New vistas are open to view at Black Elk Neihardt Park in Blair thanks to volunteers who have carved out a new mountain bike and multi-use trail at the western edge of the park. The trail opens up acres of park property that have been nearly inaccessible due to dense trees, grass and brush.
flowers along trail
Sumac
BE-N Trai
Soft changing colors in grasses and leaves along the trail
Chimney Rock near Bayard, Nebraska is the signature landmark on the Oregon Trail. The stone column rises nearly 300 feet above the North Platte river valley. The national historical site and visitors center is maintained and operated by History Nebraska. The museum inside the center has been expanded and updated. The exhibits are interesting and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful.
Conestoga wagon and oxen display at Scotts Bluff National Monument.
Scotts Bluff National Monument is another must see attraction. The setting looks much the same as the scene in William Henry Jackson’s painting of a westbound wagon train crossing beneath Scotts Bluff.
Mitchell Pass
Fort Laramie just across the state line in Wyoming was built at the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte rivers in 1834 as a trading post where the Lakota traded tanned buffalo robes for trade goods. In 1849 the US Army bought the old post which was called Fort John and renamed it Fort Laramie.
“This ‘grand old post’ witnessed the entire sweeping saga of America’s western expansion and Indian resistance to encroachment on their territories.” (US National Park Service)
Fort Laramie in eastern Wyoming located at the confluence of North Platte and Laramie rivers.
West of Fort Laramie near Gurnsey, Wyoming is the locationof what the National Park Service describes as the most spectacular ruts along the entire Oregon-California Trail. Wagons crossing a ridge of soft sandstone in exactly the same place carved deep ruts to more than five feet in some places that are preserved in the stone.
Wagon wheels carved deep ruts into soft stone along the Oregon Trail near Gurnsey, Wyoming.
Also located near Gurnsey is Register Cliff where travelers carved their names into the soft rock. Unfortunately there is more twentieth century graffiti than signatures from the 1840’s, 50’s and 60’s.
Pioneer graves in the foreground and Signature Cliff in the background near Gurnsey, Wyoming.
After reading “The Oregon Trail A New American Journey” I knew where my next road trip would take me. The book is the story of the author Rinker Buck’s, “crazy ass passion” to make the first unassisted covered wagon crossing of the Oregon Trail in over 100 years. I was totally captivated by the personalities of Brinker Buck, his brother and sidekick Nick, Nick’s dog Olive Oyle, and the three mules. The writer’s theme of “journey as destination,” and learning to find comfort in living with uncertainty resonates with me.
Hazy morning sun at Lake McConaughy
I have traveled west on I-80 countless times but seldom leave the Interstate for the scenic and historic byways that follow the old Oregon Trail through Nebraska and into Wyoming. In early September I decided to remedy that. I don’t have a 19th century covered wagon and mules, but I do have my Wander Wagon – a pop up pickup camper and Tacoma pickup truck.
My modern day version of a covered wagon at at Lake McConaughy.
After a 350 mile drive from Blair I found a secluded campsite on a sandy beach at Lake McConaughy just before sunset. The next day I set out to view some of the landmarks Buck describes in his book.
Sunflowers along the sandy beach at my campsite at Lake McConaughy.
In the 1840’s through the 1860’s, thousands of covered wagon immigrants crossed the South Platte near Brule and climbed the steep hill which came to be known as California Hill heading for the North Platte and Ash Hollow. A marker on Highway 30 marks the site and by traveling ¾ mile on a minimum maintenance road, the deep ruts left from the wagon wheel can still be seen. From the top of the California Hill one can see a panoramic view of the South Platte river valley and the stream of traffic moving along Interstate 80.
Deep ruts made by thousands of wagon wheels can still be seen on California Hill in western Nebraska between Brule and Big Sprin
Following the ridge line for about 20 miles, the wagons would make a steep dissent down what came to be known as Windlass Hill to Ash Hollow. Ash Hollow provided the emigrants access to fresh spring water and lush grass for livestock and an opportunity to mend harness and wagons before moving on.
Deep ruts carved into the hillside by thousands of wagons making the descent to Ash Hollow can still be seen on Windlass Hill.
Highway 92 from Ogallala to Scotts Bluff and into Wyoming parallels the old Oregon trail. I think I felt a bit of the excitement that the pioneers might have experienced as the terrain changes and Jail House Rock and Court House come into view on the horizon.
To be continued…
View of Jail House and Court House Rock from Highway 92 in western Nebraska.
Jail House and Court House Rock near Bridgeport, NE.
Chimney Rock was among the most notable landmarks recorded in diaries and sketch books by pioneer travelers along the Oregon Trail.
Deep ruts made by thousands of wagon wheels can still be seen on California Hill in western Nebraska between Brule and Big Springs.
Rachel Pattison was one of thousands who died of cholera due to contaminated water along the Oregon Trail. The headstone was hand carved by her 23 year old husband Nathan Pattison. The grave marker and can be seen in the Ash Hollow Cemetery. Rachel was 18 years old. Her husband traveled on to Oregon and then Washington and never remarried.
