The Niobrara Walk of Shame

Niobrara River near Valentine, NE

Before we became parents, Ericka and I treasured the spontaneity of unplanned excursions, with one of our most unforgettable experiences being a trip to Valentine, Nebraska. We stayed in a snug cabin surrounded by towering pines and spent a long weekend fully absorbing the tranquil beauty of the Sandhills. Our mornings were marked by the crisp, fresh air as we brewed coffee beside a campfire, accompanied by the soft rustling of leaves and distant bird songs. During the day, we explored picturesque trails, paddled along the Niobrara River, and relaxed by the campfire beneath a vast sky dotted with stars. This escape was an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation, a lasting memory of just the two of us enjoying nature and each other’s company before our lives changed with the joyous arrival of our children.

Our journey began with a road trip from Omaha to the Merritt Trading Post Resort near Valentine, Nebraska, as we sought to leave the city's hustle behind and immerse ourselves in the natural world. The drive offered scenic views of rolling plains and open roads, gradually leading us into the rugged landscape of northern Nebraska’s Sandhills. Upon reaching the resort, we received a warm welcome and quickly settled into our cozy cabin, nestled among tall pine trees and overlooking the Merritt Reservoir. The cabin’s rustic appeal, highlighted by wooden beams and a welcoming fireplace, promised an ideal haven for rest and adventure. As we made ourselves at home, the tranquil silence of the surroundings embraced us, signaling that this retreat would provide refreshing outdoor activities, peaceful moments, and the simple pleasure of disconnecting from city life.

On the very first day, we enthusiastically embarked on an adventure to discover the picturesque hiking paths that meandered through the forest and gently rolling hills encircling the resort. These trails provided an ideal mix of scenic beauty and physical challenge, weaving past soaring pine trees and along crystal-clear streams that mirrored the bright blue sky above. Deeper into the woods, the air was filled with the refreshing aroma of cedar, while the cheerful chirping of birds and the soft rustling of leaves composed a tranquil soundtrack for our trek. We took frequent breaks at charming wooden bridges and panoramic viewpoints, capturing snapshots of the sweeping valley vistas below. The invigorating, pure air uplifted our spirits, and every step offered glimpses of indigenous wildlife, from quick squirrels to elegant deer. When we finally returned to the resort, our legs felt pleasantly weary, but our hearts were brimming with anticipation to explore more of the natural wonders this enchanting region had in store.

Following our extensive and thrilling day of hiking, we made our way to the Boardman campsite for a tranquil session of fishing. As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting the sky in shades of orange and pink, we cast our lines into the still waters by the shore, hoping to catch something for dinner. The gentle rhythm of waves caressing the shoreline provided a calming background, while the excitement of potentially landing fresh fish added a spark to the peaceful evening. Despite our careful baiting and patient waiting, the fish remained elusive, leaving our lines bare and our hunger unabated. Even though we didn’t manage to catch any fish, the opportunity to fish in such a serene environment, surrounded by towering trees and bathed in the soft twilight glow, made the experience fulfilling on its own. Eventually, too hungry to continue, we packed up our gear and walked back to the cabin, where we settled for a simple meal of hotdogs and beans as a backup.

The following morning, invigorated by the fresh air and the anticipation of an adventure, we headed to the main trading post to rent a sturdy two-person kayak. Carefully placing the kayak into the river’s gentle current, we eagerly attempted to climb into the enclosed vessel, only to discover that getting in was far trickier than expected. Although its sleek form promised both stability and speed on the water, it ironically turned boarding into a delicate balancing act. Each subtle ripple caused the kayak to sway, and even the slightest shift in weight threatened to tip us into the cool river water. Working with cautious coordination, Ericka steadied the kayak from behind as I carefully climbed over the bow, gripping the rim for support. The snug enclosed cockpit, built for protection and control, restricted my movements as I twisted and wriggled to get comfortable. Once settled, Ericka easily pushed us off the shore and slipped into her seat.

