The bluffs are beautiful in all weather

There isn’t rain in the immediate forecast for the Panhandle (thank goodness – we have enough water as it is in the river), but next time a rainy weekend looms, don’t let it keep you from getting out and enjoying the west Nebraska landscape.

Last weekend when I ran (walked, gasped) up Saddle Rock Trail, the weather was gray and misty. That kind of weather keeps many people indoors. They don’t realize the beauty they’re missing.

The tourists visiting that day from California, Texas and Florida (as identified by parking lot license plates) were all taking pictures of the mist drifting over the bluffs.

The flowers sprouting from the death camass plant each trapped little drops of the misty rain.

I went to take a picture of the water droplets on these leaves, and an angry ant rushed out to defend the plant.

Grass heads bent from the weight of the dewy orbs attached along their lengths.

I forget what this plant is, but it sure gathers water well.

Yes, dreary, rainy days are good for something.

Copyright 2011 by Katie Bradshaw