Jun 25, 2014

Both the thumbnail and the following photo are a sample of some of the substantial buildings we saw in Beatrice.

lFelt like a reasonably large but enjoyable day today. We left Beatrice and headed for the Hollenberg Station which had been like an old time truck stop plus accommodation. Mr Hollenberg had followed the Californian, Australian and South American gold rushes before setting up here with his wife. Obviously he had realised that the way to make money out of large movements of people was to supply them with what they needed and they prospered.

A shot of the station house which also served as a change station for the Pony Express in the18 momths it was in operation during 1860 - 1861. They were made up of mainly young men and they rode flat out for 10 -15 miles and changed horses twice then they were replaced with a fresh rider. We saw an add looking for potential riders 'looking for thin wiry young men, peferably orphans and prepared to die any day'.

From here we headed to the Rock Creek Station Historical Park which was the overall highlight for the day. 

This is a shot of some wagons which were at the Pony Express Station where Wild Bill Hickock killed the owner of the station.

And we saw huge wagon ruts / swales here.

The black Creek crossing was very rugged and the station owner ultimately built a toll bridge which made him some money and life easier for travellers.

We checked out a Railway Museum at Fairbury. This station controlled a massive network from 1852 - 1980. It was based inbthe old station building.

This was in the telegeaph room. Check out the recessed typewriter beside the morse code telegraph.

The Town Hall.

And a quirky mural in the town. There used to be a circus based in thethe town and this is a tribute to it.

Bits and Bobs:

Eagles - We have seen lots of eagleas soaring above our heads but so far they have eluded attempts to photograph them. Norm came upon a groupof 10 spread over the road around some road kill and was first on the scene to witness them all lift off, absoloutely awesome, I was just pleased to see them all get out of his way. We also saw a pair sitting on top of a power pole today. Wow.

Last night's Accomodation: 

Holiday Inn Expess Hotel & Suites, 4005 6th St, Beatrice, NE, 68310.

Out of town a bit but good facilities. No restaurant but got pizza delivered for dinner. Comfortable room included breakfast parking and wifi. Comfortable all round and good value.