Both of us were looking forward to a trip back to Colorado. (My home for twenty-five years.) Butch & I lived in Glenwood Springs & Rifle before moving to Washington. With a relatively early start, the weather couldn't have been better for most of the way.
Further on into NE, we ran into cloud cover, it almost looked like it was going to snow.
1:15 p.m.
Once we crossed into CO, the sun appeared! It was a beautiful afternoon, with temperatures in the 40's. As we started the climb up to the pass, the higher we went, the darker the clouds became.
2:35 p.m. Idaho Springs~
We stopped in Idaho Springs for gas & Butch's hot coffee. We'd somehow managed to forget the thermos. We both knew, if we ran into weather ahead, we could be held up for a while.
3:13 - into the snow~
We were making the climb up to Eisenhower tunnel when the snow hit. Within minutes the roads were covered & getting slick. The chain-up lane was full of truckers. We'd had almost 30-minutes of slow-downs just to get to this point.
3:28 p.m. Going into the tunnel~
We've driven this road in all kinds of weather & both knew if this side was bad, the far side would be worse.
3:33 p.m. Snowplows were waiting to lead traffic down~
It was great to see the snowplows up ahead, clearing as we dropped in elevation from 11,000 to 8,000ft.
4:07 p.m. - almost a white-out
Past Vail, the snow was heavier than before.
4:11 p.m.
The trees looked so beautiful - a real winter wonderland.
4:28 p.m. Traffic!
Neither of us could believe the traffic! There must be an incredible amount of people who commute from one side to the other now... Crazy... We had two more slow-downs, before we started into Glenwood Canyon.
5:21 p.m. We're in the canyon!
I'd actually forgotten all the tunnels! The rock in the canyon was beautiful with the light snow. Within a few minutes, it was getting dark. Now, it would be under an hour, even in slow traffic & we'd reach town!
It was dark when we arrived. We took our exit & were instantly at a traffic circle, that was anything but! Lots of signs, but the way we were used to going had totally changed. The traffic in town was non-stop, a late rush hour... We took one wrong turn & ended up at the pool - turned around & finally found our way to the Lodge! Sweet relief! It had taken us just under twelve-hours to make the drive.
We checked in, then drove around to the closest door to our room - 4th floor. Normally, we would have liked that, but unloading in a heavy, wet snow was no fun. We grabbed our swimsuits, robes & hurriedly returned to the truck. We made it back to the pool in time for a much anticipated soak in the hot, therapy end of the pool!
Since the first time we'd driven past the sign on the freeway, I'd wanted to visit this Forest! It's interesting to me, that it is called a Forest, since other woodlands are described as Timber. Just over the Plattsmouth bridge & a short drive & on the Nebraska side of the Missouri, we arrived.
Entry~
I loved the rock & steel entrance signage. With more than 2,000 acres of forests, prairies, swamps & other lands in preservation, this preserve encompasses one of the largest natural deciduous forests in Nebraska.
Front~
The front elevation could have easily fit have fit into either a Colorado or Washington landscape, but was perfectly at home here too.
Bison Bench~
The copper Bison Bench was a perfect welcome, except possibly on a hot day!
A shadowed reminder~
The seat was a reminder to visitors of the changes that have taken place in our country since Lewis & Clark first trekked to the west coast.
First green views~
The early morning cloud cover burned off & the sun was rapidly heating up the day. After the rains, the humidity was climbing too.
Trail signage~
We received a trail map at the information desk. The lodge had many informative displays, a raptor exhibit & gift shop. I wanted to get out into the forest, walk the trails & see what types of ground covers & under-story grew here.
Beautiful -
When I asked if the land had been left in a natural state over the years, I was told that the area had a long & varied history of use. Nebraska Culture Indians, from about 1150 to 1450 A.D., a trading post, logging, farming, etc. Sites were excavated in 1937 by archaeologists of the Nebraska Historical Society. They recovered over 4,600 pottery fragments, 26 flint projectile points, awls, fish hooks fashioned from bone & an assortment of ground stone tools.
Dirt trails~
In the northern part of the forest, there are mature trees dating from the 1720's, but through most of the forest it's impossible to find a tree more than a century old. Between 1902 & 1920 logging nearly clear-cut virtually all of the trees from the surrounding area.
