Day 5: Nebraska and Wyoming: Views from a wagon train

We began our drive today going from Ogallala to Scottsbluff, NE.  Two notable landmarks in Nebraska today were Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff.  The pioneers riding along in their wagon trains on their way out west, always wrote about these two geological formations.  Rising from the grasslands of Nebraska, these rocky outcroppings were remarkable to the travelers then—and they still are.  We took lots of pictures, but couldn’t get close because of the signs warning us of rattlesnakes.  Ok, then.  We crossed into Wyoming, and the amazing, endless ranches and fields and prairies continued as far as we could see in all directions.  By the way, to get water to the cattle, there are frequent windmills, which operate a pump, bringing continuous water to the animals.  The windmills just added another interesting element to the landscape.  We decided to stay in Cheyenne tonight.  It’s in the most SE corner of Wyoming, and is the capitol.  It’s a pretty city.  We spent a couple of hours in the Wyoming State Museum, looking at nice and interesting displays about this state’s history:  cowboys, Indians, the Pony Express.   This was another beautiful day, with blue sky and sunshine, and about 85 degrees. 

Chimney Rock in Nebraska

John at Scotts Bluff in Nebraska

We've seen many, many windmills.

Typical view in NE and WY

Wyoming state capitol in Cheyenne