it’s a wrap

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Wheat harvest 2014 is complete for the Z Crew.

A bittersweet farewell to something that has been a day-to-day adventure…whether sitting in the Cottage waiting for the rain to let up or out in the field…for the past 79 days. If you’ve followed us from the beginning, you know it was a late start due to drought and late season freezes. We made it to Kansas on June 18th. Our typical summer runs 110+ days. It will be good to get back home and be reunited with the rest of the family. But leaving the harvest world is difficult for me. I’ve written about this several times in the past. I don’t know why and I can’t seem to put a finger on it.  Soon, though, we’ll be home, home and it will feel like the harvest journey never even happened. It’s because of this that I enjoy going back through my posts and reading what we did on a particular day or in a particular area.

Here’s a few pictures of our last day.

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IMG_6709Reading my latest “Nebraska Life” while waiting for Frank to get full.

IMG_6710Hope to see ya next year, grain bins!

IMG_6715Moved the Beast back to Jordan – 1.5 hour drive. Jim decided to take what was left of the day to begin the clean up.

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IMG_6720This is what happens when 10″ of rain settles in. It takes a screwdriver to dig this stuff out. The sprouted wheat is cemented in with intertwined roots.

IMG_6721 So, while Jim is doing his thorough after-wheat-harvest-cleaning and preparing vehicles for their 900 mile journey home, I’ll take this time and share the three days of mountains (and trees).

We packed our bags and left the Cottage mid afternoon on Friday. We made it as far as Livingston that first night. We checked into the motel and headed downtown to the 49er Diner for a bite to eat. When we stepped out of the restaurant, it was raining. Go figure.

IMG_4651Crossing the Musselshell River. More water than I’ve ever seen in this river. After the big rains, this river washed away several bridges. The video I’ve attached below shows some pretty impressive water flowing through a river that’s usually nearly non-existent.

IMG_6536Seeing these beautiful Judith Mountains near Lewistown made me realize just how much I missed being in this part of Montana.

You’ll have to view the rest of my pictures from here on out knowing the majority of them were taken from a moving pickup. Not very good but better than nothing! I apologize now.

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IMG_4665The night lights of Livingston, MT.

6 comments on “it’s a wrap

  1. Marilyn says:

    And ours is just starting…

  2. Judeen E Rikli says:

    I`ve loved reading your blog all summer—-what an adventure and you`ve chosen to share it with words and pictures!!! Beautifully done—-God gave you a very special talent, Tracy—–safe travels.

    • Nebraska Wheatie says:

      Well, Judeen! Good to hear from you again. I’ve wondered about you and if you were still following us. 🙂
      Glad you rode along with us this summer!
      See ya soon.

  3. Tom Stegmeier says:

    Calgary & area has reservations for a snowcation for a couple of days, 1cm. but it could more,lets hope not. Have a safe trip home

    • Nebraska Wheatie says:

      A snowcation…LOVE IT! 🙂
      Sounds like it’s supposed to get a bit chilly here in these northern parts. Even talking possibility of rain/snow here. I know we’ll be around here for a few more days. Jim likes to really clean up the equipment here and he’s pretty thorough. Thanks for the safe-trip-home wishes, Tom!

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