After spending a couple of nights at York, Nebraska where, obviously, nothing happened, we headed on to Valentine Nebraska.
We passed train after train loaded with dozens of cars of coal. I assumed coal wasn't used much anymore, silly me.
The campground in Valentine was a cute little spot right next to the stockyards. Cows bellowing, strange odours and hordes of flies made this one of the more interesting sites yet.
Fortunately there was lots to see in the area so we stayed away as much as possible. Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge was only a few miles away and was a goldmine of wild life. These bison were right beside the road with no fences.
Along with bison comes their odoriferous droppings. Sure glad I didn't step in it.
I moved this tumbleweed because it looked close to rolling into a sticky pile.
On the road through the park we managed to put the run on these wild turkeys.
Just down the road we came across about 40 or 50 deer. Most ran off but this one just stood and watched us. Must have known he was safe in the park.
Our goal in the park was to find Smith Falls, the highest falls in Nebraska. They may be the highest, but not much water goes over. They are 70 feet high and are fed by a spring so the volume never changes. Very pretty.
Next stop is Rapid City but on the way there we had to stop at Wall Drugs. Since I was a kid I have heard about Wall Drugs and have been curious about it.
Have you ever seen the inside of a drug store the looked like this. During the depression in the 30's they started putting billboards along the highway offering free water. This drew in customers and they now have about 100 billboards promoting their store as you approach Wall, South Dakota.
The place is huge with dozens of rooms selling different things. Some rooms, like this one , are just for fun; as long as T. Rex doesn't break through his cage.
Only the bravest try riding the Jackalope. This is quite the drug store isn't it?
I've always wanted to come here and I sure wasn't disappointed. Lunch wasn't bad either. They still offer free water and coffee for 5 cents.
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