just.... Nebraska

Ignoring completely all the touristy stuff like mines and caves and giant heads, the Black Hills area is completely stunning. The trees are all turning right now, so there is every color imaginable worked into the
evergreens, and around the streams that really meander and trickle over little baby waterfalls. It's just about the very definition of idyllic. I think. What is the definition of idyllic? Anyway, that's what came to mind when I looked around.

There is also one word that perfectly describes Nebraska's countryside: Nebraska. That's it, sorry. You look around, and it's just... Nebraska.

Yesterday I drove... and drove... and drove... and then I stopped and saw Carhenge! Pretty cool. It started with a bunch of cars on end, with others balancing on top of them, in a perfect copy of the standing stones at Stonehenge. More displays have been added, like a salmon spawning, a dinosaur, and a representation of the 4 seasons, all made out of cars. Pretty nifty. A little silly as well.

And then I drove... and drove... and drove...

One thing Nebraska has taught me; the best music to dance to in your car when there hasn't been a single place to get out and move around for about three hours is, surprisingly, disco.

I spent the night in an actual campground. I was a little surprised, as it was pretty busy. On a Tuesday, in off season, that seemed odd. My suspicions were confirmed the next morning when I saw a line of guys outside the bathrooms, all holding shotguns and wearing camo. Today is the first day of hunting season! Time to break out the cal-trans vest.

I also saw Wounded Knee. I had been really interested in this, as one of my favorite books (and no, I can't remember the name, it's still a favorite) by Leslie Marmon Silko touched on that massacre a bit. It was frighteningly bleak. I guess most history has to do with who killed who and where. I just never thought about it that way. I was chased out of the area, and out of South Dakota completely, by the most vivid sunset I have ever seen, and that includes the ones in the islands. For about half an hour the rippled clouds
were lit up bright red and purple, and then the sun went down completely, and for 20 more minutes there was a half circle in a purple I have only seen on bad velvet paintings. Amazing. After the battleground, it just felt like a bad omen, and I kept driving, into the night for the first time, until I reached a nice, safe, hospital parking lot.

Well, I am not feeling Nebraska, so I am heading back up into Minnesota. I am feeling Minnesota. Hee hee. Okay, no one probably saw that, so I should explain, it's a movie, folks. "Feeling Minnesota". Anyway... more later. I love the photos!

Comments

[Kara]

You're in Nebraska already!! You really should go to Bartlett, Nebraska. It's where my grandma and grandpa grew up. My mom's aunt and uncle live there. They have an old general store that they let people stay in (it's not used as a store anymore). It's where we stayed when I went there in 7th grade. They were the couple that won the "Whose been married the longest" Dance at our wedding. Seriously, they're really cool. I'll get you their phone number, really I will. I didn't think you'd be in Nebraska already. Also, my mom has a ton of family in Spalding, NE which is, I think a bit farther south than Bartlett (which is kind of north/east in NE). So, seriously, let me know what you think. I'll call my mom for their number. (I have their address, but I don't think I'll post that on the blog). Really, call me or something. Nebraska is the only state I know people in. Don't give up on it. I rode my first, no second horse, there. If you go to Spalding, I'm sure they'll let you ride a horse, or pick some corn, or something. Plus, no matter where you go, you'll get BOMB dinner (and I'm talking midwest lunch time dinner - you're probably used to that by now). So, have I convinced you to "feel" Nebraska. Man, I wish I were as good a writer as you. You rock, even if you did dis Nebraska. Love Ya,
Kara