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OT: Trip through Western Nebraska

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Nebraska Legend
Sep 4, 2004
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Arlington, TX
In mid May, me and the missus took a road trip to celebrate our 25th anniversary. 15 days, 13 states and 6,100 miles. It was a trip that I had planned a year prior, but postponed when I took a new job. So, with our looming anniversary I thought what the heck and asked for a leave of absence. However, now that I was tying it in with our anniversary, I wanted to do something special.

On the day of our anniversary, I planned to be driving from Ketchum, Idaho to Kalispel, Montana. I had contacted a number of Methodist churches on my route. Was told by one that they would not have a pastor when we traveling through. Got a reply from the Pastor in Stevensville, Montana, in the Bitterroot River Valley, that said he'd love to do the renewal of our vows. Rolled into Stevensville around 2pm local time. My wife thought we were just checking out the inside of some random church. She had no idea of my plans. The pastor's wife recorded video of the ceremony with my phone. Afterwards, she asked my wife how long she knew of my plans. I glared at her, but it didn't really matter at that point. LOL

Lots of bucket list stuff for me.
  • White Sands National Monument
  • Saw a show in Las Vegas
  • Death Valley National Monument
  • Eastern Sierras
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Virginia City, Nevada (think "Bonanza")
  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Grand Tetons National Park
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  • Sturgis, Deadwood, Black Hills, Mount Rushmore
  • Chimney Rock National Monument
Add in all the towns along the way and it was a fantastic journey. Well, I thought that I'd like to share with you guys the part of this monster trip that went through Western Nebraska. I was familiar with Eastern Nebraska, having lived in Omaha and went to school in Lincoln. Been up to Fremont and Columbus. Auburn and Nebraska City in the southeast. South to Beatrice. I even went to Grand Island to see the Stuhr Museum as a kid. I almost forgot Minden! Almost forgot York, too. But I had never been out to Western Nebraska... until a couple months ago.

We entered Nebraska, from South Dakota, near Rushville. From there we headed west to Chadron. I think I was the only one speeding on US20. You Nebraskans are so polite!

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Then south through the Nebraska National Forest. How could I be up there and not go see a National Forest in Nebraska?!!

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Next up was Alliance. On the way into town, the wife and I shared an ice cream cone from Zesto's. While I was standing on the corner next to Newberry's, I started talking a gentlemen at the light. Turns out his name was Brad Williams. His family has had a jewelry store in Alliance for 60 years. He gave me more info on the town as I told him what I had seen and pictures I had taken so far. He added to the backstory of my visit there. It looks like the town is doing a lot of renovation to their downtown streets. And no, I did not make it to Carhenge. :p


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After Alliance, we headed to Scottsbluff to spend the night and meet up with my freshman dorm roommate in Lincoln. He drove his motorcycle from Denver to meet up with us. We got in late and didn't get many pics of the town. We checked into the hotel and then went out and had dinner at The Tangled Tumbleweed. Had a few yummy beers and the food was excellent. Totally recommend. Took pics the next morning of Scottsbluff and Gering. Then drove up to the top of Scotts Bluff to see the view of the city.

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We now head east to catch a glimpse of Chimney Rock. We pass over and by the Platte River a number of times. We check out the cemetery there at Chimney Rock and also the visitor center. It was there we said goodbye to our friend as he headed back to Colorado.

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Now, we are heading east to Ogallala. We could see McConaughy Lake on our northside as we drove on US26. Ogallala was a nice town. Ate lunch at a Runza in a gas station next to I-80. Witnessed a guy jack his pickup bed with a fifth wheel trailer. Part of me laughed, but part of me understood how it could happen. Stopped in Walmart for a few honey dos and then we headed east.

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Next stop North Platte! It was on our way to Ogallala that I tried to text Sparky. I needed some of his sauce, PDQ. I wasn't sure if it was available this far west. They sure as hell don't sell it in Texas. Well, I contacted Planored and asked him to go online. He couldn't figure it out so he posted a thread on this board saying that I needed help finding some Sparky's. Well, I was starting to hoof it all over downtown North Platte when I get a call from Sparky himself. The sun is beating down on me and he informs me that I needed head over to the industrial side of town. Yes, at an HVAC place they also sold grills and... *drumroll*... SPARKY'S! It was close to closing time, but I was able to get a bottle of the regular and one of the "new" hot version. Hell yeah!

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We left south for McCook after a few more pics around town. It was around 6pm when we got into town. I thought about pushing on into Kansas, but I wanted to take pics of McCook and I was cranky and tired. Didn't feel like doing it that evening. Just wanted to get something to eat and crash. Besides, the missus started feeling really bad. You all know her situation so it was best just to spend the night. Woke up the next day and hiked all over downtown. Very nice town. Had some really cool buildings. One building looked like some old government building, but seemed abandoned. That made me sad. I love old buildings. Wish I would have been hungry as I almost stopped in at Sehnert's. From there we headed south to Kansas. It was fun while it lasted!

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This is the building I was talking about. What could it have been?
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Leaving Nebraska
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Nice trip and great pics. I believe that building in McCook was the old post office when I was a kid. Someone else from that area can help us out. I thought there was an inscription on it up high but maybe I am getting it confused with something else. It has been a loooong time since I live there.
 
