Landmark on the Nebraska Quarter

Nebraska’s Quarter (Chimney Rock) and Scotts Bluff

Chimney Rock Admission: Free to view from parking lot; Fee to enter museum

9 - 5 Daily

Open Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day

Closed all state holidays in the off season.


Scotts Bluff National Monument: Free to those holding NPS pass ($10.00 life time cost)

Write to

P.O. Box 27
Gering, Nebraska 69341


Visitor Information
(308) 436-9700
 

When I first viewed the Nebraska quarter many years ago, I had no idea of what it was. Nor did I know the significance of it. Some of the quarters have historic value, but no longer exist (the Charter Oak on Connecticut’s and more recently the Old Man in the Mountain on New Hampshire’s—neither exist in their original glory). Some are more general in nature (Vermont’s Maple Trees, Kentucky’s Thoroughbred). Some honor specific people (Alabama’s Helen Keller, Ohio’s John Glenn). I know the history of some; others, I do not.

When I first viewed Rhode Island’s quarter which has a sailing boat in front of the Narragansett/Jamestown Bridge, I was standing in Fort Adams in Newport. I held the quarter in my hand and looked toward the bridge. It was a beautiful sight to behold. It was the exact view that I beheld on the quarter in my hand.

I really never thought about seeing other landmarks that are immortalized on these quarters. But Lo! And Behold! As we are driving westward in Nebraska, there’s Chimney Rock. (I did not know its name when I first saw it, but I knew it was the landmark on the Nebraska quarter.)

Sorry folks, can't seem to get rid of this Amazon thing!

It was a landmark that many of the 500,000 pioneers crossing the country on the various Trails (Mormon Trail and Oregon Trail, to name two) looked forward to seeing. It can be seen for mmmaaaaaaanny miles. It was a sign of hope for them. Today, it is in a state park. We followed the road that brought up close and personal with it. Because there are many rattlesnakes in the area, there are warning signs to stay on the paved path. (We did see a dead rattlesnake in the road on the way into the park that had been hit before we got there). The path leads one to a small, but pleasant looking museum. We chose not to go in as we were just awed by looking at the rock. We also chose not to follow the paved path. Another really hot day. We just stood in the parking lot and marveled at it.

It really gave me a great feeling and inspiration for all those people who crossed in such difficult situations. How blessed we are today that we can hop into a car and drive hither, thither and yon. Stop at state rest areas when needed. The Plains are just that—Plains—flat, flat, flat. I don’t know what one did for privacy in performing ones bodily functions. So, much courage and drive to better ones self and the life of ones family. The hardships were a long way from many of our miniscule problems of today.

Signs warned to stay on the path.  BEWARE of Rattle Snakes....  This one apparently did not read the signs.  It was DOA in the road.






Several miles beyond Chimney Rock is a National Park Monument known as Scotts Bluff. One of Franklin Roosevelt’s work groups/projects (the WPA, I think) is responsible for building a two lane highway to the top. There are several tunnels through which one passes to reach the plateau. The design did not harm to vistas. The town of Scotts Bluff is spread out several miles away below. Hiking trails from the bottom wind around the various rock formations. One can also take a NPS shuttle to the top and walk down. Campers and trailers are not allowed. So, if one is being towed, one would have to take the shuttle to see the view.

There is a wonderful museum and gift shop at the bottom. Native American tools. Great photography.

The area had been a picnic area long before the road was constructed. Gentlemen (and Ladies at the turn of the century up to the 1930’s in their long dresses) would climb to the top via ladders and bring their picnic hampers to spend a Sunday afternoon, enjoying each others company, the food and the awesome vistas.

The pioneers, upon seeing this landmark, knew they had made it that much further. The briefly lived, but famous, Pony Express generally followed the California Trail—both of which went through Scotts Bluff as did the Oregon and Mormon Trails. It was a major milestone in their travels. Before the road was built, early settlers had to travel through Mitchell Pass, one more challenge for the already hard pressed men, women and children.

Three reproduction covered wagons welcome one to the entrance of the NPS monument. Hardships abounded and might include having to walk next to the wagon to lighten the load for the beasts of burden, haul their own wagons or carts as some were too poor to purchase oxen, horses, mules.  Buffalo stampedes. Unpredictable weather (bitter cold, violent winds, torrential rain, scorching sun). And an occasional Indian attack. There was no privacy. Every mile was hard won and brought them closer to their new life.

