Robidoux RV Park -Scotsbluff, NE
Into the Heartland: From Endless Farmland to Carhenge’s Quirky Charm
This leg of the journey has been a deep dive into the American heartland, greeting us with mile after flat mile of corn and soybean fields. The roads are a hypnotizing grid—a green-and-gold, constant blur that can certainly put you in a trance-like state.
But Mitch and I are firm believers that the journey is the destination. We take detours and make essential stops for the bizarre, and this time, we hit the jackpot with Carhenge.
Imagine the original Stonehenge, but built entirely out of vintage cars. That’s exactly what an intrigued engineer created after visiting England! This monument is truly an interesting sight, but what I personally loved most was the vibrant artwork and embellishments adorning the vehicles. It was a completely unexpected splash of roadside creativity.
Tunnel Vision & Pioneer Vistas
One common lament in the Midwest is the flat terrain, which doesn’t lend itself to a challenging hike. That made our discovery of Saddle Rock Trail even more exciting. Of the three states we traveled through, this was the only spot that offered any real altitude.
Even though the park was technically closed due to the government shutdown (gotta love those quirky travel hiccups!), the trail remained open to climbers. The most memorable part? A dark, dramatic tunnel. Emerging from the far side, we were instantly rewarded with a breathtaking vista from the summit. It was the perfect payoff for the climb!
Next up was a quick 20-mile drive to the iconic Chimney Rock. We visited the museum, immersing ourselves in the story of the pioneers and their arduous trek along the Oregon Trail. Seeing the actual landscape that served as a beacon for these settlers truly brought history to life. It’s humbling to think of the sheer distance they traveled, facing down the unknown with the knowledge that many wouldn’t survive the journey.
Anniversary Dinner: A Travel Tradition
As a side note, we always travel during our anniversary month, and while we’ve seen some incredible places, our dinner options are often… memorable?? This year was no different! We’ve created a funny tradition of laughing over our rural, limited restaurant options for our anniversary dinners, knowing we’ll re-celebrate when we get back to Florida to savor the delectable food at our favorite restaurant. It just adds a fun layer to our travel stories!
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