August 25, 2005
Across Four States
Now that I finally have reliable Internet access, I can share the story of my trip across four (and two partial) states. I enlisted the company of a friend to go with me. He's a rather mysterious sort. I tried to get some photos throughout the trip. I think he suspicioned they would end up on the Internet. And he was right. Sorry. Also, many of these pictures were taken through the windshield which varied in its cleanliness. All that aside, lets hop in the car and see where I-80 (and its side roads) takes us.
We left early Sunday morning - 6:30 on the dot - and headed east through Logan Canyon Scenic Byway where we stumbled upon some gravel. This was boulders in the middle of the road. I envisioned my tires puncturing not even 100 miles from home. Luckily, we made it through ok and headed out towards Why-oming. Eventually we junctioned with I-80, where the lovely picture from above was taken.
We did shifts of driving - 300 miles each. This wasn't set in stone, though. So at about Wamsutter, we stopped for some jerky, cheetohs, and gas. Then we switched drivers. Not even the distraction of driving allowed me to get a good candid of my co-pilot (who was at this point piloting).
We saw some windmills in the distance.
We stopped in Cheyenne for some lunch at the Egg and I, in accordance with our no fast food policy. Apparently, the Egg and I is the best breakfast place in Cheyenne. It was right across the street from the Capitol building. On the way there, we had a little conversation with Jesus.
Jesus was holding this adorable bronze baby.
After lunch, we walked around the Capitol. I wrestled a calf while this guy caressed the buffalo. We both applauded Wyoming's role in Women's Rights.
Then back in the car and off towards Nebraska. I have never been to Nebraska before. For the most part, we took an alternate route, US 6, through the state. We saw lots of silos and smokestacks and grain elevators and trains and sunflowers. We also saw lots of generic roadside motels.
We had tacos in a little taco shop in Grand Island. My bones buzzed from driving so much. But we pressed on all the way to Omaha, where we spent the evening at the Econo-lodge. The guy at the front desk tried to persuade me to take the jacuzzi suite, with a wink, but I stayed firm for the cheapest room there was.
Early the next morning, we continued the trek, crossing the border into Iowa - land of the rolling hills and mist. At least, from what we saw. And I think Grant Wood would agree
Those who think Iowa is behind the times technologically, just need to remember that it has wireless Internet at each rest stop. We stopped by the University of Iowa to infiltrate the Writer's Workshop. After discreetly reading a couple manuscripts, I think we were both feeling a little better about ourselves. Although, I do wonder whatever happened in the story about the big shot lawyer. There were lots of parents dropping their kids off at school. It made me sad to think that would soon be me.
So, Iowa. It just rolled by and then we crossed the Mississippi, and I couldn't even see it over the barricades. But here's the bridge.
Oh yeah, I totally forgot about visiting the Amana Colonies before we hit Iowa City. But that's probably because it was totally forgettable, except for this grave off the side of the road and the railroad nail that I just found in my car the other day.
Ok, back to Illinois. I tried to sleep through Illinois, but it didn't work very well. Maybe I dozed for 20 minutes and woke up again when we detoured through Peoria. We originally planned on going through Chicago and maybe seeing a few things, but thought better of it. So we took little highways past Peoria and into Indiana, getting somewhat lost in a cornfield along the way. Had to stop for directions at what appeared to be an all ladies health spa.
We pulled into West Lafayette around 7 o'clock that evening. The house lights were on.
We walked around the campus in the dark. There were fireflies and Steve almost caught one. Houses had porches and porch swings, and I was introduced to the cicadas, my new favorite insect.
Just because we had made it to Indiana didn't mean the trip was over. The next day we returned to the comfy confines of my Mazda for a little jaunt up to Chicago. I'll write about that tomorrow, though. Right now I have to read. It's called grad school and it kinda sucks so far.
Posted by kea at August 25, 2005 07:43 PM