The whole inappropriate comment thing was stuck in my mind, all day, July 19. I was soothed a great deal, though, by the beauty of Shell Falls, and the delightful meal at Elk View Inn, which is all by its onesies, about halfway between Powell and Sheridan, in north central Wyoming. I also got to check the Web, and take my medicine. As I’ve said elsewhere, the worst thing I can do to someone, in my own head and heart, is to hurt their feelings. I had thirty years of sensitivity training, and it’s second nature now. I still feel terrible about this, my friend.
Elk View Inn, though, tried its best to help me feel great again, and it got me through the day. So did some fine scenery, from the top of Shell Canyon (below), to the foot of Medicine Wheel Mountain.
Rounding the corner, at the top of the canyon, I encountered a juvenile moose, enjoying a meal.
After lunch, I found my footing, in the foothills of the Bighorn Range, about three miles east of Medicine Wheel. Some volcanic outcroppings graced the scene.
Medicine Wheel Mountain is visible, from these outcroppings.
Columbine are prolific in the foothills of the Bighorns. 
The base of Medicine Wheel Mountain, though, is largely high desert scrub.
I was, however, psyched to drive to the Forest Service parking lot, and go to Medicine Wheel, for several minutes of prayer and homage. God knows, I needed it, and needed to offer it.
A Sagittarian Seeker 
I’ve always wondered what sort of animals you’ve come across on your travels. Stay safe, my friend! 🙂
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I saw lots of deer, woodchucks and American bison, on this trip. Elk were more common in northern California and the Northwest.
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Awesome! 🙂
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Thanks, Sandra. 🙂
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You’re welcome, Gary! 🙂
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It’s such beautiful scenery, and so different from that of the Rockies or of Arizona. I trust you didn’t try to get closer to that moose — they can be nasty! But the columbine are beautiful — were you able to get closer to them?
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I stay the recommended distance, from all wild animals. I respect their space, and their temperament. I did not get any closer to the columbine there, as it was private property, but I have encountered them much closer, when on the trails.
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this is an incredibly beautiful place. wow. you found quite the place for prayer, Gary. a place that was literally made for it.
I’ve read your past posts, so in this comment I will say that I feel for you, in the situation with your friend. I know that, somehow, things will smooth out. you two are both fine people. it will be okay.
be well, my friend.
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I know this is so, John, and thank you. Every time I try to leave her behind, emotionally, a message comes to me- “Gary, be patient with me, please.” All will be well, in time, and for the best of everyone concerned.
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however it turns out, it will be okay. if it doesn’t change from the present situation, it is still okay. life is what it is.
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Exactly, John, and thanks again. 🙂
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Beautiful place 🙂
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Yes it is, Eden. 🙂
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This is a beautiful area. I love to see the changes over the land as you travel. I know what it is like to take comfort in nature. She is a wonderful healer.
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Nature is, sometimes, the only healer. ❤
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The lodge itself looks so inviting and the area itself is so full of peaceful and healing energy. I have learned on my walks through the deep woods here in the Pacific Northwest when I was much younger that moose will generally leave us alone if we give them their space.
The foothill range of the Bighorn Range are beautiful.
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It does have healing properties, and the closer I got to both Medicine Wheel, and, in the opposite direction, Devils/Spirit Tower, I felt much stronger.
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I love the photos. The surrounding looks very serene. Specially the first one.
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It is an extraordinary approach to a most magical place, thus the special post about the run-up.
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one of my brothers worked for a round engine (airplanes) company in grey bull, WY. i found a medicine wheel, up in the mountains. i am so glad, that you got to offer prayers, there.
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I will show that Medicine Wheel, in my next post. 🙂
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I would never have guessed those were Columbine.
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Western columbine are generally indigo or purple.
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I’m really loving the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into
any web browser compatibility problems? A number of my blog visitors have
complained about my blog not working correctly in Explorer
but looks great in Firefox. Do you have any ideas to help fix this problem?
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With havin so much content do you ever run into
any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement?
My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it seems a lot
of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement.
Do you know any methods to help reduce content from being ripped off?
I’d definitely appreciate it.
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I know only of watermarking, but since my posts and photos are not a source of income, I share pretty freely. You would have to consult a patent attorney to protect your written work.
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