Enjoy what the Sandhills have to offer!

The countdown is on for Labor Day weekend!!! Pack up the family - including your furry family  - and head for the hills!!! The Sandhills that is!!!

There's plenty of fabulous food to eat out here!  Burgers, steak, and for this monarch, the wonderful goldenrod - Nebraska's state flower. There's fuel in them hills...which is something the monarch, as a whole, is in need of. Their numbers are dwindling and they need nutrition along their route - which was explained by the new manager at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. Make sure you stop out there for some pristine wide open spaces, or to fish.
New docks and there are some lake renovations underway - but there's plenty of other refuge lakes to find your fish!

The Sandhills are your four season, family fun, vacation destination - deerie!

Play...dance...enjoy!!! Be weird, be random...you never know who you'll meet up with and the new friends you'll eventually call "family."

Odd....but true! Family isn't always a birthright...sometimes it's the deer friends you hang out with, or the turkeys you love so much you call family!

The sunflowers are in bloom ... alive with buzzing activity.

And it won't be long before the birds begin their migratory patterns - which is enjoyable even if you're not a bird fancier! So take flight....get ready....and land in the Sandhills for Labor Day!

You'll be offered the best vistas, and the most comfortable perch to watch as the season slowly changes colors to vivid gold and bright yellows!

As the seasons begin their change...so too do the skies. While this giant field looks full of fluffy cotton candy or crunch popcorn, it's actually the remains of a storm that took place far, far, away...and we were left with this beauty!

Sometimes, there's a bit more drama - which is stunning to look at. Again, 15 drops of rain fell, but left behind a small rainbow tucked into the clouds. You can almost smell the rain and feel the wind tugging at your hair.

An unusual rain cloud....dropping some moisture right between the power poles. Magnificent way to end the day?!

You're invited to enjoy all that the Sandhills has to offer. Check out the different activities on  SandhillsWesternVacations.com and make a discovery of your own this Labor Day weekend.
Clearly, there's plenty to do...or not. Watching the sun set is a fine art...but does take practice.
You've been challenged!!! Sit back....relax...enjoy....

And let our sponsors help you with your four season, family fun, vacation plans!!! Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you can get excellent food to go at Henderson's IGA. 

Why not plan a leisurly  trip down Niobrara National Scenic River with  Brewers Canoers and Tubers to complete your summer?

Nim-Rods Bait Store has all you could ever need or want for your fishing excursion - poles, live bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, and plenty of refreshments! Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, has everything you could ever want in the way of firearms, ammo, and reloading supplies - conveniently located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, which has western prints, wool, cotton and batik fabric, along with patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co. 

For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery new location!!!. 

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce has a plethora of brochures that will have you coming back this fall... make sure you stop by and pick some up today!

Remember...the Sandhills are your four season, family fun, ticket 4 Adventure....come find out why at SandhillsWesternVacations.com!!! And while you're here for Labor Day...begin planning your fall adventure! We welcome you and your family!!!

Storm glory!!! Preparing for your arrival!!!

 

 Valentine's Main Street was covered with snow Saturday, March 9, with two energetic 

souls out removing the heavy, mositure laden, much needed icing. 

Thank you Gary Conner and James Ravenscroft.

 

Peaking through lacy branches one can see the comforting lights inside Cedar Canyon Steakhouse. Coffee anyone? How about a nice meal to sustain you as you head off the beaten path....

 

Off the beaten path, this young white tail was a bit surprised, clearly curious, 

and excited to be frolicking Sunday, March 10. 

 

The little one soon caught up to its family, already headed for higher ground. 

How many deer can you spot?

In a previous post, there is a deer in the same spot, only her ear is twitched at my intrusion. 

However, Sunday, March 10, she was keeping alert to the individual who was out on his

 4x4  plowing out his road. Yet she still looks comfortable. 

 All tucked in and if you weren't paying attention, could easily miss her majestic beauty. 

 

The Minnechaduza Creek at the Valentine City Park played host 

to these mallards who thought everything was rather ducky!

 

Across the river, everything was covered with a thick layer of snow and sunshine. 

If you look closely, you'll see the icicles hanging off the tree branches. 

What was so fabulous about this snow is that it packed a lot of moisture 

but it was comfortable to get out and walk around 

and take in the beauty of the Sandhills. 

 

What a sight to behold as the sun peeked out from the clouded sky 

and shone its light on this bedazzling tree. 

The mallards, not accepting my company, have moved further down the 

Minnechaduza Creek quacking the whole way. 

 

 

Mother Nature is sending her signal to everything under the snow. 

Even though the trees didn't spring ahead, they know what to do at her prompting. 

The river will eventually host tadpoles, dragonflies, and a whole host of aquatic 

life that is still dormant - but won't remain for long. 

 

A close-up of what will eventually bloom in the spring. These are either lilacs or wild plums. 

Before you know it...summer will be here. 

Have you booked your hotel stay? There are two very nice places to stay and they'd 

 be glad to take your reservations.

 Click on Valentine's Niobrara Lodge or Trade Winds Motel on this Web site which will take you to their Web sites where you can choose your reservation dates. They fill up quickly you know. 

For something a little more out of the way, why not click on 

Double R Guest Ranch. It would be perfect for your family's reunion. 

Here it is Monday evening, and most of the snow has been 

distributed among the roots, filling the rivers, lakes and getting the 

Sandhills of Nebraska ready for your arrival.