Deep ruts carved into the hillside by thousands of wagons making the descent to Ash Hollow can still be seen on Windlass Hill.
Blair Class of 2020 graduates finally were able to savor success and gain a sense of closure during commencement exercises held at Krantz field on August 1. Classroom learning and school sports, activities and events including graduation were all postponed or suspended during the final quarter of the school year.
In his commencement address, Principal Tom Anderson challenged graduates to think of positive lessons brought about by the pandemic. “Don’t take anything for granted. When you get to be around your friends, enjoy the moment. Slow down. It’s OK to enjoy nature and all the beautiful things around us.”
Tommie Thompson delivers the Welcome address.
Superintendent Randall Gilson addresses the graduates.
Graduating seniors are seated on the football field as commencement exercises begin.
Scholarship recipients stand to be recognized.
Tommie Thompson delivers the Welcome address.
Sam Lueders delivers the Challenge address.
Graduating seniors are seated on the football field as commencement exercises begin.
Graduating seniors are seated on the football field as commencement exercises begin.
Lillian Knudtson delivers the Thank You address.
Lillian Knudtson delivers the Thank You address.
Scholarship recipients stand to be recognized.
Superintendent Randall Gilson, school board president Kari Loseke and vice principal Mark Gutchow greet graduated seniors.
Graduating seniors are seated on the football field as commencement exercises begin.
Graduating seniors listen to commencement addresses by classmates.
Graduating seniors listen to commencement addresses by classmates.
Graduating seniors are seated on the football field as commencement exercises begin.
Students who will be entering military service stand to be recognized.
Graduating seniors listen to commencement addresses by classmates.
Graduating seniors are seated on the football field as commencement exercises begin.
Logan Harrold followed by Lydia Hartvigsen shares a fist bump with Superintendent Gilson.
Kyle Dykstra and Brody Fetters bump fists with superintendent Randall Gilson and school board president Kari Loseke.
Ethan Funk delivers the Closing address.
Assistant Principal Mark Gutchow greets Abby Casey followed by Sydney Chance
Graduating seniors listen to commencement addresses by classmates.
Vocal Music Director Dan Hutsell lead the Senior Vocal Ensemble. Hutsell was also selected as the Blair 2020 Teacher the Year in a vote by Blair staff and students. Hutsell is leaving his position as Choir Director to take the position as school activities director.
Senior Vocal Ensemble sings “In the Beginning” by Steven Schwartz
Senior Vocal Ensemble sings “In the Beginning” by Steven Schwartz
Senior Vocal Ensemble sings “In the Beginning” by Steven Schwartz
With diplomas and certifies in hand, the Blair Senior Class of 2020 leaves the stadium.
With diplomas and certifies in hand, the Blair Senior Class of 2020 leaves the stadium.
From left Sophia Grantham, Aiden Mohr, and Lindsey Rahlfs pose for a photo following graduation.
While many summer activities and events have been canceled due to covid pandemic concerns, the 2020 Washington County Fair was held pretty much as scheduled. Featured events included a rodeo, 4H shows, mud volleyball, tractor pulls and a livestock auction. Fair Board President Jason Cloudt said the 2020 fair was successful considering the circumstances.
Brodie Wilkins answers questions from judge Johnny Johnson.
Adriana Hernandez shows her cat in the Senior Showmanship Division.
In front, Brooke Hilgenkamp and Lawson Oerman show Simmental Breeding Heifers.
4-H contestants show bucket calves at the Beef Show.
Charley Hoier walks her Simental heifer at the beef show.
Leah Wurtz shows a calf in the Clover Kid Division.
Libby Hegemann shows her Simmental heifer
Madyson Mildward with her parakeet Sgt. Tibbs following the Companion Animal show.
Zadyn Lambert exhibits his cat Katniss during the Cat Show.
Jessie Dorau prepares a box of smoked burnt ends as his competition side dish.
Balls in Your Face take on the the Ball Busters in mud volleyball competition Sunday.
Balls in Your Face take on the the Ball Busters in mud volleyball competition Sunday.
Balls in Your Face take on the the Ball Busters in mud volleyball competition Sunday.
Balls in Your Face take on the the Ball Busters in mud volleyball competition Sunday.
Balls in Your Face take on the the Ball Busters in mud volleyball competition Sunday.
Katelyn Hilgenkamp cleans her goat in preparation for the goat show.
From left Everett Jensen, Ainsley Wolf, Gabriel Vaughan, Eli Hegemann and Melanie Korth compete in Junior Showmanship competition at the Sheep show Sunday.
Jenica Heaton talks with judge durning Junior showmanship competition.
Hannah Heuton bites into a tasty rib.
Veteran 4Hers help Clover Kids ages 5 to 7 flern how to show their lambs.
Clover Kids Showman Berkley Wolf answers questions from judge.
From left Hanah Mackey, Cole Booth and Ella Booth show pigs in Senior Showmanship completion Tuesday.
From left, Cole Booth, Hannah Mackie, Miley Sheets Maggie Sheets and Ella Booth, and run pigs in Senior Showmanship competition.
