From Fort Morgan Colorado
To McCook Nebraska
Distance
traveled 192 miles
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| Sunny skies on the way to Sterling |
Today is the first day of the Labour Day Long weekend
I spent the early part of the morning updating my journal
notes and then
wrote out the list of towns on route 6 that are on today’s agenda. Then it was time to pack and get ready for
another day on the road.
I was so
delighted to look out the window and see clear blue sunny skies!
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| abandoned cabin in the fields |
When driving in the plains you look for distraction from the wide open stretches. I particularly enjoyed the occasional abandoned cabins.
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| Wide open vista on the plains |
After several days driving mountainous winding roads it feels strange to
be once again on the flat plains. The
town elevation markers though indicate that this area is still quite high above
sea level. (5000 + feet).
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| Grazing cattle |
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| Old Town Sterling |
The morning drive to Sterling went very smoothly. The road markings for where route 6 split off
from I-76 were easy to follow and from there it was simple to stay on the right
highway.
In Sterling I stopped for lunch at McD’s and checked my messages.
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| route 6 is never far away from the railway |
After lunch I continued east on route 6 through several small towns, lined up like pearls along the strand of the railway.
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| Town Hall in Fleming |
I passed through quaint quiet towns with bits of history there for the observant bypasser to enjoy, like this town hall with retro fitted doors and windows that I spotted in Fleming.
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| Grain elevators in Holyoke |
Further down the road, I passed through Holyoke, whose claim to fame is the “tall grain elevators”
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| Rolling hills and creek as I cross into Nebraska |
I crossed into
Nebraska. There is not a huge difference
in the landscape but I did notice that there are more rolling hills and valleys
and there seems to be more streams.
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| Main Street Imperial |
A break in the scenery is when I drive through another town. this one is called Imperial
A colourful image, like farm equipment on display, gives the eyes a rest from the unending fields of pasture and crops.
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| Old time country store with modern touches |
In Enders I spot this reminder of a bygone era.
Then just a bit further along the road is Enders Reservoire State Recreation Area. A man made lake and blue waters is a lovely spot to stop and enjoy a stretch
break before driving on.
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| Frenchman Creek |
The next stretch of road with rolling lands and streams reminded me of childhood books I read about early pioneers and even the TV series "Little house on the Prairie"
Leaving Wauneta I saw the
time zone change sign just east of the town limits. Now I am back into the central time
zone. This reminded me to check where
the mid-way point of route 6 is. I
looked on line and was unable to find the answer. Do you know where it is?
Palisades is where I discovered this classic from the old west.
My sense of smell today is overwhelmed with the smell of green things
growing. Every time I step out of the
car I can smell the corn fields, the cut grass and the hay. This is still considered semi desert because of
the low amount of rainfall, but there are signs of irrigation everywhere so
they must be tapping into an underground water source.
The day got progressively warmer.
At one point the car’s gauge showed 35C.
When I stepped out of the car, or rolled down the window to get a
better, less glare, view for a picture, I could feel the reflected heat rising
up from the ground. A part of me wonders
how that will affect my camping tonight.
Route 6 merged with 34 coming into McCook. Here I started looking for Karrer Park where I had information leading
me to expect free camping provided by the town.
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| Barnett Park in McCook |
The first park though pretty was one of those that close at 11pm so that
was not it.
The next one was the correct one.
Not only is the camping free, there are electrical outlets supplied and
even showers! I can hardly believe that
comfort for a free camp site.
I only see 6 camp sites and at the moment (7:15pm) there are 4 of us here right now, so either
it is a well-kept secret or people arrive late. I have a lovely shady spot and notice that
the temperature was only 30C in the shade.
On the other side of the trees there are the train tracks. I hear a train passing by, but the foliage is
so thick that I can just barely detect movement through the gaps. So maybe my sleep will be interrupted by
train sounds, but that is just part of the adventure and only a tiny
discomfort. The temperature has already
dropped as the sun it setting
I had a chat with the couple in the next camp site and they told me that
last night it got quite chilly, so chilly in fact that they had to put on the
heat. So I guess tonight may be a double
sleeping bag night and I will pull out my fleece sweater just in case as well.
I think that this is the perfect place to stay for a day or two of rest
from road travel. I can spend some time
getting photo editing done and just relax and unwind. Maybe a visit to the town McD’s for some
internet time, or shopping at Walmart if I feel so inclined, or drive back over
to the park with the lovely ponds and fountains. Yes this is a lovely spot.
Photo link:
Day 40
Day off – no
traveling
Distance traveled 0 miles
I stayed at the camp ground most of the day just relaxing and taking a break from driving. Time to read, and play some Sudoku. Time to edit some pictures and catch up
on some notes.
I am enjoying the sounds of the occasional train. They bring to mine the "I love Lucy" episode where they travel across America and are kept awake by the rumbling of passing trains.
Luckily the trains here don't run at night and of course the sounds of the clackety clack and steam whistle are much more nostalgic in the day time than when they interrupt your sleep. I am reminded of the night my sister Anita and I stayed at a motel right beside the train tracks on our adventure to Yellow Stone Park. We were woken up several times and felt sleep deprived in the morning
Renate Dundys Marrello
2014 - 08 - 30 & 31
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