Saturday, August 19th – Sterling, Colorado

I opened up a couple of Hamm’s in the parking lot – it was past bar-time at the Outer Limits. The Outer Limits Tavern is just north and west of Sidney. I drove through Sidney, Nebraska the night of the 18th with almost 1,000 miles into the trip. The Outer Limits Tavern – Sidney, Nebraska The Sandhills – Ranching on Grass-Topped Sand Dunes I’m grateful that there’s nobody in any great hurry to take these structures down.

Near Dunning, Nebraska – The Sandhillsĭriving from the northeast to the central region of Nebraska, you’ll see more of these old buildings along the highway. No kidding, this town is made up of one inhabitant, Elsie, who is mayor, librarian, and bartender at the Monowi Tavern. Homes and other buildings in town have been “let be”. Verdel’s downtown area hasn’t been the same since the Dew Drop Inn was demolished after being flooded in 2011. Today, 30 residents remain in this town on Nebraska Hwy 12. Verdel’s population skyrocketed to 140 in the 1910 census – obviously calling for a jail, like any large Nebraska town of that era. Verdel, Nebraska was incorporated very early in the 1900’s as the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad extended it’s line west into northern Nebraska. Wetlands surrounding the town contain buildings, vehicles and other items left to retire – some after flooding. The town of Niobrara is located where the Niobrara River flows into the Missouri. Highway 12 in this region takes you through part of this Missouri River watershed.

Northeastern Nebraska’s border is defined by the course of the Missouri River. I packed cameras, a drone, beer, some Steinbeck and Stegner to listen to and camping gear.įriday, August 18th – Niobrara River Valley Not much was planned, except to get through Iowa as fast as I could – on my way out and coming back. I got behind the wheel at 3:30 in the afternoon Thursday, August 17th, looking forward to the drive to an undetermined location in Nebraska along the center point of solar eclipse totality occurring on Monday, August 21st. Total eclipse photo taken with cropped sensor camera, 300mm lens and 1.4x teleconverter.

Dave erickson newtown ct