On my way to Colorado I passed through the western part of Nebraska. When one thinks of Nebraska, one thinks corn. Even they're football team is named the Cornhuskers. But western Nebraska's scenery is closer to Utah's.
I stopped at Scotts Bluff National Monument. Here is where the pioneers started to have difficulty crossing the terrian. The Oregon Trail, The Mormon Trail pass through here. I went for a 3 mile hike in the park and passed some amazing scenery. Once on top of the bluff, Chimney Rock can be seen in the distance.
On my way down from the 400 foot climb, I met up with a rattlesnake on the path. The ranger came out with a stick to move it out of the way. Despite being in rattlesnake country for almost a week, this was the first one I spotted and only the second in my life.
I then made my way to Chimney Rock. Much of the area is completely protected, so one cannot get to close. Despite this, it's quite an impressive structure. Seeing it so many times on the Nebraska quarter, it was quite neat to see it for real. It's totally understandable how this point of reference showed up the most in the pioneers' journals. It is quite striking.
Originally I planned to stay the night in Nebraska, but all my sleeping options seemed a bit shady, so I headed for the high point of the state. At 5424 feet, it's higher than both Katahdin and Mt Marcy. It's quite unreal, as there are barely what you'd call hills here. I arrived right at sunset and just before a nice thunder and lightning storm. Heavy flashes of lightning can be seen to the north.
Those look like some really interesting places. Crazy to think what it might have been like during the "Dance with Wolves" days. Amazing that there is still so much open land out there.
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