RN: We stayed in the tiny town of Verdigre NE so we could visit Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park so off we go! The rolling hills of northeast Nebraska are beautiful!

The Ashfall fossil beds are a remarkable frozen moment in biological history. Ash from a humungous volcanic eruption in Idaho 10-12 million years ago got carried by the wind 1000 miles east to this site and covered it with 1-3 ft of ash. Many animals died from inhalation of the ash and, prior to death, sought relief at this watering hole. There is a remarkable density of virtually intact fossils preserved in solidified ash. These fossils are ancient mammals such as Teloceras (extinct hippo-like relatives of rhinos) and small 3-toed horses, camels and birds.

What’s especially nice about this site is that the fossils that were recovered were left in situ so you can see them where they fell. The site is still an active research site for the University of Nebraska and is protected by a building called the Rhino Barn.

The photo below shows the relationship of the ash layer to other layers of the surrounding plains. Part of the overlying sod was uncovered by erosion, leaving bones in the ash layer exposed so they could be fortuitously found.

Here are some of the primitive rhino skeletons that were found. There are a couple of young animals next to their mothers.

Here is an uncovered skeleton showing how nicely articulated the bones are. No reconstruction necessary here!

Sheesh…Felix had to make me pose…doesn’t the background scenery look unreal?

We leave Ashfall and end up in Sioux Falls SD so we have to check out the falls, which go through the middle of town. Amazing!! They are surrounded by impressive Falls Park.

We deserve a great dinner and end up at Harvesters Kitchen. When we enter we are treated to bubbly and some amuse bouche below..sitting in the lounge and watching the closing ceremony of the Olympics.

We treat ourselves to a tasting menu with wine pairing, simply amazing food

Here is the highlight, slow cooked baby back rib meat with accoutrements…

We end the evening feeling fat and happy!!