best-of-2008: Although this was the first image taken for the series documenting life along U.S. 20, it was the last to publish in the spring because the photos were spread over the year. When Jules Sandoz settled near the Niobrara River south of Hay Springs about 130 years ago, it was barren of trees. He envisioned an orchard utopia. This small crab tree is one of the last remnants of the pioneer who was instrumental in settling northwest Nebraska.
