Colorado into Nebraska again

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Colorado into Nebraska again

Ok, heading back home from Colorado into Nebraska again. Seems like I just got here. As a result, time to play “On the Road Again”! Also, here is a link back to the start of this trip. Also, going through the Pawnee National Grassland. Finally, Scottsbluff becomes prominent at the end of this post.

After leaving my brother’s place in Denver, I visited my niece and her family in Greeley CO. Seems like the only time I see them is when I’m headed elsewhere! Above all, I had a very good visit. Finally, I left before I totally wore out my welcome!

I’m starting out with a picture that will appear again later. Because, its more interesting than the next couple of pictures!

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Nebraska georgraphy
Chimney Rock. This is along the wagon trails in the 1800s. The travelers initially used it as a trail marker.

Pawnee National Grassland (From Colorado into Nebraska again)

This National Grassland makes up a very large area of northeastern Colorado. (In spite of what most people think, there aren’t any mountains when you get east of Denver!) Furthermore, the Grassland contains a 30-by-60 mile area making up 193,060 acres. Also, here is a link to the Grassland website. Finally, bird watching, hiking, and camping make up the primary available activities within the Grassland.

Introduction and Birding

Denver into Nebraska again
Headquarters sign for Pawnee National Grassland Office.
Pawnee National Grassland
Begin trip through area. Definitely grassland

This discussion heads way off topic, but here it goes. Probably, because the state is Colorado and it’s “Grass”lands, reminds me of a story. This occurred back in the 1960s or 1970s. As a result, a baseball pitcher named Tug McGraw was asked a question. “Which do you prefer grass or Astroturf”. His response? “Don’t know, never smoked Astroturf”! Best response I’ve ever heard in a sports interview!!! (Incidently, Tug McGraw is the father of country western singer Tim McGraw) Ok, back on topic.

Pawnee National Grassland
Getting into the differences. In a camping area
Pawnee National Grassland
Picture 1 of sign post explaining grasslands
Denver into Nebraska again
Picture 2 of the area
Pawnee National Grassland
Board 3 about the grasslands

Oil wells in Pawnee National Grassland

There are hundreds of oil wells spread throughout the Grasslands. Seems like, that is at odds with the plan to preserve the Grasslands.

Pawnee National Grassland
…and there is oil under the grasslands. There are many of these all through the area.

Pawnee National Grassland – Terrain

The terrain gently rolls along with the low hills and valleys. The Pawnee National Grassland served as ranch land prior to the current National Grasslands designation. Finally, the next pictures show how it looks today.


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Pawnee National Grassland
Drove over a cattle guard. Now in Open Range. Formerly cattle grazing area.
Pawnee National Grassland
Abandoned buildings. Likely ranch buildings “back in the day”
Colorado into Nebraska again
The Grasslands provide other forms of energy as well. Very many windmills and it was very windy that day.
Colorado into Nebraska again
…and the old fashioned windmill to pump water for the cattle
Pawnee National Grassland
Buttes located in the Grassland. Here the land is eroded from the water and wind. This is along a very rough trail. Wasn’t supposed to be open until June but it was being used.

Transition from Colorado to Nebraska again

Denver into Nebraska again
Actually, I’m leaving Colorado
Denver into Nebraska again
Yes, now I’m coming into Nebraska. The land looks the same here. Headed toward Scottsbluff.

Scottsbluff Nebraska and surrounding area

After leaving the Pawnee National Grassland, I’m heading to Scottsbluff Nebraska. Finally, starting to see bluffs and other rock formations. Certainly, it doesn’t seem like Nebraska! Western Nebraska, especially the Panhandle, is very different from the east.

Approaching Scottsbluff
Approaching Scottsbluff. Starting to see rock formations. This area has many of them. (Not like the Nebraska you expected?)
Approaching Scottsbluff
More of the rock formations as I’m driving to Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock

Nebraska georgraphy
Chimney Rock. This is along the wagon trails in the 1800s. The travelers initially used it as a trail marker.
Chimney Rock
Historical Marker for Chimney Rock
Denver into Nebraska again
… and more rock formations. I tried to get the power company to remove the pole but they are “funny” about things like that!

Back toward the city of Scottsbluff and Scotts Bluff National Monument

The monument name became Scotts Bluff (the city became Scottsbluff) after Hiram Scott. Due to the fact that Mr. Scott was a clerk for a fur trading company working in the area. Hiram Scott died near the monument. Above all, three of the wagon train trails from east to west went by the Monument. Finally, the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails drove through this area. Also, more pictures follow below.

Scottsbluff
Scotts Bluff. The Scotts Bluff National Monument is spelled as two words. The city and county are spelled as one word. Also, the city is in the background. The uncooperative weather fogged the picture
Scottsbluff
Showing a variety of rock formations.
Scottsbluff
A butte along the road
Scottsbluff
Another rock formation

Summary

The post covers Colorado into Nebraska again, Pawnee National Grassland, and Scottsbluff. As a result, twenty four pictures appear in the post. Consequently, I’m thinking of making smaller posts and focus on one area or attraction. As a result, next up will be…. (Drum Roll please…..) Carhenge!

The Driveby Tourist #thedrivebytourist