Boardwalks~
The length of the boardwalks is impressive & makes at least a part of the forest accessible to everyone.
Constitution Tree, a Burr Oak~
I loved seeing this tree & thinking of the years that it has lived in this spot, marking the passage of time.
Signage~
Such an impressive tree, it gave me a better idea of how long it takes the hardwoods to grow here & reach massive size.
Sign & mid-trunk~
I soon discovered that there really don't seem to be under-story shrubs. Young trees, trying to gain a foothold are as close to under-story that I could see.
Ground covers grow higher than I'd imagined & some that I thought were weeds at home, are actually native plants! It was a great learning experience!
Who's this?
Stinging nettles also predominated in many areas! It was not a forest where you'd want to walk far off the trails. Butch reminded me that since the leaves are now opening, we were just past the prime time for the early native flowers.
On the Boardwalk~
We finally reached a point where we saw the sign below, attached to a tree along side the trail we were on.
A warning :-)
Since we'd not had breakfast & time for lunch was long past, we decided to turn back. There are between 19 to 21 miles of trails! The Great Marsh area was closed due to damage from the flooding. That will be an excursion for another day.
Map of the trails~
Back at the gift shop, I found a wonderful book; Field Guide to Wildflowers, color coded by the colors of the blooms. I'm already using it to identify more of the plants along our creek & in the timber!
I love being back to central standard time. If - please - we could stop resetting our clocks twice a year wouldn't it be nice? Today - early November - was a very gray day. It was the color we were taught of as a middle gray, perfect for a consistent exposure.
Looking toward Iowa from the Nebraska side of the Missouri~
With a misty rain most of the night, the temperature was mid-40's. We had an errand to the north of Plattsmouth, NE & decided to stop at Mom's Cafe for a late breakfast. I ordered the french toast made from a cinnamon roll, topped with banana & caramel syrup! My meal for the entire day & probably half of tomorrow.
From the Plattsmouth Trestle Bridge - South
We hadn't been able to go this route, one of our favorites for a while. Last year, we'd taken it with the truck several times, until one day the gentleman at the toll booth told us the truck was too heavy for the bridge. Today, the weight signs were posted & we were well under the 20,000 thousand pound limit. It's the same bridge where my Grandfather rolled his truck load of cattle, on the curve at the bottom. The bent ignition key is among his mementos.
Color on the hills~
I asked Butch to stop more than once to get a few photos. Plattsmouth is such a unique town, so picturesque. The wreath below was such a perfect blend of seasonal colors, especially against the rich color of the brick.
Guns or Jewelry - you choose :-)
Yesterday, we stopped at Sherbondy's Nursery in Council Bluffs. I've wanted to plant more color & we were looking for shrubs that could grow into a hedge. Almost devoid of stock, it's the end of the season & with freezing temperatures just around the corner, it's no wonder. What was left, was 25% off. We've both been admiring the Burning Bushes & have a small one planted at the east end of the house. I had two in Washington, but they're considered invasive. The few there, didn't have many branches.
New blue pot~
The pot was a real find - just the right shade of blue! Just arrived, they are heavy & I'm told will survive the cold. There's a monarch butterfly on the front & a caterpillar on the back. Inscribed with "Monarch Sanctuary 1939". Made in Vietnam.
In place~
Our Garden Club had a presentation last month on the Monarch Biosphere in Mexico. Fascinating reading, several states are working to preserve the Monarch butterfly by planting Milkweed along the migratory paths. We picked up rock for a base & to raise the height of the pot. Eventually, we'll gravel all the way around & have a path from the parking area. We're having fun with this little building.
Serviceberry in the ground~
We spotted a bit of bright color & found several Rainbow Pillar Serviceberry. The fall color alone had us sold. When we asked about them, they sounded perfect for the north side of the Cabin. Three more will finish off the row. They are native, produce flowers in the summer & edible berries. I'm going to enjoy the great color for as long as the leaves last! The day stayed the same hue of gray right through until what seemed like a very early dusk!