Nice trip and great pics. I believe that building in McCook was the old post office when I was a kid. Someone else from that area can help us out. I thought there was an inscription on it up high but maybe I am getting it confused with something else. It has been a loooong time since I live there.

That would totally make sense. I see they have a "new" one that looks to have been constructed in the 80's.

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Can't believe you didn't put up pictures of Mansion on the Hill in Ogallala. You should have ate at Homemade Heaven in Ogallala.

That is the old post office in McCook. I'm from Ogallala, but my grandparents lived in Palisade. Spent one weekend a month in that area. Mac's drive inn is a great place to eat as well. I always get the hamburger special when I eat there.
 
Western Nebraska huh? I suppose it's better than killing yourself. Just kidding. Enjoy your trip with the Mrs.
 
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Thanks for sharing, and all the best to you and your wife.

We were in the Bitteroot valley around the same time!
 
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Can't believe you didn't put up pictures of Mansion on the Hill in Ogallala. You should have ate at Homemade Heaven in Ogallala.

That is the old post office in McCook. I'm from Ogallala, but my grandparents lived in Palisade. Spent one weekend a month in that area. Mac's drive inn is a great place to eat as well. I always get the hamburger special when I eat there.

I averaged over 400 miles of driving each day. Took over 4,500 pics. Tried to get all the attractions in each town, but with such a hurried schedule I was bound to miss a few. Glad you enjoyed.
 
I love western Nebraska. You did it right and stayed off the interstate. There are quite a few beautiful locations in western Nebraska. I loved your pics from the top of the monument.
 
Went to Scottsbluff and didnt eat at El Charrito? Thats like going to NYC and not seeing the Statue of Liberty.
 
In mid May, me and the missus took a road trip to celebrate our 25th anniversary. 15 days, 13 states and 6,100 miles. It was a trip that I had planned a year prior, but postponed when I took a new job. So, with our looming anniversary I thought what the heck and asked for a leave of absence. However, now that I was tying it in with our anniversary, I wanted to do something special.

On the day of our anniversary, I planned to be driving from Ketchum, Idaho to Kalispel, Montana. I had contacted a number of Methodist churches on my route. Was told by one that they would not have a pastor when we traveling through. Got a reply from the Pastor in Stevensville, Montana, in the Bitterroot River Valley, that said he'd love to do the renewal of our vows. Rolled into Stevensville around 2pm local time. My wife thought we were just checking out the inside of some random church. She had no idea of my plans. The pastor's wife recorded video of the ceremony with my phone. Afterwards, she asked my wife how long she knew of my plans. I glared at her, but it didn't really matter at that point. LOL

Lots of bucket list stuff for me.
  • White Sands National Monument
  • Saw a show in Las Vegas
  • Death Valley National Monument
  • Eastern Sierras
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Virginia City, Nevada (think "Bonanza")
  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Grand Tetons National Park
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  • Sturgis, Deadwood, Black Hills, Mount Rushmore
  • Chimney Rock National Monument
Add in all the towns along the way and it was a fantastic journey. Well, I thought that I'd like to share with you guys the part of this monster trip that went through Western Nebraska. I was familiar with Eastern Nebraska, having lived in Omaha and went to school in Lincoln. Been up to Fremont and Columbus. Auburn and Nebraska City in the southeast. South to Beatrice. I even went to Grand Island to see the Stuhr Museum as a kid. I almost forgot Minden! Almost forgot York, too. But I had never been out to Western Nebraska... until a couple months ago.

We entered Nebraska, from South Dakota, near Rushville. From there we headed west to Chadron. I think I was the only one speeding on US20. You Nebraskans are so polite!

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Then south through the Nebraska National Forest. How could I be up there and not go see a National Forest in Nebraska?!!

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Next up was Alliance. On the way into town, the wife and I shared an ice cream cone from Zesto's. While I was standing on the corner next to Newberry's, I started talking a gentlemen at the light. Turns out his name was Brad Williams. His family has had a jewelry store in Alliance for 60 years. He gave me more info on the town as I told him what I had seen and pictures I had taken so far. He added to the backstory of my visit there. It looks like the town is doing a lot of renovation to their downtown streets. And no, I did not make it to Carhenge. :p


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After Alliance, we headed to Scottsbluff to spend the night and meet up with my freshman dorm roommate in Lincoln. He drove his motorcycle from Denver to meet up with us. We got in late and didn't get many pics of the town. We checked into the hotel and then went out and had dinner at The Tangled Tumbleweed. Had a few yummy beers and the food was excellent. Totally recommend. Took pics the next morning of Scottsbluff and Gering. Then drove up to the top of Scotts Bluff to see the view of the city.

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We now head east to catch a glimpse of Chimney Rock. We pass over and by the Platte River a number of times. We check out the cemetery there at Chimney Rock and also the visitor center. It was there we said goodbye to our friend as he headed back to Colorado.

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Now, we are heading east to Ogallala. We could see McConaughy Lake on our northside as we drove on US26. Ogallala was a nice town. Ate lunch at a Runza in a gas station next to I-80. Witnessed a guy jack his pickup bed with a fifth wheel trailer. Part of me laughed, but part of me understood how it could happen. Stopped in Walmart for a few honey dos and then we headed east.

