June 14, 2021 - Day Fourteen, Flight Two
Scottsbluff, Nebraska
After the Crazy Horse Memorial, I left the Black Hills and headed due south.  I was headed for Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
   
It was pretty much flat country all the way to Scottsbluff.
   
Approaching the North Platte River running east-west.
   
Approaching the actual Scotts Bluffs from the northwest.
   
Scotts Bluff to the right, the town of Scottsbluff and the North Platte River to the left.
   
Back between 1840 and 1860, the Oregon Trail came through that break in the bluffs to the right.  You can clearly see Oregon Trail wagon ruts running top to botton in the center of the picture.
   
A better look at the gap -- called Mitchell Pass -- through which the Oregon Trail came through.  They came through here because of the badlands to the north of Scotts Bluff.
   
 
   
A good shot of Mitchell Pass.  The road is apltly named Old Oregon Trail.  Eagle Rock is at left and Sentinal Rock is at right.  Dome Rock is upper right.  The Visitors Center is just to the right of Eagle Rock.
   
Looking north at Scotts Bluff and the town beyond.
   
Passing by Dome Rock.
   

The airport -- Western Nebraska Regional Airport -- was on the northeast edge of town.

It's a good size airport with two long bisecting runways.  I had overnighted at this airport back on my Oregon Trail trip in 2006; the FBO is a lot more upscale now than what I remember. It is in the terminal building and very nice. The personnel were friendly and helpful. There is an Italian restaurant in the terminal but I was too early -- it doesn't open until 11AM.
   

On the ramp at Scotts Bluff.
   

The FBO and Pilot Louge building were located at one end of the passenger terminal.
   

In the terminal main area sat this Burt Rutan Long-EZ, which was built by a local resident, flown for many years, then donated to the airport for static display.   You  rarely see the glass Rutan ships anymore, maybe a few at Oshkosh AirVenture.  The Long-EZ  was fast, had an incredible range (2,000 miles), and was very fuel efficient, but it did require a long runway.  I don't think you could get one into a 2,000 foot runway.  Plus, as a plans-built airplane, they were not easy to build, compared to the modern kitplanes.  Plans were only offered from 1980 to 1985. As of late 2005, approximately 700 LongEZ's are FAA registered in the United States.
   
 
   
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