Discovering High Country Lodge ~ Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming

Let’s go back 5 1/2 years ago and discover how this began

Crossing the Bighorns became a favored westward passage over years of travel. Most notably to get to another favorite spot for observing, Craters of the Moon National Park. I stopped at Medicine wheel on many subsequent trips watching the site evolve over the years to a rather decent national monument.

The original sign to the High Country Lodge attracted us to stop in. I did not recall the loge on recent trips and was amazed that about 2 miles from Medicine Wheel was this beautiful site.

Original Sign | Bald Mountain in the background

Stopping in I inquired if they ever considered an astronomy weekend being so close to Medicine Wheel. Matt (my original contact) had a telescope and interest, but he starts the lodge each morning by 6:00 AM (not an easy task after a late night under the stars.) They also had no idea what to do if it were to rain on an astronomy weekend.

I suggested that possibly some “big name” astronomer could be prepared to give a talk in the lodge in case of stormy weather. Emily (listening in the back office) googled my name and found I worked for the Hayden Planetarium. She asked if I could be that big name astronomer and do an event at the lodge.

This is how this astronomy excursion started. I’ve had many members and family follow me here over the years. It has become a yearly highlight for me.

This looks different! Can past attendees from our society recognize where we are? It’s a COVID safe re-design and I’m liking it! Look out the window and you can see new location for the camper. We will utilize 2 scopes out there with a video feed on one.