July 6, 2006: Gering & Scotts Bluff, Nebraska. We are in Robidoux RV-Park operated by the city of Gering, Nebraska N41° 48.757' W103° 40.644' phone: 308-436-2046. They have paved interior roads with concrete pull-thru pads featuring green grass overlooking Scotts Bluff the bluff so often mentioned by travelers on the Overland Trail: 50-amps, water and sewer, $15. Joyce and I generally look for a PPA (Pass Port America) Campground but we did not find one in Gering.

We headed north out of Greeley on the 5th of July heading to Scotts Bluff, Nebraska where we plan to meet up with the old Overland Trail (Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, California Trail). While the Overland Trail started in Independence, Missouri we are going to start following it west from Scotts Bluff, Nebraska.

Let me try to get readers up to speed on the history of the area especially the Overland Trail that flowed through here from the mid-to-late 1800's. Emigrants on the Overland Trail west mostly traveled on the south side of the North Platte River, although some traveled extensively on the north side of the North Platte River. The Mormon hand cart emigrants tried to stay away from other emigrants because of the way they were treated. When traveling west on the south side of the North Platte River Scotts Bluff was a landmark that had to be dealt with because there was no to travel between the bluff and the North Platte River. As a result the western migration went through Robidous Pass about 9-miles south of the North Platte River. Around 1850 Mitchell Pass was made navagable via a steep climb on a single lane trail. The route over Mitchell Pass was not shorter than Robidoux Pass but it kept the emigrants close to the North Platte River and a source of water which was preferable.

Scotts Bluff the landmark made famous by travelers on the Overland Trail

Typical pioneer wagon that would hold up to 1,500 pounds and be pulled by two oxen

To the right is a normal pioneer wagon that would hold up to 1,500 pounds and be pulled by two oxen.

Freight wagon that held up to 5,000 pounds and was pulled 10 or more oxen

Mike is standing next to a freight wagon that would hold up to 5,000 pounds and was pulled by a team of 10 or more oxen. Freight wagons like this were used to supply outpost along the route.

Robidoux Road leading to Robidoux Pass

Driving out Robidoux Road to Robidoux Pass was first on the list. Robidoux conducted a trading business with Indian tribes in the 1820's.

Wild sunflowers along Robidoux Road west of Scotts Bluff, Nebraska

Robidoux Trading Post

Robidoux and his Indian wife built a trading post where he traded first with local Indians then with pioneers as they made their way west. Robidoux also operated a foundry where he repaired wagon parts among other endeavors.

Robidoux Trading Post and residence

Stark reminder of the harsh realities of the Overland Trail

Viewing Robidoux Pass was as eventful as experiencing Mitchell Pass. Traveling in a car where pioneers walked with their wagons was a humbling experience. Viewing their grave sites was also humbling.

Pioneer Grave preserved along Robidoux Road on the Overland Trail

Bull guarding his herum along Robidoux Road

It was a 15-mile drive out a dirt road to get to Robidoux Trading Post, the far end of that drive was getting into desolate country where this bull gave us the evil eye like we might be intruding on his herum of cows. Incidentally, this far out is open-range country meaning no fences. We were eyeball to eyeball with that bull and it appeared he did not cater to us eyeing his "harem".

Charmin-weed the weed with leaves soft enough to be used as toilet paper

Charmin-weed, the weed with leaves soft enough to be used as toilet paper. Don't you know the emigrants on the Overland Trail absolutely loved this weed!!!! Amen!

This is much closer to Gering and Scotts Bluff but still on the route emigrants took over Robidoux Pass

Sugar beets growing near Gering, Nebraska

Closer to civilization and paved roads we were able to see these modern agricultural sights. The tractor on the right is tending to sugar beets. There is a sugar beet refinery in Scotts Bluff that processes these beets.

On the way back from Robidoux Pass Joyce navigated us to a wildlife viewing area where over 40-big horned sheep live in the bluffs. We looked but did not see them.
Wildcat Hills State Park and big game reserve was next on our list. Views from the bluff in the state park were spectacular but we did not see any of the elk or buffalo in the park. We did see one big mule deer that scampered off when we approached.

Rattle snake in diorama at Wildcat Hills State Park

This lone rattle snake was the only picture to come from Wildcat Hills State Park.

The two days we spent in Gering and Scotts Bluff couldn't have been any better, we visited and experienced a number of historical landmarks including Chimney Rock, the North Platte River, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Mitchell Pass and Robidoux Pass.

Until next time remember how good life is.

Mike & Joyce Hendrix

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Until next time remember how good life is.

Mike & Joyce Hendrix

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