When I last posted, we knew we were headed to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Such a gorgeous place to visit, Wyoming is the home of national treasures, cowboys, rodeos, breweries & adventure. A true spirit of the frontier and pioneers lives there.
Someday we will return to visit Yellowstone National Park, but that trip was a straight shot to the capital city via a long stretch of highway. We arrived long after nightfall, found a truck stop suiting our needs till morning, and ordered pizza for supper.
Early the next morning Hubs pulled us into the business that loaded us with rails for BNSF Railway in Alliance, Nebraska. Off we went again.
There is a lot of land to take in as you travel through Nebraska. The Great Plains are a defining feature. Such a beautiful picture of Americana.
Across those plains, we ventured into Scottsbluff in the mid afternoon ready for lunch and needing fuel. We found both at the Sinclair station. They have a Which Wich restaurant inside, which if you haven't enjoyed, really does have a superior sandwich. You get a paper sack where you mark what sandwich you'd like and get it all doctored up, then wait to have a terrific meal.
As I let Jax wander around investigating the iconic little Sinclair dinosaur statue, I noticed a sweet aroma in the air. I turned around to face the Western Sugar factory.
The silos towered above us. It was really an impressive sight. I grew up in West Texas, and am familiar with silos, but Jax was particularly interested in the hustle and bustle of the factory across the street. I've since learned the area is actually known as The Sugar Valley, in reference to the growing and processing of sugar beets.
There is a lot to do in Scottsbluff. We'd like to return when we have more time. They have a stunning landscape and a rich history.
For instance, we drove a short distance to Minatare and I was instantly aware of a couple of old buildings. Time and rust have nearly obscured the name of the motel mentioned on this old sign (it was The Plaza), but I romanticize such things in my mind.
The chef is gone, and so is the business at The Chef Restaurant outside of town. Both were in business in 1946. 👇🏻
Continuing our journey into Alliance, we reached the BNSF rail yard. The BNSF mechanical division operates 13 locomotive maintenance facilities that perform preventive maintenance, repairs and servicing of equipment. The largest of these facilities are located in Alliance. It took us awhile to travel around the facility and find our exact delivery location.
From the rail yard we went into town to wait for dispatch to find us another load. We were waiting at a gas station, eating sandwiches in the truck, when a man pulled in on his motorcycle with his dog on the back. I finally got Jax to pay attention long enough to see the dog. He was genuinely interested. And then genuinely confused. I could just hear his poor little doggo questions about why HE wasn't allowed to do that? After all, our son's motorcycle is in our garage, and not once did anybody take poor Jax for a ride.
He may have words with brother Charles the next time we're home.
No dispatched orders came that afternoon, so we decided we'd take advantage of a little R&R and got a nice hotel room. What a lucky break! We discovered a hotel that has gone on our list of hidden gems for the most comfortable bed we've ever been in.
The next morning, with a wonderful night's rest behind us, we finally headed to North Platte, NE, for another load.
Hop in and we'll travel together, next.
~ 🛻🗺️🐶
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