Chadron State Park

We took our first trip of the year, to the oldest state park in Nebraska - Chadron State Park. We've been here before - last year we rented a cabin here in late April. It snowed. I decided next time, I'd reserve a cabin for a couple weeks later, hopefully after the last snow and before the ticks became very active.

The last time we were here, on one of our walks, I looked at all the rest of the cabins and decided which one would be just perfect for us. This is it. It has a deck that faces east, so we could eat breakfast in the sunshine, and be able to sit and read in the shade later on.

It's isolated - at the very end of a loop, so the only traffic going by would be someone going to the cabin below ours.

The interiors of the cabins are great, too - there's a screened-in porch, two beds, a table, bathroom with a flush toilet and a shower, a stove, a modern refrigerator, and a sink. All the plates, silverware, pots and pans and cooking tools are also included. Takes all the discomfort out of camping, for sure!

Once we got settled in, it was time for fun. We went hiking on one of the many trails that wind through the park. Jo had a great time chasing his Frisbee in the large, grassy area in the center of the loop, and both he and Star loved exploring.

And wrestling, too.

Then it was time for dinner. Star and JoLee supervised, of course. They even kept an eye on things while Harry went inside to check on a cold beer.

After dinner, it was time to relax. After all, we had a big day coming up - a visit to Toadstool Geologic Park!

In the morning, there was a shimmering layer of frost everywhere. Star was a bit chilly, so she wore Harry's hoodie for a little while - just 'til the sun got up.

But after the sun was up, she warmed up nicely. In fact, she got downright relaxed.

Here, the trees are just leafing out. It was beautiful. Even Harry started to relax!

Today's destination: Toadstool Geologic Park. According to a web search, it's a "must see" for anyone in Western Nebraska.

This is a "destination," for sure. You could never accidentally run across Toadstool Geologic Park. It's waaaay out in the middle of nowhere.

These are part of what's known as the "Badlands."

I was a little worried about running into rattlesnakes, so I kept the pups on their leashes. It wasn't terribly warm, but in short order, the pups were panting. They drank an entire bottle of water on our 1 mile hike!

The dirt reminded me of the top of a home-made oatmeal cookie. Once we got farther into the rock formations, vegetation grew more and more sparse, and the rocks and soil grew more and more peculiar. Still, there was so much beauty!

The dogs had a good time, even though there was one place where we had to help them across a fairly large crack, using a combination of cajoling, pleading, and finally a good heave-ho. Good thing they wear harnesses! The interesting part to me was that these dogs have traversed much bigger cracks and steeper slopes - it seemed to be the crumbling soil that made them uneasy.

At the end of the end of the trail was a replicate of a soddy that had been here years ago. Just the thought of anyone actually living here left me shaking my head in wonder, but the soddy's thick walls left the interior cool and comfortable. Star took full advantage of it.

Then it was back to the cabin, for some more rest and relaxation.

And a beer.

The dogs were so tuckered out that they didn't even see the bunny, right down the hill from the deck!

The next morning came too soon. We got everything packed up, JoLee assumed his favorite car-riding position, and we headed back to Lincoln.

We stopped for lunch at Lake McConaughy, in one of our favorite camping spots.

We're back home, and the dogs are all sleeping around me. It was a great trip - although way too short. Until next time, happy trails!