PLATTE & HOUSE

Well the weekend came and went and I'm back where I left off before our vacation to Platte started, working on the new house. Jackie and I took a few days off so we can get caught up before the carpet comes in on Thursday. We just want to get the painting and drywall work done before the new carpet is in. So today Jackie painted and I worked on patching holes and taping corners. Hopefully tomorrow I'm done with the drywall work because its leaves a mess around the house.
This weekend we had a family trip with my wife's side to Platte River State Park. We stayed in a cabin for about 4 days at the park. The first day was mostly unpacking and planning what to do for the weekend. I was able to get out for a ride quick while everyone had dinner. The ride was fun but some spots in the park I was not sure of so I got off my bike and walked it through some of the tough spots of the park. Hey its been a long time since I rode anything like Platte. Even back then I still got off my bike. The picture at the left is an example of me getting of my bike during my first ride. I came up to two spots like that, something about going over logs and going down hill didn't agree with me at the time. The one other spot I got off was due to the steepness of the down hill. Like I said it was my first time out so I was little cautious. Anyway after riding for about an hour I headed back to the cabin where we all went out for a hike. We didn't go to far mainly because we had hikers from the age of 1 to 4 with us. Below is a few picks from our hike.
The gang at a bridge and tossing rocks down by the river.


After the hike we went back to the cabin. Since everyone was either laying low or playing(kids) I decided to head out to the trails one last time before the rain came. This time I took a different trail and no I didn't have to get off the bike this time. It was still marked as difficult but it wasn't as crazy as the trail I took earlier that day. Now I'm not sure what trail I was on but I know I saw a lot of the river during the ride. The difficult trail I was on actually turned into an easy one after awhile, which was nice because it was getting dark and I want to start heading back. After going up and down and side to side through the hills I finally got to the top of the trail where I ended up meeting a few new friends.(picture left) After seeing the horses I new where I was and down the hill I went. I think they called the trail bulldozer way or trail.(picture right) I can't remember but all I know it was a big wide trail that you can take up the hills to get to the actual single track trails.Once I got back we just all hanged out and watch a movie and played cards.

The next day was not as nice as the first. It rained the night before and it was also cold. We still tried to get out for another trail hike but the cold and mud took us back to the cabin. Don't get me wrong cabins are nice but to me there used for sleeping not hanging out in. But when its cold and rainy I guess that's all you can do. The day was still not a loss, we got the kids out to the indoor play ground at mahoney state park. This is a place where kids and adults can play at. Every year when we go out camping we have to take the kids to this play ground. They love it and they sleep well that night to.(picture left) Once we got back we ate and played cards for the rest of the night.
Saturday was a little nicer but since it was still wet we decided to head to Omaha where we toured cabelas. The kids really like the fish area and I really liked the BBQ smoker area. Yes I think instead of a new grill I'm want to get a smoker. Maybe this summer I can get one. After Cabelas we stopped at the outlet mall and then back to the cabin so the kids can take a nap. Since everyone was napping I decide to head out to the trails one last time. It was windy the night before so I was thinking maybe the trails were ok. I was right. This time I took both trails I took the first day I was here and this time I stayed on my bike the whole time. Well except for the spot marked very difficult. I decided to wait on that part of the trail for next year. After about an hour and a half I headed back to the cabin, since the kids were still sleeping Jackie and I went on a hike just the two of us. It was fun, we went on some trails on the west side of the park, lot of hills over there to. Jackie also got an Idea of what kind of trails I ride and I think she took it ok. Kind of. When we got back to the cabin the girls went out on another hike and the kids and I put together a 4' wide puzzle. I think the kids got a kick out of the big puzzle. That night we finally got some grilling in and as soon as the last burger was done the rain came back. Which also meant no eating of smores on this trip.

In the end we all had a good time. The rain limited us for what we could do but I think in some ways just staying in the cabin and relaxing is just what the doctor order for some of us. I was able to get some riding in which was also helpful for training for the race this Saturday. I was planning on trying to ride Swanson before Saturday but now it looks like the house might have my spare time used up. Oh well. Now the trip wasn't over yet, on the way home from Platte Jackie and I took the kids to Schram Park where they have the ak-sar-ben aquarium eduction center. The center had bunch of Nebraska wildlife for the kids to see. They also had a big aquarium with all the local state fishes.(right) It was a neat little place and the kids had fun. The park also had hiking trails to, something will have to check out next time.
Now back on the road we went and down highway 6 to a little store in Greenwood called Bakers Candy. They have some of the best chocolate candy at bakers so its sometimes a must to get off the interstate and stop to buy some candy. Since the kids didn't get smores this year bakers has marshmallows dipped in chocolate. They were a hit with Payton and a mess with Trey. Its all good though.
The trails at Platte were awesome, and its not that long of a drive so I might have to plan some weekend rides for Platte instead of Wilderness. I guess I'll see Platte again in about 3 weeks. I can't wait.