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Next stop North Platte! It was on our way to Ogallala that I tried to text Sparky. I needed some of his sauce, PDQ. I wasn't sure if it was available this far west. They sure as hell don't sell it in Texas. Well, I contacted Planored and asked him to go online. He couldn't figure it out so he posted a thread on this board saying that I needed help finding some Sparky's. Well, I was starting to hoof it all over downtown North Platte when I get a call from Sparky himself. The sun is beating down on me and he informs me that I needed head over to the industrial side of town. Yes, at an HVAC place they also sold grills and... *drumroll*... SPARKY'S! It was close to closing time, but I was able to get a bottle of the regular and one of the "new" hot version. Hell yeah!

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We left south for McCook after a few more pics around town. It was around 6pm when we got into town. I thought about pushing on into Kansas, but I wanted to take pics of McCook and I was cranky and tired. Didn't feel like doing it that evening. Just wanted to get something to eat and crash. Besides, the missus started feeling really bad. You all know her situation so it was best just to spend the night. Woke up the next day and hiked all over downtown. Very nice town. Had some really cool buildings. One building looked like some old government building, but seemed abandoned. That made me sad. I love old buildings. Wish I would have been hungry as I almost stopped in at Sehnert's. From there we headed south to Kansas. It was fun while it lasted!

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This is the building I was talking about. What could it have been?
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Leaving Nebraska
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You missed Sidney......previously Fort Sidney where Cabelas was founded...
 
I love western Nebraska. You did it right and stayed off the interstate. There are quite a few beautiful locations in western Nebraska. I loved your pics from the top of the monument.

I traveled on the interstate as little as possible on this trip. I find that you miss the best scenery and a lot of towns.
 
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You missed Sidney......previously Fort Sidney where Cabelas was founded...

Actually Cabelas started in Chappell. Started out in the garage and then moved to the basement of what is now the Cabelas furniture store. Behind my Aunts house is the garage that they used. When the fishing lure business took off they moved to Sidney.
 
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You missed Sidney......previously Fort Sidney where Cabelas was founded...

Can't see everything in one trip. Hit Nebraska on Day 12, 13 and 14. Had talked about Sidney with the wife. There's 254 counties in Texas and my goal is to eventually hit them all. We take a different way out each time on our way out. Hopefully, we'll get to Sidney in the future. It's on my list!
 
You left us hanging on pins and needles. Did she say "yes" to the vows again?

The missus and I are road trip people and I do motorcycle trips as well. I would take a trip like yours any day over the finest Club Med or cruise. As a matter of fact, I'm a bit green with envy. Thanks for sharing!
 
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You left us hanging on pins and needles. Did she say "yes" to the vows again?

The missus and I are road trip people and I do motorcycle trips as well. I would take a trip like yours any day over the finest Club Med or cruise. As a matter of fact, I'm a bit green with envy. Thanks for sharing!

She said YES! Still got it. We got married in the courthouse while I was on leave from the Navy. I always say, "It's not how you get married. It's who you get married to." But my wife has hinted at renewing our vows from time to time. I always said no. We're already married. Thought this would be a romantic thing to do. If anyone deserves it, it would be my wife. You ought to get something for putting up with me for all these years! :D
 
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In mid May, me and the missus took a road trip to celebrate our 25th anniversary. 15 days, 13 states and 6,100 miles. It was a trip that I had planned a year prior, but postponed when I took a new job. So, with our looming anniversary I thought what the heck and asked for a leave of absence. However, now that I was tying it in with our anniversary, I wanted to do something special.

On the day of our anniversary, I planned to be driving from Ketchum, Idaho to Kalispel, Montana. I had contacted a number of Methodist churches on my route. Was told by one that they would not have a pastor when we traveling through. Got a reply from the Pastor in Stevensville, Montana, in the Bitterroot River Valley, that said he'd love to do the renewal of our vows. Rolled into Stevensville around 2pm local time. My wife thought we were just checking out the inside of some random church. She had no idea of my plans. The pastor's wife recorded video of the ceremony with my phone. Afterwards, she asked my wife how long she knew of my plans. I glared at her, but it didn't really matter at that point. LOL

Lots of bucket list stuff for me.
  • White Sands National Monument
  • Saw a show in Las Vegas
  • Death Valley National Monument
  • Eastern Sierras
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Virginia City, Nevada (think "Bonanza")
  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Grand Tetons National Park
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  • Sturgis, Deadwood, Black Hills, Mount Rushmore
  • Chimney Rock National Monument
Add in all the towns along the way and it was a fantastic journey. Well, I thought that I'd like to share with you guys the part of this monster trip that went through Western Nebraska. I was familiar with Eastern Nebraska, having lived in Omaha and went to school in Lincoln. Been up to Fremont and Columbus. Auburn and Nebraska City in the southeast. South to Beatrice. I even went to Grand Island to see the Stuhr Museum as a kid. I almost forgot Minden! Almost forgot York, too. But I had never been out to Western Nebraska... until a couple months ago.

