September 12, 2022 Part 2 – Veterans, Memorials, and Trains

We were told that North Platte has an impressive Veterans Memorial so off we went to see it.

“The busy crossroads of the Eisenhower Memorial Interstate System, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Highway, is the perfect location for this 20th Century Veterans Memorial. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard as well as the volunteers of the North Platte Canteen are memorialized by bronze statues.

The five major conflicts of the 20th century from World War I to the first Iraq War are depicted in a 15-foot tall brick bas-relief mural. The memorial features a Walk of Honor, lined by thousands of commemorative bricks showing the names of veterans who served at any time during the 20th century. For a truly in-depth look at the impact of the North Platte Canteen interested visitors should also be sure to see the exhibit at the Lincoln County Historical Museum.

Adjacent to the memorial to our military heroes is the Lincoln County Law Enforcement Memorial that pays homage to those brave men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting the public as officers sworn to uphold the law.”

It truly is impressive and somber.  There are two walkways lined with commemorative bricks, interspersed with sculptures honoring various sections of the military.

At the end of the walkway is this huge relief mural honoring the branches of the service and five conflicts of the 20th century.

I am so fascinated how an artist captures expression in a sculpture.  WOW!

WOW! Some up close pictures of the mural.  I did take pictures of every statue and every section of the mural so let me know if you want me to post them all.   

Aren’t they something?!!  WOW!

There was a dedication to the North Platte Canteen workers:

In that same area was the Lincoln County Law Enforcement Memorial:

North Platte has so much history on the railroad but I will say, this memorial was well worth the stop.

More pictures here:

https://www.imagesinbrick.com/veterans-memorial

https://visitnebraska.com/north-platte/20th-century-veterans-memorial

https://visitnorthplatte.com/directory-posts/20th-century-veterans-memorial/

And our touristy day continued by going to the Cody Park where I was told there was more sculptures..  Well..we did not find them but adjacent to Cody Park is Memorial Park.

Steam Trains – We just loved it.

The display included the Challenger Steam locomotive #3977.  When the Challenger was delivered to the Union Pacific Railroad in June 1943, it was one of the 105 such engines built by the American Locomotive Company of New York.  There are only two remaining “3900” class locomotives.  One is operated by Union Pacific Railroad for steam excursions from their Cheyenne Steam works and the other is here.

Also the #6922 Diesel locomotive is here. The “6900” series were the largest and most powerful diesel-electric locomotives ever built. Plus there are a number of cars that contain historic displays and railroad memorabilia.

Yes, we had a blast!

The 3977 on the left and the 6922 on the right.

Inside the 3977:

Andy running the steam train:

My job – shoveling coal – LOL:

What a wonderful treat to the end of the day!

The park was next to the Platte River. The American Indians named it the Platte which meant flat because it was wide and mostly shallow.  This was one of the best areas for the wagon trails to cross.

What an incredible day!!

I have so enjoyed following part of the emigrant trails.  I would love to just take our time at each little area and just learn more.  So much to see!

Tomorrow we head to Wyoming so stay tuned and enjoy today.

 

January 14 to January 23, 2016 Blythe, CA and Quartzsite, Arizona

(02/14/16 - I have been a little lax in updating so hopefully over the next few days, I can get caught up.)

On Thursday, January 14th, we packed up and headed west and north to Blythe.

Our travels took us thru desert scenery:

Into farm country:

It amazes me how it goes from desert beige to farm green in a few short miles:

Interesting houses:

We arrived in Blythe, met up with Bill and Shelly who were coming in from Casa Grande, then headed to the Colorado River Fairgrounds where we will be for the next four days.  We have never been to a bluegrass festival – a new adventure.

Andy and Bill:

Shelly, me, and Bill:

The festival ran from Friday thru Sunday.  There were two stages set up and each day, four bands played at each stage.  Most bands played a few times throughout the three days so we did get to hear quite a few of them.  Our favorites were: The Gibson Brothers, Blue Canyon Boys, Vintage Martins, Band of Ruhks, and David Parmley & Cardinal Tradition.  The talent of these folks is just amazing!!  

