It was a fairly hot day in town yeaterday, but Chadron State Park and the adjoining National Forest are always a bit cooler so we headed out after supper for a little hike and some geocaching. Thanks to modern "band-aid" joint surgeries I'm finally getting back to being able to do this with a bearable amount of pain. I still eat Advil for breakfast, but I'm no longer limping around like a peg-legged pirate! I can finally burn off the 20 pounds I've put on since last August when I got hurt. I'll feel a lot better when I get back to 210 pounds!

Contrary to popular belief, Nebraska isn't flat and covered in corn. Well, part of it is, but that's what we call the "Other Nebraska"...the boring part along I-80.

My wife was there, but she was the one who took all the pictures. Unfortunately, we both forgot our cameras so cell phone pics will have to do.



Miles, the valiant and fearless explorer, leading us to the trailhead. (We kept him in jeans for added protection when he takes a spill. He'll be ready for kilted hiking really soon though!)


We stopped here and enjoyed the view. My old Navy issue boonie is getting really faded...I might have to retire it in another ten years.


The light started fading, but we pressed on!



I found this last cache of the day, on the side of the ridge behind me, but had to come back--I forgot my pen! Fortunately, Leah had one. I hated making that climb twice! It will be easier in a few weeks though!
On a clear day(kinda muggy and hazy yesterday) you can see the Black Hills of South Dakota and the bluffs in Wyoming from this spot.


Not one of our spectacular sunsets, but still pretty decent. Good end to a great day.