I made a short road trip with the new wheels. I drove up to the Pawnee National Grasslands, about 280 miles round trip. So I tested it with some highway miles and rugged dirt roads. Gas miles was good: 28 miles per gallon. It handles well both on the highway and the dirt roads.
It has been several years since I visited the Grasslands. I hope to make a few more trips up there. It is one area where we have not taken a plow to the native grasses. The grassland is large with just over 193,000 acres. I notice a large quantity of wind turbines and oil wells I don’t remember. A little research uncovered they are allowing a limited amount of developed facilities. The area is also know for its birding with several species, especially during migration. Forest service roads allow for easy access to most areas of the grasslands and lead to many hiking trails. These trails will lead you to the Pawnee Buttes. I’m gonna have to make more trips up there.
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12 Comments
Earl
Beautiful shot, Monte. Those pinkish-orange colors in the sky are pretty amazing and that wide open nearly flat space is unknown around here.
So I’ve obviously missed something…what are these new wheels you speak of?
Monte Stevens
I would have liked to arrived earlier and explored the area on foot and hopefully will the next time I’m up that way. It looks like a neat area for photography.
My 96′ jetta finally died a couple of weeks ago. After almost 200k miles the engine blew-up. My last two vehicles have been used models and were driven to the length of their lives. I’ve been lusting for a Subaru Forester. I’m now cruising with a 2011 model. It is now snowing so I took it out on the roads to see how it handles as it’s my first all wheel drive vehicle.
Paul
That is a lovely shot, Monte. A new car is a fantastic excuse to hit the road, but since when do we need excuses to hit the road and take pictures?! 🙂
Monte Stevens
We never need excuses, Paul. Now, I have a newer car to head out in.
Steve Skinner
I can feel the coldness of the wind from this image; outstanding.
Monte Stevens
That is was. There was a hiker down in the lower canyon area off to my left. He was wearing a full face stocking cap.
Anita Jesse
Wonderful! Yet more fertile territory for you to photograph. This is striking. Glad your new wheels are making travel pleasant and inviting. That means more goodies like this one.
Monte Stevens
A barren land for sure. Early pioneers could not turn the soil so much of this area is close to what it was 200 years ago. The one thing I did not like was all the oil wells on state trust land. I will accept the wind turbines up north but they sure do mess up photo opportunities. Let’s hope there are more goodies! Chocolate is a goodie too, right?
Ken Bello
The Grasslands are just beautiful, Monte, and this is a great photo. Looks close to sunset, so you must have done some driving in the dark to get home.
We have been driving a Subaru since 1999. The old one was T-boned 2 years ago and was totaled. We replaced it with a new model. They seem to be built very well and in Upstate NY we appreciate the 4 wheel drive. Good luck with your new wheels, I know you will enjoy it.
Monte Stevens
Yes, Ken, I started pater than I wanted and it took me longer to get there than I expected. The longer drive was due to the side roads I took to get there as I had aome areas I wantd to see. I took the interstate on the way back which took a lot less time. So far I’m pleased with the Subaru. 🙂
Tom Dills
Very nice photo, Monte. I like how the brown grass takes on a golden cast which contrasts nicely with the colors in the sky.
We recently bought a new Outback and like it a lot. I’m certainly not wishing for snow here but if we get some or decide to head to the mountains it will be good to have the AWD.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Tom. I’m one who likes the golden brown colors of the prairie, especially against a blue sky. So far, i’ve not really tried the AWD stuff but it will also be handy when the time comes. Living in Colorado it will come.