Nature in Nebraska

Typically when I travel, there are deadlines and commitments. People to see and places to be.  However, this week, I had the unique opportunity to travel the road less traveled.

Before hitting the gravel road, I explored the unexpectedly white sands of Lake McConaughy, NE.  There was a stand of trees (not sure what kind) that had been killed by the water.  Created such a striking contrast.


The next day, having no specific destination, I decided to take secondary roads and search for windmills to photograph.  I headed towards the Lake Cresent National Wildlife Refugee.  The map (an old fashioned one on paper) showed a road.  I was a little surprised when the paved road turned into a gravel road.  I think I drove for about two hours and didn't see another car.  The sky was so blue.  The air so fresh.  And lots of windmills.

Although the distance wasn't very far, when one stops to take pictures, the journey takes longer.  The only draw back was too much Dr. Pepper and no bathrooms.







Being Labor Day weekend, I expected Cresent Lake to have people there.  I did see one truck leave the area.  But I sat by the lake and bask in solitude.  In today's world, it is a rare and special time to be able to sit back and let the sunshine wash over you, let the wind caress your skin, feel the solidity of the earth beneath you and enjoy the rhythmic sound of gentle waves lap the shore. In a very small way it might have been considered a mini-vision quest.  Although not dramatic, I felt the correctness of my decision to leave Phoenix and return to the ranch. I gained a confidence that when the time is right, job opportunities will arise.  Until then, I will strive to heal and live in the moment.