After overcoming the initial difficulty, we quickly found our balance and synchronized our paddling, setting a steady rhythm that promised a serene and adventurous journey ahead. Drifting along the winding Niobrara River, the gentle flow steered us through a stunning scene of towering cottonwoods and softly swaying prairie grasses. The early sunlight made the water sparkle, mirroring the vivid blue sky and the occasional darting fish beneath the surface. Along the riverbank, herons dipped gracefully into the water while deer grazed silently nearby, transforming the trip into a tranquil moment of reflection. As we rounded the winding bends, the peaceful solitude and natural splendor of the Niobrara slowly dissolved any lingering city stress from mind sand bodies.

As our energy waned, we finally noticed a tiny island situated amidst the flowing current. Thinking it an ideal place to rest and have a snack, we steered the kayak toward its shore. Nervousness crept in as we carefully guided the kayak toward the rugged shoreline; neither of us was sure how to disembark from a kayak, yet we were eager to set foot on firm land. Approaching the edge, the gentle but constant river flow complicated our landing more than Ericka and I had expected. She urged me to exit first, but just as I attempted to steady the kayak and step out, I lost my balance, causing us to tip over abruptly with a splash. The shock of the cold water was both startling and thrilling as we hurried to right the kayak and regain our composure. Despite the unplanned plunge, we ended up laughing like fools while others glided past us gracefully, leaving us soaked and embarrassed.

Following our accidental swim, we proceeded downstream to the pickup point, soaked from head to toe. As we removed our lifejackets, revealing our drenched clothes beneath, we exchanged uneasy looks and suppressed giggles, trying to lighten the mood with humor. Wearing matching white T-shirts without anything underneath, the thin fabric clung to our bodies in a way that exposed a far more mortifying reality than either of us had imagined. Despite feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable, that wet and vulnerable moment unexpectedly brought us closer, transforming an awkward blunder into a treasured shared experience filled with laughter and friendship. It served as a clear reminder that often the most humiliating experiences create the most memorable stories.

Once the transport vehicle dropped us back at the resort, we couldn’t help but burst into laughter as we quickly ran through the public trading post and sprinted towards our snug cabin. Passersby looked on with unabashed amusement as we dashed past them, our wet t-shirts clinging tightly to our skin, outlining our figures like second layers. The sheer fabric displayed the playful evidence of our spontaneous swim, with each droplet sparkling softly in the gentle sunlight as we carelessly sped along the warm, sunlit path. Our laughter bounced off the nearby row of cabins as we hurried to safety, turning what could have been awkward into something delightfully funny. At last, we flung open the door to our private haven, closed it firmly to shut out the public gaze, and collapsed in fits of giggles onto the sturdy sofa. This adventure left us with a memorable tale and a valuable takeaway: next time, we’d wear our swimsuits beneath our t-shirts when kayaking.

Me Kayaking

On the last day of our trip, we chose to take full advantage of the gorgeous weather by renting individual kayaks to explore the reservoir. Learning from the previous day's wet t-shirt scandal, we wisely wore swimsuits to stay comfortable and move freely without unintentionally displaying our tatas to other campers. As we paddled across the serene, crystal-clear water, we passed through secluded bays and around lush foliage, fully enveloped in the peacefulness of nature. The sun gently warmed us while the soft splashes of water accompanied each paddle, turning our second kayaking excursion into a soothing retreat and a delightful conclusion to our Valentine getaway.

We begrudgingly paddled back toward the dock of the resort as the radiant sun blazed directly overhead. Our morning escapade had seamlessly combined exhilaration and calm, serving as a perfect conclusion to our unforgettable retreat from urban life. Once on firm ground, embraced by the gentle warmth of the afternoon breeze, we contemplated the laughter, the unexpected moments, and the stunning scenery that had defined our days in the Sandhills. Our visit to Valentine had not only rekindled our appreciation for nature’s marvels but also highlighted the joy found in both planned and spontaneous shared experiences. While packing our belongings and preparing for the journey back to Omaha, we carried with us more than mere souvenirs; we took home revitalized spirits, a deepened bond, and stories that would keep this adventure vivid for years ahead.

Ericka Kayaking