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We drove North, into Nebraska, mostly since it stood between us and South Dakota (apologies to Nancy E.). We rested that night near Scott's Bluff, an important landmark for pioneers crossing West. Scott's Bluff (partially pictured below) was apparently a spot where travelers could pause, gather supplies, and reflect a bit prior to risking their lives to cross the Rockies. 
Pictured below is a "Prairie Schooner". The thing was monstrously heavy. It took folks 6 or more months to make the journey Westward -- often starting in midwinter, so that the Mississippi could be crossed while it was still frozen.
And this is the Oregon Trail itself, looking Eastward. We walked along it for a bit. Oregon Trail travelers often walked much of the way across, since riding in the wagons was so bumpy.
In the hamlet of Alliance, Nebraska, one can find "Carhenge" -- a replica of Stonehenge, but built with discarded automobiles instead of stones. It was kind of on the way, and Jordan and I really wanted to see it, so Jody surprised us and navigated us there. For those of you who are paying attention, this makes 3 faux 'henges' that we have visited: "Jeromehenge" in Jerome, Arizona, "Woodhenge" in Cahokia, Illinois, and now this. I am not sure what this signifies, besides the facts that 1) we like oddities, and 2) there are lots of odd folks making oddities in this country. Here is a panoramic shot, capturing the essence of Carhenge. I can't let you see the whole image because it is nearly 4 megabytes, and putting that up on our web site via a phone line would take days -- so you'll have to be content with this.
And here is a detail shot. We read that some groups actually perform rituals there on the Summer Solstice. Perhaps they change their oil there collectively.
Other "Car Art" exhibits were placed nearby, including this one, "The Ford Seasons -- with Apologies to Vivaldi".
We lunched here, and then drove onward, North, to South Dakota. |
