ANSELMO TO CHADRON

9/9/10
This is our first time in Nebraska, and we have found it quite surprising and fascinating. A large portion of our drive took place in the Sand Hills.  Did you know there are sand dunes in Nebraska? Nebraska actually has the largest area of sand dunes, albeit covered with grass, in the US, At the southwest end of what was probably an ancient inland sea.  And trains! We saw trains enough to last a lifetime-- all hauling coal-- and all consisting of more than a hundred cars. Usually an engine in front and one in back. They ran parallel with the road in front of the dunes.

   Outside of Alliance we came upon Carhenge, not one of the wonders of the world. However, a circle the size Stonehenge was marked by cars partially buried on end, with other cars and trucks positioned on top, the entire sculpture coated in a gray material. We lingered long enough to take a photo and then carried on without going in. (Photo by Bill)
    Late in the day we rather abruptly left the sand dunes ( or they left us!)and entered country that looked more like Utah than Nebraska, some areas reminiscent of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Eventually we pulled into our destination of the night, Chadron State Park, another gem. We have a lovely spot on a hill surrounded by trees, which give glimpses rock formations that we're eager to explore.
   Which reminds me, I would just absolutely love to show you the pictures I took of the dunes, the trains, and the dog food folks However, I somehow lost them all when transferring to the external hard drive. Yes, I'm disappointed, too, but Bill has a few. In addition, I have refrained from taking a photo of the smashed -in rear panel of the truck that occurred when Bill backed into our campsite and hit a post. The panel sports a nice band aid covering of black Gorilla tape!! Aren't we a pair?!