Fortunately our van trouble delayed our trip very little. We had stopped again in Alma, NE for a restroom break when David noticed that the battery display light was on. His dad knew immediately that it was the alternator. There was a garage next to the gas station that confirmed his suspicions. We drove about 1/2 mile to a brand new motel that had accomodations so we unloaded the van. Since our van would not start again, the desk clerk offered to let us use her car to drive to a local diner, named "Buzbees." We had a decent meal and only felt out of place because we were not in overalls! The garage offered to come tow the van to the garage in the morning and the alternator was replaced and we were back on the road no later than mid-morning.
Our distance goal of the day was to reach Scottsbluff, NE, where the Balty's lived for many years. Not only were we looking forward to going to Scottsbluff National Monument and visiting places of family interest, we were also looking forward to visiting with Glenda's sister and brother-in-law, Don and Bev Blacksher.
On our way to Scottsbluff, we stopped at Ash Hollow, a state historical park, located close to Lewellen, NE, along the Oregon Trail. The emigrants had to negotiate Windlass Hill, not up but down! This was one of the steepest descents on the Trail, and required a fair amount of sweat and patience to overcome. According to legend, standard procedure was to brake the wheels of the wagons and even chain them in place. Using ropes and a lot of muscle (human and animal alike), the wagons were slid down Windlass Hill. Signs of this activity are still plainly visible, given how many thousands and thousands of travelers passed down the steep grade. And, of course, erosion over the past 150 years has served only to deepen the ruts. Don and Glenda were gracious to let us take a quick hike, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Well, almost all of us. Zach got a little spooked when he saw the sign warning for rattlesnakes. But he perservered, enjoyed the hike but was really glad there was not a rattlesnake to be seen!
We arrived safely at the Blacksher's by early evening. We enjoyed dinner with homemade pie and the boys had a great time playing outside. By dusk, the temp had fallen a lot and our Georgia blood was cold!
After breakfast at McDonalds the next morning, I accompanied Don and Glenda to a nearby hospital for Don (resisting all the way!) to be admitted for a blood transfusion. If you look closely at the pictures of the boys on top of the monument, it should be no surprise that mommy wasn't there to say, "TOO CLOSE!!!" STAY AWAY!!!" Even looking at these pics
gives me the shivers! Their guardian angels must have been busy, busy.
Sunday after church we continued our journey toward Rapid City, SD, so they'll be more to come.
(the pictures have notations if you click on the slide show above)
Comments
I'm SO much enjoying your trip via pictures! Thanks for sharing them with us!