We entered Nebraska, from South Dakota, near Rushville. From there we headed west to Chadron. I think I was the only one speeding on US20. You Nebraskans are so polite!

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Then south through the Nebraska National Forest. How could I be up there and not go see a National Forest in Nebraska?!!

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Next up was Alliance. On the way into town, the wife and I shared an ice cream cone from Zesto's. While I was standing on the corner next to Newberry's, I started talking a gentlemen at the light. Turns out his name was Brad Williams. His family has had a jewelry store in Alliance for 60 years. He gave me more info on the town as I told him what I had seen and pictures I had taken so far. He added to the backstory of my visit there. It looks like the town is doing a lot of renovation to their downtown streets. And no, I did not make it to Carhenge. :p


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After Alliance, we headed to Scottsbluff to spend the night and meet up with my freshman dorm roommate in Lincoln. He drove his motorcycle from Denver to meet up with us. We got in late and didn't get many pics of the town. We checked into the hotel and then went out and had dinner at The Tangled Tumbleweed. Had a few yummy beers and the food was excellent. Totally recommend. Took pics the next morning of Scottsbluff and Gering. Then drove up to the top of Scotts Bluff to see the view of the city.

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We now head east to catch a glimpse of Chimney Rock. We pass over and by the Platte River a number of times. We check out the cemetery there at Chimney Rock and also the visitor center. It was there we said goodbye to our friend as he headed back to Colorado.

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Now, we are heading east to Ogallala. We could see McConaughy Lake on our northside as we drove on US26. Ogallala was a nice town. Ate lunch at a Runza in a gas station next to I-80. Witnessed a guy jack his pickup bed with a fifth wheel trailer. Part of me laughed, but part of me understood how it could happen. Stopped in Walmart for a few honey dos and then we headed east.

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Next stop North Platte! It was on our way to Ogallala that I tried to text Sparky. I needed some of his sauce, PDQ. I wasn't sure if it was available this far west. They sure as hell don't sell it in Texas. Well, I contacted Planored and asked him to go online. He couldn't figure it out so he posted a thread on this board saying that I needed help finding some Sparky's. Well, I was starting to hoof it all over downtown North Platte when I get a call from Sparky himself. The sun is beating down on me and he informs me that I needed head over to the industrial side of town. Yes, at an HVAC place they also sold grills and... *drumroll*... SPARKY'S! It was close to closing time, but I was able to get a bottle of the regular and one of the "new" hot version. Hell yeah!

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We left south for McCook after a few more pics around town. It was around 6pm when we got into town. I thought about pushing on into Kansas, but I wanted to take pics of McCook and I was cranky and tired. Didn't feel like doing it that evening. Just wanted to get something to eat and crash. Besides, the missus started feeling really bad. You all know her situation so it was best just to spend the night. Woke up the next day and hiked all over downtown. Very nice town. Had some really cool buildings. One building looked like some old government building, but seemed abandoned. That made me sad. I love old buildings. Wish I would have been hungry as I almost stopped in at Sehnert's. From there we headed south to Kansas. It was fun while it lasted!

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This is the building I was talking about. What could it have been?
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Leaving Nebraska
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I love western Nebraska. You did it right and stayed off the interstate. There are quite a few beautiful locations in western Nebraska. I loved your pics from the top of the monument.

I do too! McCook is a priceless little town. Great photos......thank you sir!
 
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In mid May, me and the missus took a road trip to celebrate our 25th anniversary. 15 days, 13 states and 6,100 miles. It was a trip that I had planned a year prior, but postponed when I took a new job. So, with our looming anniversary I thought what the heck and asked for a leave of absence. However, now that I was tying it in with our anniversary, I wanted to do something special.

On the day of our anniversary, I planned to be driving from Ketchum, Idaho to Kalispel, Montana. I had contacted a number of Methodist churches on my route. Was told by one that they would not have a pastor when we traveling through. Got a reply from the Pastor in Stevensville, Montana, in the Bitterroot River Valley, that said he'd love to do the renewal of our vows. Rolled into Stevensville around 2pm local time. My wife thought we were just checking out the inside of some random church. She had no idea of my plans. The pastor's wife recorded video of the ceremony with my phone. Afterwards, she asked my wife how long she knew of my plans. I glared at her, but it didn't really matter at that point. LOL

Lots of bucket list stuff for me.
  • White Sands National Monument
  • Saw a show in Las Vegas
  • Death Valley National Monument
  • Eastern Sierras
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Virginia City, Nevada (think "Bonanza")
  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Grand Tetons National Park
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  • Sturgis, Deadwood, Black Hills, Mount Rushmore
  • Chimney Rock National Monument
Add in all the towns along the way and it was a fantastic journey. Well, I thought that I'd like to share with you guys the part of this monster trip that went through Western Nebraska. I was familiar with Eastern Nebraska, having lived in Omaha and went to school in Lincoln. Been up to Fremont and Columbus. Auburn and Nebraska City in the southeast. South to Beatrice. I even went to Grand Island to see the Stuhr Museum as a kid. I almost forgot Minden! Almost forgot York, too. But I had never been out to Western Nebraska... until a couple months ago.

