Photo of the Week – January 18, 2017

Much of the Central United States is emerging from an ice storm that glazed streets and closed schools.  On the positive side, it also coated our prairies (and everything else) with a beautiful layer of ice.  As the sun came up yesterday morning, I was walking through one of our local prairies, surrounded by glittering, sparkling prairie plants.

Sunrise

Sunrise and icy prairie.

It was magical.

I had planned to walk around for an hour or so and take pictures, but ended up staying for four hours; leaving only because I got really hungry.  I usually save my “Photo of the Week” post for Thursday or Friday each week, but I couldn’t wait to share some images from yesterday morning.  I hope you enjoy them.

sunrise

Stiff sunflowers and sunshine.

Indiangrass

Indiangrass seeds.

Switchgrass

Switchgrass

Stiff goldenrod

Stiff goldenrod

Indiangrass

Indiangrass

Stiff goldenrod

Stiff goldenrod

Hole

I was surprised by this perfectly circular hole.

Switchgrass

Switchgrass seeds.

Indiangrass

Indiangrass seeds.

Grass

This ice boat seems to have sprung a leak.

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Photo of the Week – January 13, 2017

I’ve often said that Interstate 80 through Nebraska is a great population control mechanism for our state.  While I actually enjoy much of the scenery along the interstate, it’s particular route helps feed the widely held stereotype that Nebraska is a big flat state with nothing to see but corn and cows.  We certainly have lots of corn and cows, but if you take the time to explore beyond the interstate, you quickly see that Nebraska is anything but flat.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not promoting Nebraska as a place that you should move to.  In my personal opinion, we have plenty of people here already.  I happen to love that there are still large areas of the state where I can drive for miles without ever seeing another human being.  I’m sure that’s not a universally-held opinion among our tourism board or chambers of commerce, but that’s how I feel.  I’m going to show you a few photos of a non-flat Nebraska today, but please don’t take those as a personal invitation to move to our state.  I guess you could come visit, but you’ll be much happier living in your own state.

The Blue Creek valley in Garden County.

The Blue Creek valley in Garden County.

Fort Robinson State Park in the Pine Ridge of northwest Nebraska.

Fort Robinson State Park in the Pine Ridge of northwest Nebraska.

The Wildcat Hills of the Nebraska panhandle.

The Wildcat Hills of the Nebraska panhandle.

The Niobrara River. Cherry County.

The Niobrara River. Cherry County.

Anyway, I bet your state is really pretty too.  You should live there.  Thanks.