Scotts Bluff National Monument

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Nebraska

6/26/2023

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The nerves were high as I creeped the van up to the summit of the bluffs. Easing it around tight turns, not looking past the edge of the drop off on the side of the road. I wondered to myself if there existed stress-induced cholera.

At the summit we wandered along the trails to take in views, Leinie blazing the way ahead. As he is prone to do, he stopped to lighten his load. No signs of dysentery here.

I eased the van down the descent, trying hard to not ride the brakes. Nerves were just as high as on the ascent and I tried to not look too often at the side of the road to the steep drop to the bottom. I pondered if it was just as nerve wracking to caulk a wagon to float.

We made it safely down and lost no belongings or party members in the trip. As we munched on some snacks I wondered why they didn’t make multiple trips to take a whole bison back instead of leaving 86 pounds behind.

We pulled into camp near Chimney Rock and settled in for the night. Jake went to trade for more beer, however, instead of salted buffalo he traded cash. But the merchant was polite enough.

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