We entered Nebraska, from South Dakota, near Rushville. From there we headed west to Chadron. I think I was the only one speeding on US20. You Nebraskans are so polite!

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Then south through the Nebraska National Forest. How could I be up there and not go see a National Forest in Nebraska?!!

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Next up was Alliance. On the way into town, the wife and I shared an ice cream cone from Zesto's. While I was standing on the corner next to Newberry's, I started talking a gentlemen at the light. Turns out his name was Brad Williams. His family has had a jewelry store in Alliance for 60 years. He gave me more info on the town as I told him what I had seen and pictures I had taken so far. He added to the backstory of my visit there. It looks like the town is doing a lot of renovation to their downtown streets. And no, I did not make it to Carhenge. :p


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After Alliance, we headed to Scottsbluff to spend the night and meet up with my freshman dorm roommate in Lincoln. He drove his motorcycle from Denver to meet up with us. We got in late and didn't get many pics of the town. We checked into the hotel and then went out and had dinner at The Tangled Tumbleweed. Had a few yummy beers and the food was excellent. Totally recommend. Took pics the next morning of Scottsbluff and Gering. Then drove up to the top of Scotts Bluff to see the view of the city.

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We now head east to catch a glimpse of Chimney Rock. We pass over and by the Platte River a number of times. We check out the cemetery there at Chimney Rock and also the visitor center. It was there we said goodbye to our friend as he headed back to Colorado.

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Now, we are heading east to Ogallala. We could see McConaughy Lake on our northside as we drove on US26. Ogallala was a nice town. Ate lunch at a Runza in a gas station next to I-80. Witnessed a guy jack his pickup bed with a fifth wheel trailer. Part of me laughed, but part of me understood how it could happen. Stopped in Walmart for a few honey dos and then we headed east.

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Next stop North Platte! It was on our way to Ogallala that I tried to text Sparky. I needed some of his sauce, PDQ. I wasn't sure if it was available this far west. They sure as hell don't sell it in Texas. Well, I contacted Planored and asked him to go online. He couldn't figure it out so he posted a thread on this board saying that I needed help finding some Sparky's. Well, I was starting to hoof it all over downtown North Platte when I get a call from Sparky himself. The sun is beating down on me and he informs me that I needed head over to the industrial side of town. Yes, at an HVAC place they also sold grills and... *drumroll*... SPARKY'S! It was close to closing time, but I was able to get a bottle of the regular and one of the "new" hot version. Hell yeah!

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We left south for McCook after a few more pics around town. It was around 6pm when we got into town. I thought about pushing on into Kansas, but I wanted to take pics of McCook and I was cranky and tired. Didn't feel like doing it that evening. Just wanted to get something to eat and crash. Besides, the missus started feeling really bad. You all know her situation so it was best just to spend the night. Woke up the next day and hiked all over downtown. Very nice town. Had some really cool buildings. One building looked like some old government building, but seemed abandoned. That made me sad. I love old buildings. Wish I would have been hungry as I almost stopped in at Sehnert's. From there we headed south to Kansas. It was fun while it lasted!

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This is the building I was talking about. What could it have been?
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Leaving Nebraska
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In mid May, me and the missus took a road trip to celebrate our 25th anniversary. 15 days, 13 states and 6,100 miles. It was a trip that I had planned a year prior, but postponed when I took a new job. So, with our looming anniversary I thought what the heck and asked for a leave of absence. However, now that I was tying it in with our anniversary, I wanted to do something special.

On the day of our anniversary, I planned to be driving from Ketchum, Idaho to Kalispel, Montana. I had contacted a number of Methodist churches on my route. Was told by one that they would not have a pastor when we traveling through. Got a reply from the Pastor in Stevensville, Montana, in the Bitterroot River Valley, that said he'd love to do the renewal of our vows. Rolled into Stevensville around 2pm local time. My wife thought we were just checking out the inside of some random church. She had no idea of my plans. The pastor's wife recorded video of the ceremony with my phone. Afterwards, she asked my wife how long she knew of my plans. I glared at her, but it didn't really matter at that point. LOL

Lots of bucket list stuff for me.
  • White Sands National Monument
  • Saw a show in Las Vegas
  • Death Valley National Monument
  • Eastern Sierras
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Virginia City, Nevada (think "Bonanza")
  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Grand Tetons National Park
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  • Sturgis, Deadwood, Black Hills, Mount Rushmore
  • Chimney Rock National Monument
Add in all the towns along the way and it was a fantastic journey. Well, I thought that I'd like to share with you guys the part of this monster trip that went through Western Nebraska. I was familiar with Eastern Nebraska, having lived in Omaha and went to school in Lincoln. Been up to Fremont and Columbus. Auburn and Nebraska City in the southeast. South to Beatrice. I even went to Grand Island to see the Stuhr Museum as a kid. I almost forgot Minden! Almost forgot York, too. But I had never been out to Western Nebraska... until a couple months ago.

We entered Nebraska, from South Dakota, near Rushville. From there we headed west to Chadron. I think I was the only one speeding on US20. You Nebraskans are so polite!

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Then south through the Nebraska National Forest. How could I be up there and not go see a National Forest in Nebraska?!!