The, oh, so beautiful scenery is a not-so-gentle reminder of our forebears and their trials and tribulations.

http://www.nebraskahistory.org/sites/rock/

http://www.nps.gov/scbl/



 

The Trails Ruts and Fort Laramie

The Trail Ruts

Admission, Trail Ruts: Free

Admission, Fort Laramie: Free with NPS pass

Guernsey, WY

Our hosts in Nebraska told us that we should not miss Fort Laramie and The Oregon/Mormon Trail Ruts in Wyoming. We drove west following Bill’s instruction, but somehow messed up. We found the town of Fort Laramie, but somehow missed the Fort. We had Maggie Mae plugged in. She kept changing her mind as to the direction we needed to go. So, we drove right through the town and onward. (Once Steve passes something, we rarely go back).

By wagon train, it is about one day's travel from Fort Lamarie.  By car, maybe a half hour.  When we pulled into the  town of Guernsey we found signs for the Trail ruts. It is a fairly small state park with a nice paved walking interpretive trail. The hundred of thousands of pioneers (between 350,000 and 500,000 are believed to have followed this trail) wore the sandstone down as they grunted and groaned their heavy loads over the hills. Eventually, the erosion from the wagon wheels caused very deep ruts. As newcomers came along, the trail became much more difficult. The ruts range from two to six feet deep. The ruts have been preserved

When people referred to the ruts, I had made the incorrect assumption that these ruts were in the dirt. They are not, but deeply gouged into the rock. Wagon wheels often got stuck, axles broke, wheels broke. One more challenge. The geography of the area dictated that practically every wagon that went west crossed the ridge in exactly the same place, with impressive results. Winding toward South Pass on the North Platte River these ruts are here for eternity.

The half-mile stretch is "unsurpassed" and is the best-preserved of Oregon Trail ruts anywhere according to Wyoming tourism. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

The site is maintained as a State Historic Site within Guernsey State Park. It does not take a long time to visit this State Park, the walking trail slightly steep in portions is a relatively short and easy trail. The scenery is western wonderful.

If one has any interest in history, one more hardship for the travelers of these times is hereby exemplified. It was worth the stop.

www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Oregon-Trail-Ruts/3830

http://www.nps.gov/oreg/planyourvisit/site7.htm

BEALE ST: Elvis sings to Molly

Elvis Sings to Molly

Our hosts in Memphis had invited us to come early and dine with them at their home. An alternative was to go to a local restaurant, but it was quite hot. So, Susan decided upon eating in.

After dinner, Susan and Kirk drove us to downtown Memphis. We grabbed a trolley for the Riverside Loop. Cost for seniors is a real bargain at $.50. The River Loop loops around the city—goes by Sun Records, where Elvis first recorded, the pyramid, and follows the Mississippi River and then loops back into the downtown area. It stops in front of the motel at which Dr. King was killed. There is a large wreath on the banister at the site. We did not get off, but continued back to the place where we had started.

A portion of Beale Street is closed to traffic on Friday and Saturday nights.  There is all kinds of entertainment.  We watched some street gymnasts doing their various flips for a while.  Music coming from every corner.  Every nook and cranny has some sort of music or other entertainment.  Blues is dominate from many of the clubs and restaurants.  The streets are flooded with wall to wall people...everyone seems to be happy and in a good mood.  Steve does not really like being in crowds.  But like me, he was really impressed with the crowds.  There is some reconstruction and renovation continually happening.  Some of the very old buildings have been torn down with the exception of the front facade.  Gives an interesting look to the place.

Our host, Kirk, had worked as an usher at the Orpheum when he was in his early teens.  He told us how he had to wear a bow tie.  Over the years, it became old and somewhat decrepit.  But, through renovation, it now looks like new and probably as it did in its glory days.  Lots happening on Beale Street.  Fun, high energy.

Susan and Kirk are the parents-in-law to Rayford, an Elvis impersonator. Now, I have never particularly been an Elvis fan. I did like some of his music and even some of his movies, but never cared to watch him on stage. When I called Susan, she asked me if I was an Elvis fan. NEVER say to anyone in the Memphis area that you are not a fan.  My answer was "not particularly!"  I lived to be embarrassed over that statement.

