North Platte River Area in Nebraska

When we made a return visit to the Nebraska Prairie Museum,  I headed straight for the Quilt Collection.  Look at this Civil War Era quilt!  It was buried near Staunton, VA when the Union troops came through and survived to travel with the family to settle in Nebraska.

This quilt is a true example of using the fabric you have to complete a pattern.  Notice the single pieces in a square.  It was one of the older quilts made in the area.

The museum also featured prairie home rooms from the 1850's - 1900's.  This collection of kitchen ware fascinated me.

The Museum visit was a day long event for us.  There is so much to see.  A German Prisoner of War Camp was nearby and the exhibit included the incredible artwork of a US Army interpreter.  His paintings included farm and community settings where the prisoners worked.  Totally awesome!!

The fields, ponds and Platte River banks are roosting areas in early spring for migrating Sandhill Cranes.  We arrived at Fort Kearny, one of the favored viewing areas, on the day after 15,000 Cranes headed north.  Bummer!!  It was fun watching beavers in this pond at our campsite as the sun set, however.

We spent Easter weekend at this very quiet park on the banks of the North Platte River.  Terry had just remarked that he expected Indians to approach through the grasses, but the cowboys came instead.  A horseback rides outfitter was located nearby we later learned.  Most of the weekend there were only 2 other camping units in the park.  Sunrise was lovely too!

We did see a flock of 50 or more Sandhill Cranes fly over headed north and a few feeding in the fields.  The camp ground is located on a ranch that belonged to Buffalo Bill in the town of North Platte.  His first 'Wild West Show' was actually performed as a July 4 event for the area.  I walked over to see his ornate home and huge barn.  He had over 100 horses for his show.

We followed the Platte River and the Oregon Trail to the NE Panhandle on Tuesday after Easter.  I'll do another blog on that area soon.

We are now in Idaho Falls, ID just about 100 miles from Yellowstone.  We had just finished a walk along the Snake River when it started to snow.  It is bright and sunny now as we plan our arrival at Yellowstone tomorrow afternoon before the next round of snow there.