Road Trip Day 11 Hammer Down

Left Sidney NE on Sunday the 25th about 8am. It had got to the point that I was about ready to just be home. Flat Ryan was in agreement. The route I was taking to get home I have driven before. There was at least some snow cover from here all the way home in Hayward WI. It got deeper the closer I got to home. We did manage to make some photo stops.

First history lesson of the day near Gurley NE on US hwy 385.

Just a trace of snow in this part of southwest Nebraska.

Another history lesson.

Downtown Bridgeport NE and old train station.

One of many flocks of geese Flat Ryan and I saw in western Nebraska. Headed north already or winter home?

I was a little surprised to find out I was this high above sea level. I was just north of Bridgeport. A few more pics of the area.

It looked like they have some form of cactus that grows around here.

The area just south of Chadron NE is much like the black hills to the north.

Then it was back to more high plains short grass prairie.

Flat Ryan and I stop for another quick break.

Who needs the internet. Go old school and just wing it. Flat Ryan and I wish we had more time to check things out. Maybe next trip.

Seeing a little more snow as we get closer to the South Dakota border.
This regional railroad engine was spotted just north of Chadron NE, on former DM&E tracks.

Not sure if this a SD7 or SD9 from the 1950's.
Next stop was Hot Springs South Dakota.

This was taken at the gas station at the jct of SD79/US385 north and US18 west.

Downtown Hot Springs. From here it would be 788 miles to my driveway in Hayward WI. The only side trip was to have lunch with my friend Terresah in Rapid City at our favorite place, Marlin's, exit 55 off I90. No pics sorry. I filled with gas in Rapid City, got on I90, set the cruise at 80mph all the way to Mitchell SD. With a slight tailwind I got 14.97mpg.

Some Antelope along I90, the rolling hills just east of Chamberlain SD. The frozen Missouri river at Chamberlain.

Last pic of the day at the rest area along I90 at Chamberlain SD, milepost 264. From here it was straight to Mitchell exit 332 and the Comfort Inn.
Tommorrow home.