Ella Booth and Hannah Mackey show pigs in Senior Showmanship competition Tuesday.
Reserve Senior Showman Ella Booth bumps elbows with judge Gary Kubicek.
Left to right Melanie Gondinger, Grady Grabbe, and Isaiah Rauert show their pigs in Junior Showmanship competition Tuesday.
Judge Gary Kubicek bumps elbows to congratulate Senior Showmanship champ Hannah Mackie Tuesday.
Judge Gary Kubicek watches as Charley andLaney Hoir and Ruby Booth compete in Intermediate Showmanship competition Tuesday.
From let Ruby Booth, Mason Stoddard, Laney Hoier and Charley Hoier run their pigs in Intermediate Showmanship Class at the Hog Show Tuesday.
From left Ruby Booth, Mason Stoddard and Hayden Hegemann show pigs in Intermediate Showmanship competition.
Hannah Mackie and Cole Booth run their pigs in Senior Showmanship competition Tuesday.
Left to right, Cole Booth, Ella Booth, and Myle Sheets compete in Senior Hog Showmanship competition
From left Alison Larsen, Jenica Heaton and Hadley Grabbe run their pigs during Clover Kids Class exhibition.
Sarah Rhea from Arlington competes in Archery competition Saturday.
Katie Frazer competes in Fashion STEAM Clothing 3 Compton. Katie is graduating from Blair this year.
Charlzie Lambert competes in 4H Archery Competition.
This summer reminds me of the first time I retired many years ago. After a satisfying 32 years of teaching I was looking forward to new opportunities. Like most retirees I had a long list of things I was going to “get around to” after I retired. A good share of those things are still on that list.
One thing led to another. I was taking some advanced photo classes at Metro when I saw a help wanted advertisement for a reporter/photographer at the Enterprise. Soon after starting to work at the paper I took advantage of an opportunity to teach photojournalism at Metro Community College as well. A friend and fellow Metro instructor commented that my wealth of photo opportunities as news photographer was “an embarrassment of riches.” I had never heard that phrase before, but it fit my situation perfectly.
Science dude Peter Lux performs science demonstrations during YMCA Summer Care Mad Scientist week.
My career at the Enterprise has been rich with experiences and friendships as well as photo opportunities. As you may have noticed, my photos are still showing up in the newspaper. The beauty of my new arrangement is that my photo assignments are pretty much by invitation.
Don Johnson laughs while a caravan of vehicles parade past the entrance to Fort Calhoun High School to recognize and thank the retiring superintendant for his years of service.
On the last day of June, the Fort Calhoun staff asked me to come down to photograph a teacher parade to honor retiring superintendent Don Johnson. I of course gladly accepted the invitation. One of my first beats as a reporter was covering Fort Calhoun Schools and Johnson was middle school and high school principal at that time. In my opinion Don was always the epitome of what a good leader should be. I could give a dozen examples, but what always impressed me was that no matter the time of place, if there was a significant project underway Don was there leading the charge.
Flower trees frame student center and Durham bell tower.
The last day of June also commemorated the ten year anniversary of the closing of Dana College. Preparing my column gave me an opportunity to look through my time capsule of Dana images from 2010 to the present. While Argo and Elkhorn residence halls were demolished and others need to be renovated or removed, it is still a lovely campus. After so many false starts it is good to see that the Durham Center and Trinity Chapel have been renovated and occupied, and athletes are once again playing baseball on the ball diamonds.
While so many events have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 Virus, Arlington, Blair and Herman still were able to hold their annual fireworks displays. For me, setting up to photograph a fireworks show is kind of like Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates. When I press the button for a long exposure I never know for sure what I’m going to get.
I was particularly happy with the results from the Herman show. My intent was to capture the spirit of that small town community celebration and I think the photo on the front page of the paper communicated that pretty well.
Quilters and gardeners find delight among the colorful flowers and quilt displays at the annual Wolfe Family Country Quilt Show and Garden Walk.
Another summer event that I regularly attend is the Wolfe Country Quilt Show and Garden Walk. On the third Saturday of July for eight of the last nine years, the Wolfe family has hosted this beautiful show as a free gift to quilt lovers and gardening enthusiasts. I’m not much of a gardener and know nothing about quilting, but strolling through the farm yard gives me an opportunity to make images that capture the mix of people, flowers and fabric. Thank you Wolfe family.
Wolfe Quilt and Garden-4H
I don’t know about “embarrassment” but I do know that I am thankful over the years to have had a wealth of opportunities to make images in Washington County.
Quilters and gardeners find delight among the colorful flowers and quilt displays at the annual Wolfe Family Country Quilt Show and Garden Walk.
Wolfe Quilt and Garden-4H
Fire works light up the sky above Herman, Nebraska.
Dramatic cloud and tree scape along the California Bend trail.
The 2 1/2 mile California Bend trail begins at Optimist Park and ends at the edge of the Missouri River near the mouth of the chute.
Fireworks light the sky at twilight at the Herman, Nebraska food and fireworks party.
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