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Next up was Alliance. On the way into town, the wife and I shared an ice cream cone from Zesto's. While I was standing on the corner next to Newberry's, I started talking a gentlemen at the light. Turns out his name was Brad Williams. His family has had a jewelry store in Alliance for 60 years. He gave me more info on the town as I told him what I had seen and pictures I had taken so far. He added to the backstory of my visit there. It looks like the town is doing a lot of renovation to their downtown streets. And no, I did not make it to Carhenge. :p


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After Alliance, we headed to Scottsbluff to spend the night and meet up with my freshman dorm roommate in Lincoln. He drove his motorcycle from Denver to meet up with us. We got in late and didn't get many pics of the town. We checked into the hotel and then went out and had dinner at The Tangled Tumbleweed. Had a few yummy beers and the food was excellent. Totally recommend. Took pics the next morning of Scottsbluff and Gering. Then drove up to the top of Scotts Bluff to see the view of the city.

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We now head east to catch a glimpse of Chimney Rock. We pass over and by the Platte River a number of times. We check out the cemetery there at Chimney Rock and also the visitor center. It was there we said goodbye to our friend as he headed back to Colorado.

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Now, we are heading east to Ogallala. We could see McConaughy Lake on our northside as we drove on US26. Ogallala was a nice town. Ate lunch at a Runza in a gas station next to I-80. Witnessed a guy jack his pickup bed with a fifth wheel trailer. Part of me laughed, but part of me understood how it could happen. Stopped in Walmart for a few honey dos and then we headed east.

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Next stop North Platte! It was on our way to Ogallala that I tried to text Sparky. I needed some of his sauce, PDQ. I wasn't sure if it was available this far west. They sure as hell don't sell it in Texas. Well, I contacted Planored and asked him to go online. He couldn't figure it out so he posted a thread on this board saying that I needed help finding some Sparky's. Well, I was starting to hoof it all over downtown North Platte when I get a call from Sparky himself. The sun is beating down on me and he informs me that I needed head over to the industrial side of town. Yes, at an HVAC place they also sold grills and... *drumroll*... SPARKY'S! It was close to closing time, but I was able to get a bottle of the regular and one of the "new" hot version. Hell yeah!

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We left south for McCook after a few more pics around town. It was around 6pm when we got into town. I thought about pushing on into Kansas, but I wanted to take pics of McCook and I was cranky and tired. Didn't feel like doing it that evening. Just wanted to get something to eat and crash. Besides, the missus started feeling really bad. You all know her situation so it was best just to spend the night. Woke up the next day and hiked all over downtown. Very nice town. Had some really cool buildings. One building looked like some old government building, but seemed abandoned. That made me sad. I love old buildings. Wish I would have been hungry as I almost stopped in at Sehnert's. From there we headed south to Kansas. It was fun while it lasted!

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This is the building I was talking about. What could it have been?
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Leaving Nebraska
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In mid May, me and the missus took a road trip to celebrate our 25th anniversary. 15 days, 13 states and 6,100 miles. It was a trip that I had planned a year prior, but postponed when I took a new job. So, with our looming anniversary I thought what the heck and asked for a leave of absence. However, now that I was tying it in with our anniversary, I wanted to do something special.

On the day of our anniversary, I planned to be driving from Ketchum, Idaho to Kalispel, Montana. I had contacted a number of Methodist churches on my route. Was told by one that they would not have a pastor when we traveling through. Got a reply from the Pastor in Stevensville, Montana, in the Bitterroot River Valley, that said he'd love to do the renewal of our vows. Rolled into Stevensville around 2pm local time. My wife thought we were just checking out the inside of some random church. She had no idea of my plans. The pastor's wife recorded video of the ceremony with my phone. Afterwards, she asked my wife how long she knew of my plans. I glared at her, but it didn't really matter at that point. LOL

Lots of bucket list stuff for me.
  • White Sands National Monument
  • Saw a show in Las Vegas
  • Death Valley National Monument
  • Eastern Sierras
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Virginia City, Nevada (think "Bonanza")
  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Grand Tetons National Park
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  • Sturgis, Deadwood, Black Hills, Mount Rushmore
  • Chimney Rock National Monument
Add in all the towns along the way and it was a fantastic journey. Well, I thought that I'd like to share with you guys the part of this monster trip that went through Western Nebraska. I was familiar with Eastern Nebraska, having lived in Omaha and went to school in Lincoln. Been up to Fremont and Columbus. Auburn and Nebraska City in the southeast. South to Beatrice. I even went to Grand Island to see the Stuhr Museum as a kid. I almost forgot Minden! Almost forgot York, too. But I had never been out to Western Nebraska... until a couple months ago.

We entered Nebraska, from South Dakota, near Rushville. From there we headed west to Chadron. I think I was the only one speeding on US20. You Nebraskans are so polite!

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Then south through the Nebraska National Forest. How could I be up there and not go see a National Forest in Nebraska?!!