This is the Colorado River Boys Stage:

This is the Bommer Stage:

Many folks set up chairs in both areas.  If the chairs are empty, anyone is welcome to sit in them until the owner shows up.  Very interesting!

It was great to see some old friends and meet new ones.

On Friday, Pam and Steve came in from Boomerville in Quartzsite – great to see them:

Sherrie and Jack came in on Saturday – didn’t get a picture – sorry – .   Barb and Larry were there too but no picture again – bummer.

On Sunday afternoon, one band that was scheduled had to leave, so there was a jam session made up of members from several bands – what a treat.

Speaking of jam sessions, there were quite a few sessions on the grounds each evening.  It was wonderful.

Besides the music, there were vendors selling food, jewelry, clothing, etc. and on Saturday, a wonderful quilt show.

Would we go again? ABSOLUTELY!  There are a few festivals in this area of the country during the wintertime – we hope to check a few of them out also.  New Adventures –

On Saturday, 16th, we went to Quartzsite to a celebration of life service for a friend who passed away this summer.  The service was very beautiful especially sending all the lanterns into the sky.  Ginny, we will miss you.

Stats for the 14th  - Yuma to Blythe:

Miles Traveled: 103 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Arizona: E County 17th; South Avenue 3E; I-8 Business; I-8

California: I-8; SR-S34; SR-78; W. Hobson Way; US-95; East Chanslor Way; Olive Lake Blvd

The Bluegrass Festival ended on the 17th so on the 18th, we packed up and made our way to Quartzsite (20 miles away).

Up and over the mountains:

 

Into Quartzsite:

We made a stop behind Silly Al’s pizza to dump and fill with water and then made our way to Plomosa Road where we camped with Chapter 6 and 21 for the next few days.

It was so great to see everyone and spend some time getting caught up with each other.   That evening, Andy, me, Sue, Bruce, Geri, John, Jackie, and Bob, all went to Silly Al’s for dinner.  We have all not been together in a year and it was great just to get caught up and laugh and laugh. 

Two of the days, Sue, Geri and I went shopping – one of the days we went to all the bead stores and Tyson Wells.  Another day was spent at the QIA for their POW-WOW!  What fun.

At the POW-WOW, Geri and I bought geodes.

This is what there are like before opening:

This is what they are like when they are open – Beautiful!

Honestly, it is not that easy..  The vendor promised us hollow geodes for a reasonable price.  Andy and I went geode shopping one of the days and the vendor was VERY EXPENSIVE!!!  Yikees.  Now we just need to go find those rocks for ourselves!

Chapter 6/21 has their annual polar bear / soup here and it was wonderful.  Polar Bears are a drink with ice, vodka, Kailua, and ice cream – very rich.  The soup was hobo stew where we all donated 2 cans of vegetables.  It was great to see old friends and meet new ones –

I always loved Quartzsite and every year I say that I would like to spend a few months here.  And I continue to say it!

The sunsets here always take my breath away.  The mountains in the east turn red:

And the sky to the west looks like it is on fire:

Even Bella found it interesting – not really, she was just looking for the night creatures:

One of the days we went to Boomerville to get caught up with friends.  Here we are at Gloria and Frank’s rig (thank you, Sharon for the photo):

L-R: Gloria, Frank, Nancy, Linda, me, Andy, Jim, Karen, and John:

We stayed thru Happy Hour to say hello to more folks.  I missed being out there but I don’t miss being sick from the dust…. 

The great think about being here this time of year is seeing the great folks that we have met along the way.  The downside is that we don’t get to spend some one on one time to get caught up.  Just one of those things…  (I guess I should say that I do better one on one then in a big crowd..)

We headed out to Yuma on the 23rd but that will be the topic of the next blog.

Stats for January 18 -  Blythe to Quartzsite

Miles Traveled: 35 Miles

Routes Traveled:

California: Olive Lake Blvd; US-95; I-10;

Arizona: I-10; I-10 Business; SR-95; Plomosa Road

Enjoy today!