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Published: September 8th 2011
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I got up at 6:30 this morning feeling well rested and ready for the day vowing to get an early start. After having coffee, walking Oscar, and visiting with some fishermen I am again behind. These chores are getting in the way. Washed the dishes, put the chair away secured everything, disconnected and went to the dump station. Needed water too. I did improve on yesterday, it was 8:40 when I got on the road. The drive is becoming almost effortless, open road at 75 mph and fewer cars all the time. The landscape has changed and now I really feel like I’m in the west. There are more cattle ranches, wheat fields, and horses grazing, continues to be flat. I stopped at a Walmart in North Platt and went food shopping. I am craving vegetables and fruit and meat. I have had a few sandwiches and TV dinners, eating rather well but something fresh was in order.
Then it was on to Ogallala and RT 26 north. It is a scenic byway and the spirit directed me to go that way and am I glad I did. I had a big grin on my face the whole 100 miles gaining
in elevation but still mostly flat. There are cattle ranches now and some corn and wheat. This road followed the Oregon Trail and there are history markers all along the way. We stopped at a place called Ash Hollow to find that the wagons had to be lowered down the hill with the aid of ropes all so the very tired and trail weary pioneers could enjoy a few days at a clear spring and a park like setting. There were cottonwood trees in the valley, fruit trees and song birds along with an abundant supply of clean water. The air is especially dry in this part of NE so after walking for months this must have been like heaven.
We passed chimney rock, a marker for the travelers that if they didn’t pass that by the 4th of July they would never make it across the mountains before winter.
I went into Scottsbluff and found a campground along the Platt River that was fairly nice and cheap too $15.00 a night with water and electric and very nice restrooms. The campground hosts were so pleasant and told me about Scotts bluff that is a Nat’l Monument. After I registered
I headed out to see what this bluff was all about. There is a road up to the top through 3 tunnels so I just had to do it. Oscar and I walked around at the top so we got exercise and a few pictures. You can see forever.
Back at the campground I set up and made myself a feast of potatoes and onions on the grill, steak and steamed green beans. A neighbor invited me for their campfire so we roasted marshmallows and exchanged stories. It was a really nice evening and now I am typing to send this blog but the campground internet isn’t working, maybe tomorrow.
I drove 327 miles today but it was exciting exploring along the way so I don’t feel so tired. Bed at 10:30 mountain time.
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margi
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love it!
i am so happy to see the adventure unfolding. i tried to call you last night. we leave today. loved colorado and rmnp. i\'ll try to call again when we get home. love you!