Winter is fun in the Sandhills of Nebraska!!!

Nothing squirrley about a spring snow here in Valentine, Nebraska. And what fun it is!

 

Last year's leaves are dripping with frozen moisture that fell Saturday, March 9.

These will become fuel for birds returning this spring.

Hot color and cool icicles on this March morning.

Not only were the trees cloaked in frozen precip, so too were the power lines. Winter wonderland and the power stayed on!

What was found in an alley as discarded trash looks more like art with icicles hanging like crystals off a chandelier.

The neutral, rustic, tones are calming and soothing even though the wind was whipping the trees back and forth.

More sculptural trash turned into art!

With drought conditions excessive last year, this moisture is a HUGE blessing!

This icicle was the largest one found while driving around in the winter wonderland.

What do you see here? Signs of spring!

The heavy moisture caused these little pines to bow.

More soothing colors in nature!

It won't be long and the snow will begin falling. Meanwhile, geese are swimming joyfully in this pond.

Thank you for the winter kibble!

It's later in the day Saturday, March 9, heavy, wet, moisture laden snow began falling - again!

It began blanketing trees and branches, already decorated with small icicles.

A small winged one awaits its turn at the feeder.

Keep falling, keep falling...we're grateful and thank You Lord, for every snow flake that falls and every bit of moisture it contains! Looking forward to a GREEN spring and summer!

Deep in the woods, nothing is left untouched by the fallen moisture.

And the snow continues while this deer finds something to satisfy its hunger.  Doesn't winter in the Sandhills make you hungry? There's plenty to see and do! More on this later in the week!

Everyone hunts...differently!

This is the big man week..cammo, weaponry, ammo, ammo, and more ammo.

 Or not.

Everyone hunts differently. Some hunt with all their buddies by walking all over the woods as more of a bonding ritual, never even firing a shot.

It's those who this is addressed to.

You're going to be needing supplies...snacks...frozen pizzas that can be microwaved, and all kinds of beverages. When you step into Henderson's IGA, you'll notice the food is hiding.

  Not technically, but it is sorta...behind brand new coolers. Ohhhh, they're sleek, modern, glimmering and a wee bit on the shiny side. Behind them are all the provisions you'll need.

 What's so fabulous about the new coolers is that it's also helping to save the planet by being more energy efficient. And you're a part of this every time you open and close the doors to get your Jimmy Dean breakfast sausages, Eggo waffles....

 ...or delicious caramel sea salt gelato - an Italian style ice cream.

 So, shopping at Henderson's IGA will keep the planet much greener for our four legged friends who appreciate those hunting the aisles and keeping the woods nice and pristine.

 Because we all hunt differently....

 Some in groups....

 Some the aisles for the sweet goodness of fruits and vegetables...

 There's every possibility there will be snow this weekend...

So enjoy your big man week and happy hunting at Henderson's IGA. Be safe and remember to pack your hunters orange. It's pretty manly after all.

Unused Vacation Time...come on over and GOLF!

 Labor Day is done and over with...kids are back to school, and dang, you have some vacation time left over...what to do?

 You can see the clubhouse overlooking the Snake River way below. This is also considered one of the most beautiful holes on the course. YOU could be here!

According to The Ryder Cup Issue of GOLF magazine, a Sports Illustrated Publication, we have a little something right here in the MIDDLE of NOWHERE that has been billed as one of the TOP 100 COURSES YOU CAN PLAY!

 Up close and nestled in with the landscape, the Prairie Club has all the amenities anyone would want after golfing. There are lunges, a pro shop, nicely appointed rooms and seclusion...fresh air...and  wonderful experience awaiting you.

The Prairie Club's Dunes Course wasn't listed as #1, but was listed as a new course in 2010, and they're already ranked as #78 in 2012.

 Go ahead....get your putter!

For those who are curious, #1 went to Pacific Dunes in Brandon, OR, and #2 went to Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, CA.

 But they're not nestled in the Heart of the Sandhills. Check out that bunker...do you suppose designers Tom Lehman and Chris Brands made it look like a heart? 

While Gothenburg is a bit away from Valentine, Nebraska, they have a course listed in the Top 100 Courses: Wild Horse Golf Course and is ranked as #73 this year and was ranked #67 in 2010.

 Even the Easter Bunny needs a great place to rest. O.K., so it's not the Easter Bunny, but there's no telling what type of wildlife you'll see. 

But wait...there's more! The Prairie Club has not one, but two different courses in addition to the Dunes Course, there's the Pines Course. The Prairie Club has also built new accommodations that overlook the scenic Snake River.

 A bunker you will definitely want to avoid...but beautiful none the less. 

 Nice green fairways with a lot of rough spots typically which are typically seen on Scottish links. 

  The September 2012 issue of GOLF magazine suggests there's no reason to cash in your frequent flier miles to reach a trophy course, but if you do have vacation days left...and frequent flier miles to use, why not think about making the Prairie Club a destination?  You won't be sorry you did! And you won't b able tow ait till spring to try the course again. And we'll be waiting for you then as well!

Labor Day decisions?!

Imagine the decisions that need to be made this year for Labor Day...It's not like it's going to rain on you - right? The biggest decision might be if it's too hot! But the weather already shows that it will be in the low 90s during the day and mid 60s at night
So get yourself packed up and headed over to Valentine, Nebraska, where the beaches are pristine, white, sugar sand at Merritt Reservoir.

 While the water itself is low, you can still put a boat in at Cedar Bay, which has fabulous campsites nestled among the pines.

 What's missing in this picture? YOU!!!!

There are campsites and restrooms that are handicap accessible as well! Bring the entire family.

And because the water level is lower, there's a lot to love on the pristine, sandy beaches!

 How about that jewel of golden color from the Cottonwoods? Really, with this record breaking heat, it sure is nice to see the hints of color indicating that fall isn't too far away!

 Of course, the fish are biting, which is important.

Make some plans to get to Valentine this Labor Day weekend to enjoy the Sandhills and leave some footprints in the sand!

 

There's so many nooks and crannies that need to be explored! 

 Isn't this absolutely fabulous? Doesn't it make you want to get out and see what else is around Merritt Reservior?

 Here, you see a couple rings in the water...what is that? It's called rain drops. But it was so short lived....and who knows...maybe if Merritt Reservoir was completely packed with campers, boaters and folks fishing, it might help break the dry spell.

There's always something to look forward to out here...and as the summer comes to an unofficial close, don't let the sunset without you. Remember, only you can make memories special...why not make them at Merritt Reservoir with a bunch of sand, sun, and water this Labor Day?

Before summer ends...tube the Niobrara!

The sun is beginning to sink into the western sky a little bit earlier each evening. The crickets are chirping and the nights are beginning to have a bit of a chill to them. BUT the days are certainly warm! And the Niobrara River is waiting for you to soak up the sun beams as you tube lazily down the scenic river.
You can canoe if you want....or kayak.  It won't matter. It's all about family time together...girl time...guy time...or even that one last hurrah before school starts!

You can take a few hours, or a few days and camp along the way. And when you're not on the river, there's so much else you can do, how about some golf?

Maybe some fishing at Merritt Reservoir or at the refuge lakes where there's even a map available to help you find your favorite fishing hole!

 
Fort Falls is a beautiful location at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge.

As you take the stairs down to the cool depths of the Niobrara River Valley, follow the trail out to the Niobrara River and splash around a bit.

Smith Falls is equally as beautiful and has a campground for your enjoyment as well.

Summer isn't over. And if you've not had your vacation, you know you're about due...head over to the Sandhills of Nebraska and give yourself, your loved one, or your family a special treat from an area that can't be beat!!!