, Oct. 8 Various activities all week long. Check the events calendar at CWC.edu Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair Saturday, Oct. 8, 10am – 3pm Free admission. Fremont Center at Fremont County Fairgrounds off S. Federal, Riverton. The Tempest, CWC Performing Arts Thursday, Oct. 13 through Sunday, Oct. 16, 7:00 through Saturday, 2:00 Sunday Good spirits and evil monsters, young love and ancient hatred, reality and illusion, come together in Shakespeare’s most magic infused play. Tickets run between $8-$10. Adult season ticket $24, Senior and Children $18. Purchase at tickets.cwc.edu or by phone, 307-855-2002. Central Wyoming College, Robert A. Peck Arts Center, 2660 Peck Ave, Riverton

Halloween Special Effects Makeup Wednesday, Oct. 19, 4-5:30 pm, register by Friday, Oct. 14 Learn techniques and skills that will take your Halloween costume projects to the next level – whether gory to gorgeous, fairies and mermaids or zombies and witches. Cost $10. CWC Arts Center Makeup room, Central Wyoming College, Robert A. Peck Arts Center, 2660 Peck Ave, Riverton. Register at cwc.edu/rrect Spooky Night at the Museum Sat, October 22, 6pm – 9pm The Lander Pioneer Museum presents: McDonald’s Kids Exploration: “Halloween Night at the Museum” a slightly spooky tour of the museum featuring stories of Wyoming’s haunted past. Wear costumes, roast marshmallows, make scary masks, have a hay ride! $3 per person. 1443 Main St., Lander, 307-332-3339, http:// fremontc ountymuseums.co m Halloween of Horrors, CWC Performing Arts Friday, Oct. 28 & Saturday, 29, 7:00pm – 10:00 pm Enjoy this guided tour through the CWC Art Center where ghoulies, ghosties and long legged beasties lurk behind every corner. Ages 6 and over. $3 per person. Central Wyoming College, Robert A. Peck Arts Center, 2660 Peck Ave, Riverton Lander Kiwanis’ Guns, Boots, & Brands Western Affair & Auction Saturday, Oct. 29, 5pm cocktails. Dinner 6:30pm – 10:30pm Western attire suggested. Silent and live auctions of guns and artwork. Start the evening with Live music starts at 9pm and is open to the public under separate admission. Held at the Lander Community & Convention Center, 950 Buena Vista Dr. 307-332-3892, info@landercham ber.org

DOWN THE ROAD Kids: Old Style Paper Dolls Sat, November 5, 10am – 11am The Riverton Museum and the McDonalds Children’s Exploration Series: Make your Own Paper Figurines. Suggested Ages: 8-13. Come to the museum and learn to make your own paper dolls and paper gentlemen. Dress them in period fashions and decorate the dolls to your own preference. We will provide all the materials, you just need to bring your ideas and creativity! Program Fee- $3.00 per child. Please call to register. 700 East Park Ave. 307-856-2665, http:// fremontc ountymuseums.co m Monte Carlo Affair! Sat, November 5, 6pm – 10pm This special annual evening event is hosted by the Lander Children’s Museum and features casino-style games, live and silent auctions, and a full bar with the most amazing heavy appetizers. Come enjoy an elegant evening for $35 per person at the Inn at Lander, located at 250 Grandview. For tickets or questions, call 307-332-1341, or cmexdir@gmail.c om, landerchildrens musuem.org Wyoming State Poker Championship Saturday, November 18 & 19 Wind River Hotel & Casino, Riverton 2 day event with 30 minute rounds. $300 Buy-in with a $300 Re-Buy. $100,000 projected pot. Dubois Chariot Horse Races Saturday, Dec. 17, Noon – 3pm Sunday Dubois hosts real old fashioned western Chariot Horse Races - horse and buggy style from regional participants. Dubois Scenic Overlook Chariot Track on McKinley Drive, Dubois.

Find these events and more listed at WindRiver.org

Ocean Lake Sunset, Photo credit: Cathy Cline