Travelled from Topeka to Lincoln this morning. Direct routes took us on state routes - lots of rolling farmland with little traffic. Out here the speed limits on two land undivided highways in such rural areas are 65 mph.
We did stop as we passed the historical marker for the Oregon Trail which crossed the current Route 99 heading north toward Nebraska.
As we approached Marysville, KS, Kathy read the information about its historical significance - including that it was the headquarters of the Pony Express - thus the logo on the town water tower.
Before we went to the Homestead National Monument, we stopped at a quilt store in the nearby town of Beatrice, NE.
At Homestead, we went to the Education Center which was down the road from the visitor center. After getting oriented by the ranger, we took the gently rising short trail to the impressively styled visitor center.
The trail took us over a suspension bridge for pedestrians...
was through the prairie grasses and occasional trees.
As we neared the visitor center, we passed the grave of the first homesteader whose homestead was in this area.
There was also a prairie pioneer cabin on the grounds.
The walk to the main entrance to the visitor center was lined with metal shapes of the states in which homesteads were granted. There were holes in the shapes to denote the amount of land that was awarded to homesteaders in each state. Impressive.
Among the prairie grasses, we noted a number of birds .....
bees ..
...and butterflies.
Of course, for some people, the rangers also helped by noting the location of other hazards.
Tomorrow doing some more sightseeing around Lincoln and visiting quilt stores.
Marty
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