Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff (March 2013)

Chimney Rock was up next after Carhenge.

Chimney Rock This famous landmark on the Oregon trail was apparently something that the travelers looked for during the trek. We stopped at the Visitor’s Center and paid a few dollars which we thought were required- but I think we only paid that to be in the Visitor’s Center. We actually could have just driven to Chimney Rock on our own and not paid anything.

The Visitor’s Center did have some interesting stories from old journals of Oregon Trail travelers along with some old photos and drawings of Chimney Rock. Overall, definitely would’ve skipped the visitor’s center, but then again I am not one for museums anyway.

Disappointing discovery was that this photo was actually the closest we could get to Chimney Rock. We were hoping to hike around it, but there were no trails available. Only driving to a lookout point for some photos. I would skip this stop if we did it again- a bit out of the way and nothing exciting.

Scotts Bluff was our last stop of the trip, and was another fun spot.

Scottsbluff5It was a pleasant surprise in the different scenery from Eastern Nebraska- there were some really nice views. Scottsbluff4We stopped at the ranger station and found out there were a few hiking options. We didn’t feel like doing the full hike all the way to the top and then all the way back down, and we had just missed the free shuttle that takes hikers to the top. So we opted to drive instead. It didn’t take more than 5-10 minutes and Pablo had fun navigating around all the curves with scary drops right off the side. Even had to drive through a couple short tunnel passes on the way up as well.

Scottsbluff3 Once we reached the top and did the two short hikes around, we decided we wanted to do the full hike back down to the bottom. We figured no problem, we’d simply catch the shuttle back up to the top. The hike down was fun! Very steep in some areas, great scenary the whole time and lots of twists and turns. Too bad when we reached the bottom we discovered that the shuttle had overheated and was no longer in service.

By this time we REALLY didn’t feel like hiking the long way back up to the top so we flagged down some other tourists who were driving to the top and hitched a ride up with them. It was some volunteers on tour with a children’s choir from Africa, so we got to hear some interesting clicking language on the ride up as well.

Once reunited with our vehicle, we drove back down the bluff and decided to hike the last trail available, which featured a portion of the Oregon trail. Scottsbluff2This one was not as exciting, just kind of led to no-where. Only thing to see was the marker above, which was neat, but could’ve been skipped other than that.

Tips:

Dress warm! We worked up a sweat hiking down the bluff, but it was VERY windy at the top. I wore multiple layers which helped a lot.

Carhenge (March 2013)

Carhenge Ever since moving to Lincoln for college in 2007, I have wanted to explore the famous “Carhenge” in western Nebraska. Last year that wish finally came true! Over Easter weekend Pablo and I decided to take a road trip out to Alliance to check it out and it was fun.

One trip is enough to see this sight, but it was definitely a fun stop. Alliance, NE has very limited options when it comes to hotels and restaurants, but we got a decent room for a pretty good price. We also were some of the only people out to see the sights at Carhenge- so crowds were not a problem :-). I think only two other cars stopped by during our time there.

Carhenge3 In addition to the actual circle of cars, there are a few other fun statues. We spent about an hour total, but that was mostly to get some nice photo shots. Probably could’ve been a quicker stop than that if needed.

Bonus: It’s free!

Hot Air Balloon Festival

2013 was full of weddings for us and included not only wonderful celebrations with great friends, but also the opportunity for some fun travel.

Taylor's wedding
Taylor’s wedding

Taylor’s wedding was in New Mexico in October and with great timing- the same weekend as the International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Albuquerque! And what a fun weekend it was.

All photo credit for these shots goes to Pablo as I was still struggling to fully wake up and enjoy the skies literally full of balloons. We were up at 5am in order to make it in time for the mass ascension! For all of you who know much of a morning person I am not, and how much I love my sleep, you’ll understand the significance of me saying that this was totally worth it and I’d definitely do it again!

Tips:

1. My mom is a genius when it comes to travel, and did not disappoint when it came to making arrangements for the balloon festival. She had reserved for us to take group transportation into the actual festival which worked out perfectly. No waiting, and no traffic to deal with. Just showed up at the parking lot at a certain time and followed the group of people onto the bus to find seats. We were there at the festival in no time.

2. DRESS WARM! I was not prepared for how cold it would be, especially when leaving the hotel before dawn! I would have enjoyed the experience much more if I had packed appropriately.

3. Plan for about 2 hours total at the festival. The balloons launch in waves, so there are always new ones floating into the sky for you to check out. It all happens in one, big open field as well so you actually get to walk among in and among the balloons! Plus there’s lot of food and hot drinks available for purchase while you explore as well.