I drove over to leave a wreath at my sister's stone at a remote cemetery near Chimney Rock. It's about halfway between here and where we grew up. My BiL thought it a peaceful place, and it is. At the end of a dirt road with no gravel.
Rather then a stone, he placed a marble bench so folks could sit and snipe a prairie dog or two while remembering the good times. I meant to do just that, but there are cattle among them, and it's poor form to shoot into the cattle. I did stick a shooter in my pocket for rattlesnakes. Didn't see any, but I have killed them here before. I really watched where I was stepping!
Even though it's the holiday weekend, I was alone there. Just me and the cattle. Very peaceful.
This cemetery was started in the early 1850s when the Oregon Trail was going strong. Unfortunately, to be buried here back then, you had to die a day's travel one way or the other. Embalming was not an option.
It always rains here for Memorial Day. When it started, I made my way back to the truck. Dirt roads with no gravel are no fun when it rains! Last time I was out here, I saw tracks I was sure glad I didn't make!
I took a few pics. Not many of the old stones are readable. As with other old cemeteries, there are a lot of head stones for children under 5 years of age. Infant mortality was severe then. Many of the pioneer graves had wooden markers which have crumbled away over the years. No telling how many people are actually buried.
Pics: From the parking lot, this is the view of Chimney rock and the cemetery entrance.
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Here are a few of the stones I could actually read. Many are for infants and small children. The pointy looking plants are "soapweed" or Spanish dagger, if you'd rather. The roots are a prime hiding spot for rattlesnakes.
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This is my sister's marker. The bench faces our home town - about 12 miles away. Her children's names are visible - her inscription is on the other side.
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A shot of the cattle. There are a few longhorns in this pasture, but they didn't want to pose.
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And a parting shot of Chimney Rock looking toward the parking lot. It was starting to rain & roads with no gravel aren't much fun when wet!
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Overall, it was very peaceful. I'm glad I went. SW