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Next up was Alliance. On the way into town, the wife and I shared an ice cream cone from Zesto's. While I was standing on the corner next to Newberry's, I started talking a gentlemen at the light. Turns out his name was Brad Williams. His family has had a jewelry store in Alliance for 60 years. He gave me more info on the town as I told him what I had seen and pictures I had taken so far. He added to the backstory of my visit there. It looks like the town is doing a lot of renovation to their downtown streets. And no, I did not make it to Carhenge. :p


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After Alliance, we headed to Scottsbluff to spend the night and meet up with my freshman dorm roommate in Lincoln. He drove his motorcycle from Denver to meet up with us. We got in late and didn't get many pics of the town. We checked into the hotel and then went out and had dinner at The Tangled Tumbleweed. Had a few yummy beers and the food was excellent. Totally recommend. Took pics the next morning of Scottsbluff and Gering. Then drove up to the top of Scotts Bluff to see the view of the city.

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We now head east to catch a glimpse of Chimney Rock. We pass over and by the Platte River a number of times. We check out the cemetery there at Chimney Rock and also the visitor center. It was there we said goodbye to our friend as he headed back to Colorado.

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Now, we are heading east to Ogallala. We could see McConaughy Lake on our northside as we drove on US26. Ogallala was a nice town. Ate lunch at a Runza in a gas station next to I-80. Witnessed a guy jack his pickup bed with a fifth wheel trailer. Part of me laughed, but part of me understood how it could happen. Stopped in Walmart for a few honey dos and then we headed east.

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Next stop North Platte! It was on our way to Ogallala that I tried to text Sparky. I needed some of his sauce, PDQ. I wasn't sure if it was available this far west. They sure as hell don't sell it in Texas. Well, I contacted Planored and asked him to go online. He couldn't figure it out so he posted a thread on this board saying that I needed help finding some Sparky's. Well, I was starting to hoof it all over downtown North Platte when I get a call from Sparky himself. The sun is beating down on me and he informs me that I needed head over to the industrial side of town. Yes, at an HVAC place they also sold grills and... *drumroll*... SPARKY'S! It was close to closing time, but I was able to get a bottle of the regular and one of the "new" hot version. Hell yeah!

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We left south for McCook after a few more pics around town. It was around 6pm when we got into town. I thought about pushing on into Kansas, but I wanted to take pics of McCook and I was cranky and tired. Didn't feel like doing it that evening. Just wanted to get something to eat and crash. Besides, the missus started feeling really bad. You all know her situation so it was best just to spend the night. Woke up the next day and hiked all over downtown. Very nice town. Had some really cool buildings. One building looked like some old government building, but seemed abandoned. That made me sad. I love old buildings. Wish I would have been hungry as I almost stopped in at Sehnert's. From there we headed south to Kansas. It was fun while it lasted!

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This is the building I was talking about. What could it have been?
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Leaving Nebraska
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Zesto is the highlight of any trip. A large chocolate malt!
 
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Great thread. Whenever I drive from Colorado and I-80 has a lot of construction zones, I make a mental note and take the backroads on the return trip. And each time I think, “why don’t I just allow more time, and take this route every time?” Lots of pretty country if you get off I-80.
 
Miss Nebraska myself, born in North Omaha, lived in Elkhorn, then just outside of Yutan where I went to a country school in Wann. After that we moved to western Nebraska (Burwell) when I was 12. Joined the military out of High School and ended up g in Utah due to the amount of work after I retired from the Air Force. Always enjoy hitting Pine Bluff on my trips back because I know once I round that corner I'll see the sign saying, "Welcome to Nebraska"! I'll be making that trip here shortly when I travel back to visit my dad in the nursing home in Albion. Isn't the same as when Mom and Dad had the ranch, but it's still home no matter how long I've been away.
 
Man you were all over my stomping grounds. I take care of all the maintenance for post offices west of Cozad all the way to Wyoming.

The old Post Office in McCook was sold in the 90s and one of the first things they scrapped and sold off of her was the brass lion head down spouts. It was probably built in the 30s like most of the offices in western Nebraska during the depression. They spared no expense! Marble freaking bathrooms, mahogany hand railings, marble staircases. Brass everything.

Congrats on convincing the Mrs. to re commit after a sizable sample period. ;)
 
In mid May, me and the missus took a road trip to celebrate our 25th anniversary. 15 days, 13 states and 6,100 miles. It was a trip that I had planned a year prior, but postponed when I took a new job. So, with our looming anniversary I thought what the heck and asked for a leave of absence. However, now that I was tying it in with our anniversary, I wanted to do something special.

On the day of our anniversary, I planned to be driving from Ketchum, Idaho to Kalispel, Montana. I had contacted a number of Methodist churches on my route. Was told by one that they would not have a pastor when we traveling through. Got a reply from the Pastor in Stevensville, Montana, in the Bitterroot River Valley, that said he'd love to do the renewal of our vows. Rolled into Stevensville around 2pm local time. My wife thought we were just checking out the inside of some random church. She had no idea of my plans. The pastor's wife recorded video of the ceremony with my phone. Afterwards, she asked my wife how long she knew of my plans. I glared at her, but it didn't really matter at that point. LOL

Lots of bucket list stuff for me.
  • White Sands National Monument
  • Saw a show in Las Vegas
  • Death Valley National Monument
  • Eastern Sierras
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Virginia City, Nevada (think "Bonanza")
  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Grand Tetons National Park
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  • Sturgis, Deadwood, Black Hills, Mount Rushmore
  • Chimney Rock National Monument
Add in all the towns along the way and it was a fantastic journey. Well, I thought that I'd like to share with you guys the part of this monster trip that went through Western Nebraska. I was familiar with Eastern Nebraska, having lived in Omaha and went to school in Lincoln. Been up to Fremont and Columbus. Auburn and Nebraska City in the southeast. South to Beatrice. I even went to Grand Island to see the Stuhr Museum as a kid. I almost forgot Minden! Almost forgot York, too. But I had never been out to Western Nebraska... until a couple months ago.

