Sandhills of Nebraska at Sunrise

Shadow Shot Sunday
September 25, 2011

Every Sunday, folks from all over the world join in and post their shadowy photographic delights. Some with stories. To see more and find out how you can participate, see Hey Harriet's Photography blog.

Sunrise over the Nebraska Sandhills in the Valentine Wildlife Refuge

I recently traveled across the Western USA from New Mexico to Wisconsin. My business was finished on the Southwest and it was time to travel home. I'll return to New Mexico in a month or so.

We made our way into the Sandhills of Nebraska and caught a beautiful September morning sunrise. I couldn't resist stopping for a few shots of Ole Sol creeping up over the crest of a hill. Then, back on the road, it happened. The crisp shadow of my truck against the grassy hills along the roadside.

Always at the ready while traveling, I grabbed my camera and snapped off some Shadow Shots. 

I like to find new and different routes to make this trek as I do make this run often. A rather new friend of mine didn't quite understand why I would undertake driving back and forth the 1500 odd miles one-way from River Falls, WI to Truth or Consequences, NM. He just doesn't understand. I do this because I want to. I have family in the way of Grand children in Wisconsin, and I also love the Southwest. Besides, the Winter can be a long drawn out cold dreary affair up North. I like to warm my bones in the Southwestern sun, especially in January. An after all, I'm retired!

This particular route is not new to me. In fact, in years past, I used this road many times. It is US Highway 83 and runs from the Canadian border near Westhope, North Dakota to Brownsville, Texas along the Mexican border. I use the section from Murdo, South Dakota to North Platte, Nebraska on this trip. I always say I am going to take a trip and traverse the entire 1885 miles of US 83, drive it end to end. Maybe it's time to accomplish some of these road excursions that I dream of.

The road crosses through the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and the beautiful Sandhills of Central Nebraska. The town of Valentine, just nine miles from the Nebraska/South Dakota border, anchors the Northern edge of this area with the Niobrara River coursing through the countryside.

We spent the night in a Howard Johnson's motel in North Platte, NE. We were up early, so Mrs. Spadoman and I decided to get on the road and make the last portion of our journey home, over 650 miles, in one day. It was dark when we left North Platte. The early morning light was just starting to light up the Eastern sky.

We arrived home safe and sound before 7:00 PM that same evening. A mere 12 hours on the road. We both retired early and got a good nights rest. It feels good to sleep in our own bed after so many nights away. I'm planning the next trip, but have some chores to accomplish before I can head back to New Mexico. I think I'll be right in the middle of the Winter Sandhill Crane migration.

I hope your travels are safe and plentiful.

Peace to all