Traveling through Nebraska as much as Jackie and I do, we are continually seeing long trains full of coal heading east, and equally long freight trains heading west, empty. Knowing that there is no coal mining that we were aware of in western Nebraska, we always just figured the coal was coming from Wyoming, and never thought much more about it. Well, it was true, and while heading east on the 450 to meet up with the 116, there it was, Black Thunder mine, "The Largest Surface Coal Mine in North America". Didn't know whether to applaud or cry. But here we were...
Along side of the road, was the machinery by which they fill each of the coal cars with just the right amount of coal.
In as much as I have never been inside of a Walmart or a sausage factory, I decided not to opt for a tour of the facility, but from what I could tell from the side of the road, the strip mined coal is somehow transported to a station at the bottom end of the long white tube which contains a conveyor belt carrying the coal to the silo, and one by one, the coal cars stop in a little tunnel under the silo where just the right amount of coal is dispensed and so on ad infinitum/naseum, depending on your politics. Not rocket science, but we never really gave any thought as to how the process worked. Quite efficient. On to the 116 to Hulett and the Devil's Tower, our last stop in Wyoming.....
Pablo
Every part of the Black Thunder park is alight with activity, excited squeals and awed shouts of children and adults all day long while they enjoy thrilling rides like Wild River Ride, Surf Hill, Family Raft, Speed Slide, Dashing Boat, Kiddies Surf Hill and more. If you are planning a day trip with your family, several thrilling rides, and enthralling water park fun awaits you. Check out all about Black Thunder.
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