Nebraska Byways
Headed South out of Scottsbluff on Highway 71 you go over Wildcat Hills. Just before you start up, there is an interesting byway. The road goes back just a few miles before it dead ends. Today I had some time and the road was dry for the first time in weeks.
Imagine you are headed North to Scottsbluff on a stagecoach. If you have ever ridden in one, you know they are not noted for smoothness and comfort. Finally, you sight the end
of your trip.
The driver starts down the hill.
Sure is pretty.
Thanks to Ami Mental for the idea for this post.
At what, 4 MPH, that could be a half day trip right there!
ReplyDelete4-5 mph as an average. Some lines with multiple relay stations could get up to 10 mph by keeping horses at a trot. Some lines continued at night on better roads.
DeleteThat's still a LONG day! Remembering that Mt. Vernon was a days ride from DC, and now it's a 30 minute (in light traffic) commute.
DeleteRight you are. My great grandfather, grandfather, and great uncle would take six weeks to go from NW Colorado (Craig) to Denver and back. I can drive to Craig in four to five hours.
DeleteYou do live and work through some pretty and historical country. I was on a two week motor home road trip up through CO into NE then over to WY, among other places on our way to WA state. I could not believe how beautiful and rolling most of the trip was. And tried to imagine traveling that route in a covered wagon. No truck stops, Burger Kings, etc. It had to be hell. But then those folks were much more hardy than we are today. I would like to ride alone with you sometime and enjoy the lay of the land (after the snow is gone, of course).
ReplyDeleteAlways welcome.
DeleteThat is the only part of Nebraska that is scenic. LOL
ReplyDeleteNow you are being mean! Lots of scenic places along the Niobrara River.
DeleteThe three Sage brothers who died when my ship was cut in half were from Niobrara. They are putting a memorial to the Lost 74 there on Memorial day this year. I was going, but I have to two memorial stones to dedicate in RI and NH the week before and cannot afford two trips. Bad timing or I would be there.
DeleteI am being mean! LOL. Nebraska is ho hum.
DeleteHo Hum? Powder Basin, Shirley Basin, Wamsutter - how about those?
DeleteHo Hum? Powder Basin, Shirley Basin, Wamsutter - how about those?
DeletePretty scenery. Was it warm there? It looks like a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteIn Eastern Oregon, where the Oregon Trail went through, there are wheel ruts worn into the solid rock across large swaths of country.