A few days in the Nebraska panhandle.

I had grand ideas of what I wanted out of this week. Searching one-off roads for quaint signs and frontier character. Surely returning with gigs of content suited for that magic spot surrounded by a yellow frame which appears monthly in my mailbox. Not to say it was a trip wrought with misfortune, but more a lesson in finding opportunity less obvious. Hit the jump for some shots and a quick rundown...

 

 

It seems that every time I head out to western Nebraska I encounter severe weather. It is, in fact, a proven certainty which I have come to rely on and look forward to. This trip was no different, and the thunderstorm we drove through near North Platte became the backdrop I was hoping for as we arrived in Ogallala.
And once you have a backdrop like that it's a mad hunt to find the perfect windmill before the sun sets!

 

Our route was based around some of Nebraska's landmarks. Some well known like Chimney Rock and Jail & Courthouse rocks and others less explored like Toadstool Park, which is several miles from more popular destinations like Ft. Robinson. We traveled by the harsh sun of midday and picked our locations for what we hoped would be more fantastic sunsets and sunrises. Night shots in the desolate panhandle were the icing on the cake.

As it turned out, we were gifted one night of cloudless nights and that was it. Clear night skies over Chimney Rock gave way to overcast, windy weather as we drove to the very northwest corner of the state. Dramatic lighting was replaced with a giant overcast softbox; just what the doctor ordered for the grey, sandy landscape of Toadstool Park. Unfortunately it stuck overnight and the stars stayed hidden.






We left the Panhandle but the weather never left us. So I can only say we have a fantastic excuse to come back and shoot more. Next week we head to Colorado for a few days to explore part of the Gore Range. Lots of opportunity for wildlife and fishing in the high country. Pics to come, of course...