Nebraska and Nebraskans rock! Today, I slowly wove my way across northern Nebraska to just across the border into South Dakota. The scenery and the people surprised me. Explored Valentine, Niobrara River, Smith Falls, and Ashfall Fossils! Something I noticed: at many other places if I ask where the fellow traveler is from, they’ll say Iowa, Washington, … some state. In Nebraska, they’ll say the town they’re from since they’re all from Nebraska. Northern Nebraska seems to be where Nebraskans vacation.

First stop, the little town of Valentine.

They must be having an election…

Hearts painted on Valentine’s downtown sidewalks.

A closeup of one of the many hay bales I saw while traveling.

Bridge over the Niobrara River.

Smith Falls: I realize how many photos I take of waterfalls!

Poster at Smith Falls State Park.

Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park: Nearly 12 million years ago, a volcanic eruption in Idaho spewed ash, which the jet stream carried 1,000 miles to north central Nebraska. Killed by eating ash-filled food, which primarily destroyed their lungs, over about a six week period were horses, rhinos, and other animals. Based on lung capacity, smaller animals died first with the largest dying last. Their bodies were covered by the blowing and drifting ash. The skeletons of these animals are preserved in their death positions complete with evidence of their last meals in their mouths and their last steps preserved in sandstone in what used to be a water hole. Excavation started in 1991.

Note: The Mammoth Site near Mt. Rushmore is “only” 140,000 years old.

Ashfall Fossils

My Harvest Host tonight: Choteau Creek Brewing Company. Homemade beer and pizza!