We entered Nebraska, from South Dakota, near Rushville. From there we headed west to Chadron. I think I was the only one speeding on US20. You Nebraskans are so polite!

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Then south through the Nebraska National Forest. How could I be up there and not go see a National Forest in Nebraska?!!

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Next up was Alliance. On the way into town, the wife and I shared an ice cream cone from Zesto's. While I was standing on the corner next to Newberry's, I started talking a gentlemen at the light. Turns out his name was Brad Williams. His family has had a jewelry store in Alliance for 60 years. He gave me more info on the town as I told him what I had seen and pictures I had taken so far. He added to the backstory of my visit there. It looks like the town is doing a lot of renovation to their downtown streets. And no, I did not make it to Carhenge. :p


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After Alliance, we headed to Scottsbluff to spend the night and meet up with my freshman dorm roommate in Lincoln. He drove his motorcycle from Denver to meet up with us. We got in late and didn't get many pics of the town. We checked into the hotel and then went out and had dinner at The Tangled Tumbleweed. Had a few yummy beers and the food was excellent. Totally recommend. Took pics the next morning of Scottsbluff and Gering. Then drove up to the top of Scotts Bluff to see the view of the city.

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We now head east to catch a glimpse of Chimney Rock. We pass over and by the Platte River a number of times. We check out the cemetery there at Chimney Rock and also the visitor center. It was there we said goodbye to our friend as he headed back to Colorado.

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Now, we are heading east to Ogallala. We could see McConaughy Lake on our northside as we drove on US26. Ogallala was a nice town. Ate lunch at a Runza in a gas station next to I-80. Witnessed a guy jack his pickup bed with a fifth wheel trailer. Part of me laughed, but part of me understood how it could happen. Stopped in Walmart for a few honey dos and then we headed east.

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Next stop North Platte! It was on our way to Ogallala that I tried to text Sparky. I needed some of his sauce, PDQ. I wasn't sure if it was available this far west. They sure as hell don't sell it in Texas. Well, I contacted Planored and asked him to go online. He couldn't figure it out so he posted a thread on this board saying that I needed help finding some Sparky's. Well, I was starting to hoof it all over downtown North Platte when I get a call from Sparky himself. The sun is beating down on me and he informs me that I needed head over to the industrial side of town. Yes, at an HVAC place they also sold grills and... *drumroll*... SPARKY'S! It was close to closing time, but I was able to get a bottle of the regular and one of the "new" hot version. Hell yeah!

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We left south for McCook after a few more pics around town. It was around 6pm when we got into town. I thought about pushing on into Kansas, but I wanted to take pics of McCook and I was cranky and tired. Didn't feel like doing it that evening. Just wanted to get something to eat and crash. Besides, the missus started feeling really bad. You all know her situation so it was best just to spend the night. Woke up the next day and hiked all over downtown. Very nice town. Had some really cool buildings. One building looked like some old government building, but seemed abandoned. That made me sad. I love old buildings. Wish I would have been hungry as I almost stopped in at Sehnert's. From there we headed south to Kansas. It was fun while it lasted!

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This is the building I was talking about. What could it have been?
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Leaving Nebraska
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Lot of great pictures, thanks for posting. The Hub Bar in North Platte was owned by my grandpa back in the 1960's. North Platte is my home town!
 
Next time go a little further east of Alliance through the sand hills. One of my favorite drives of all time is a little one and a half lane black top road that cuts from hwy 97 south of Merritt Reservoir over to hwy 83, east of Brownlee. Really, any drive through the Sandhills is at the top of my list. And I always get lunch at the Arrow Inn in Broken Bow when out that way.
 
So, I have a question after almost 45 years of this marriage stuff. If one goes to all the effort to surprise your spouse with re-upping their vows and they say no what happens then? Winking Kind if taking a chance and providing an out? ;)
 
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So, I have a question after almost 45 years of this marriage stuff. If one goes to all the effort to surprise your spouse with re-upping their vows and they say no what happens then? Winking Kind if taking a chance and providing an out? ;)

Sometimes you just got to roll the bones! :cool:
 
What a great thread! Thanks also for the pictures.
I drive back every summer from Idaho to Omaha and the last 2 times have jumped off I90 in Kadoka, SD to drop down to Valentine and the state highways. (Too much construction in SD and IA) I always stop in Valentine to have my 1st - or last - Runza on my trip!

I agree that Montana is really pretty and the speed limit is nice as well. What did you think of the Battle of Little Bighorn Battle Field? I thought it was exceptionally well done and very sobering.
 
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