July 21, 2024
Day 7 - still near Niobrara, NE
My original plan had me arriving here at Niobrara State Park on Thursday, then taking the day off Friday to visit the nearby Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Community Grounds, where there's a museum open Monday through Friday. If I'd been on schedule, I would have been able to also attend the Friday evening and Saturday morning events of Niobrara Bridge Days as well. Bridge Days' last event is this morning - an outdoor community worship service. I could make that if I got around.
I was awake at 8:00am, and hurried up to get a shower and put on clean clothes. I was ready to go at 9:10am, enough time I figured to eat breakfast before the service. Even on the empty bike it was a struggle getting back up the hill to the park exit.
At 9:27am I arrived at the Country Cafe, located between the Niobrara River and town. I had their buffet breakfast, which was so good! And it looked like the timing was going to work out well for getting to the church service, which would be a short ride uphill onto town.
I arrived at 10:25am for the 10:30am service. There was a picnic table at the back in the shade which made a good place to sit. I was given a bulletin for the service, which included three hymns. The sermon was about how indispensable we think we are, but how we need rest to be our best. Attendees greeted me before and after the service. One fellow works at the state park, and welcomed me to the service and the park. A lady with a warm, welcoming smile asked several questions about my trip. I believe she said she gathers news for the town. Even the pastor came back to shake hands. I felt welcomed.
I noticed the town's museum was open today, special due to it being alumni reunion weekend. So I went in there next. The man and women there are very knowledgeable, providing information and answering questions. The town of Niobrara has had to move/rebuild twice. I probably spent too much time there, considering I have reports to write. Finally away at 12:40pm.
One more stop before leaving town - some shopping at Niobrara Market. I bought a small box of Crunch 'n Munch, a cinnamon roll, Powerade, and a cold ginger ale (for here). After enjoying the soda on a bench in the shade, I checked out the Sage Brothers Memorial.
I was finally back at my campsite at 1:50pm. The place was empty compared to last night. I found one site where the picnic table was in the shade and close to an electrical outlet - a great place for report writing. Having wifi makes it so much easier for posting these reports. Otherwise I have to reduce the file size of all the pictures to minimize data overcharges. I called places in town asking about wifi for customers to use. The Sportsmen's Bar has it. So now I just needed to get the report done.
I was getting tired of going up and down hills to get out of the park. The highway was nearby, so I walked over to the end of a fence and discovered that I could get a bike through there. So at 6:38pm, I tried out my new shortcut to get to town. That's so much easier!
The wifi at the Sportsmen's Bar is fast. So I worked away sitting at the counter, but also enjoyed supper: Buffalo Burger, Mashed Potatoes, and Lemonade. I finally wrapped it up at 9:30pm. Was back at the tent at 9:45pm, and in bed at 11:10pm, after giving a little thought to what I might do tomorrow.
Jeff
Spent: $30 (campsite) + $1.50 (shower) + $15.43 plus $5 (breakfast) + $10 (museum donation) + $6.36 (ginger ale, Gatorade, Crunch 'n Munch, cinnamon roll) + $18.85 plus $5 (supper) = $92.14
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4 months ago
Thanks!
Every place seems to have something that's interesting, at least to me.
Jeff
3 months ago