Beale Street, famous for its music…blues is home here. On the weekend evenings (we were there on a Friday night) several blocks of Beale Street are cordoned off. High visibility of police around. Various horse-drawn carriages abound. Some look like Cinderella’s coach. We noticed that almost every one of these carriages carried a dog in its front seat. We did not take a ride as our goal was a club in which Rayford was singing. We went and listened for a while. There was another gentleman, also an Elvis impersonator visiting from New Mexico, as well. His first name is Ray. Both sang. Both were very enjoyable.

I do not think there was a cover charge, but I could be wrong since we were guests of the in-laws.  Steve had a beer.

After a while, Rayford, “invited” me up on the stage, sat me down and sang “Welcome to My Heart.” It was a good song for me. They say horses sweat, men perspire and women glisten. Well, I can tell you, I certainly was glistening…huge drops of glisten were running down my back. It was embarrassing, exhilarating and so very much fun. I was further embarrassed when MY Elvis announced to the audience what I had told Susan-- that I was not a particular fan. But, I guess they forgave me. He also told the audience something else that I had mentioned to Susan. That was that we lived in a town with a sole blinking light (no other traffic lights). But that did not bother me as that is exactly how my town can be described.

Ray, the second Elvis, also had an opportunity to sing.  Both we quite good. 

The evening was thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks to all of you for this added attraction. This is something we never would have done on our own. And something we will NEVER forget.

If one were inclined, one could spend hours there with absolutely free entertainment (except for parking fees).  Of course, that is probably unlikely, as there are so many restaurants and bars and other ways to spend money.  But, truly, one can have a great inexpensive evening by doing a lot of people watching and wandering around, talking to folks, hearing some great music and learning a bit of local history.

Our hosts have met people on the street that have become life long friends.  The have hosted some of these visitors to Memphis in their home.  I cannot say enough about this evening.

Our room held lots of Elvis memorabilia, including a framed picture of him in his youth. The room was comfortable.

I love staying with local people. They know where the fun is and how to get to there—the shortcuts and places to park. It beats sitting in a motel room by a million miles.

Coming Soon

Our adventures and postings will not necessarily be in chronological order.  We left Florida early in the morning on August 5.  The dog had left the Sunday earlier with Lynne and went to South Florida to stay with his friend Mandy (carian terrier).  Our first night's stop was in Birmingham, next Memphis, then on to Forsyth and Gladstone MO with a stop during the day to visit with friend Linda in Ash Grove, MO.  Upon leaving Missouri, we continued to Des Moines, Iowa on to Lincoln, Nebraska.  Our next stop was Scotts Bluffs, Nebraska.  Continuing we spent three days in and around Casper, WY.  The next leg of the trip brought us to Custer, SD for two days and Sioux Falls, SD for one day.  The last two nights of visiting were with friends in Clinton, Iowa, a town on the west side of the Mississippi River.  We hit Nashville in the pouring rain and rush hour--not our finest moments. Overnight at a motel on the Tennessee/Georgia border.  Hit morning rush hour traffic in Atlanta with no rain. 

Confederate Memorial, Marbury Alabamaxx
Memphis by day
Lake Taneycomo, MO
Gladstone, MO
Iowa Welcome Station

Wyoming--Douglas, Casper and Lake Alcova
Don and Frank at Mickey D's
Custer, SD
Bike Week at Sturgis
Rushmore
Crazy Horse
Custer State Park
Wildlifexxx
Route 16A
Wall Drug-X
Sioux Falls
Mississippi River
Clinton and, Le Claire, Iowa (birthplace of Buffalo Bill Cody)-X
Race for home

Happy Birthday Betsy

Today is the fifteenth birthday of Betsy and the ninety-seventh anniversary of Steve's Mom's Birth.

Betsy came to us in 2004.  She had lived with a woman who was divorcing and leaving the state.  Sadie, also came to us at that time.  Betsy spend the better part of the first two years in high places such as on top of the refrigerator.  She was a bit stressed as she also had a very yappy dog living with the divorcee.  Now, she is one relaxed lady despite the Springer that lives here too.  She's my talker.  One can carry on a regular conversation with her. Unfortunately, the communication  part is not so good as I do not understand cat.  She does, however, seem to understand human.  She likes to be patted, but not held.  I am happy that she joined our family.