We took the long way! I thought I'd be smart & try my own route to the park. You know how I've said I don't like going to a new place with Farah in tow until I've checked it out? Well, the last cool day - probably of the month - seemed like a good time to go. We toured a section of Omaha - thanks to construction. Next, we toured every entrance - each with a sign designation for; marina, camping, etc. When we did find the final entrance - the one place for horses had no signage saying so. I was so thankful for the Bronco's tight turning radius!
It took us over an hour to get there - not like the 40-min. I was expecting. The day had turned overcast & the humidity was lower than I expected. Farah unloaded, took a look at the lake & started grazing. Once she was saddled, we walked around looking for the trail? There was a concrete path - heading out across a wetland type area. I decided to walk her out that way - since it seemed to be the only option. We found road apples!
Heading out on the concrete path~
The concrete turned to old paving & finally that turned to dirt just before we entered a beautiful wooded area.
Very overgrown with brush~
Overgrown, the trail was actually wet & a little muddy through here, but it was so nice to be in the timber.
Climb up~
Soon we were through it & headed up a short hill. From up on top, we could just see over the trees to the lake.
Lake View
The grass was plentiful~
Enjoying the lush grass~
The trail dropped us down onto a gravel road, we trotted along it past a parking area & found the trail again on the far side. Now, we were right along the shore of the lake.
Farah sees a sail boat!
Again the trail crossed the path & headed up to what was the east perimeter fence line of the park.
East fence line~
We rode along this fence for a way - then dropped back into another beautiful section of wooded trail.
In the trees~
It was just so pretty & oh so pleasant to be riding without the oppressive heat!
Through the trees~
So lush & so pretty - what's left of a wonderland - now surrounded by a city.
Enjoying the green~
All too soon, we found ourselves coming out back at the trail along the lake & took it until we arrived at the campground we'd toured earlier :-)
The Elderberry that grows here is so different from the WA state variety. Beautiful & edible from what I've read.
Heading back~
Once we left the lake trail, crossing back across the gravel road, Farah picked up on a path back up the hill. We took it & ended up at yet another camping area. There were a few people setting up tents for the weekend.
Nice area~
Now we were up on the perimeter fence again. Rather than take the trail we'd come out on, I decided that we'd follow the fence line. Farah loves new places & I love riding her walk. :-)
As we entered the timber again, there was a guy wearing a lime green shirt on the far side of the fence. He was part of a landscaping crew of at least half a dozen men who were working on the estate in the photo below.
Stunning~
This home more than rivals anything I've seen in the Redmond, Bellevue area of Washington State. Just a short walk away - was another amazing home!
More my style :-)
I loved the timber frame style of this one. It had a full story below, hidden by the hill & grass. We came to a little grassy clearing & here was a Mulberry tree full of ripe fruit! Wow! I parked Farah under the tree & started picking, eating & picking some more! It took me right back to my childhood, standing on my saddle & picking from Topsy's back! I offered Farah some berries - which she refused - unlike Topsy - who ate as many as I could pick!
Ripe Mulberries!
Still following the fence, we skirted the area of timber & surprised a large doe. She saw us before Farah saw her :-)
These deer are so much larger than the ones we used to see in WA, she moved off before we got too much closer. We looped around & ended up back on the concrete walkway. The ride was over quicker than I would have liked.
Almost back~
I'm told there's a little more trail on the far side of the road - but I decided to leave that for another day & head home, wondering about Friday afternoon traffic.
Back at the trailer~
Farah hadn't broken a sweat, just under the saddle pad. I let her graze a while, always her reward for taking me out :-) The field hydrants were locked shut, so I filled a bucket with lake water - which she refused. I later read that the water has E.coli bacteria.
Omaha ahead~
I decided to wise up & let google take me home! It was so much quicker & easier than our drive up! As you can tell from the above photo, traffic wasn't an issue. Since Farah's stable is north of town, I could have saved myself about 15-miles if I'd just gone north from there. I dropped her off & by the time I was home - it was another 100-mile day.
Our route~ 6.27 miles
Friends had told me they thought there were about 12-miles of trail, which was one of the reasons I wanted to check this area out. Riding every trail I could find, minus the trails across the road, my Garmin recorded just over six. Still - it's a beautiful park & was an enjoyable ride. It reminded me a little of Bridle Trails, in Bellevue, WA.
