Observations on driving through Nebraska (and beyond)
Written: Nov 21 '00 (Updated Nov 29 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Nothing to stop you from making good time on I-80
Cons: Nothing interesting to see from I-80
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| photogal's Full Review: United States |
Question: What's the major obstacle between Colorado and Wisconsin?
Answer: Nebraska
Warning: This is not intended to be a review of the great state of Nebraska, but rather a somewhat humorous travel diary. I've moved it to what is hopefully a more suitable category.
Call me crazy, but I recently drove solo from Colorado to Wisconsin. Why? To deliver my Jeep Grand Cherokee to it's new owner - my brother in-law. I fully expected to go out of my mind about three hours into the trip, but instead I found I was quite content. You may even say it was an adventure for me (yes, my life is pretty boring).
Now, for making good time, you can't do much better than Nebraska. I-80 runs flat and straight for the almost 500 miles it takes to cross this state (and I did every mile). In an attempt to stay sane, I brought along a small tape recorder to record my thoughts throughout trip. Here are some observations made as I crossed Nebraska:
Nebraska is the "home of the good life." It is also the "home of Arbor Day." I'm still trying to figure that one out. My guess is there is a tree somewhere in the state, and they are very proud of it.
I pass a "scenic view" turnout. Again, I don't get it. There's nothing there.
I-80 seems to be home to countless semis, cars stuffed to the gills with blankets, laundry baskets, and God knows what else, and trailers barely hanging on as their drivers hurtle forward. It seems like no one wants to go to Nebraska, they just want to get through Nebraska.
Haiku:
Sunlight shines brightly
On the rear of the semi
As I speed past him
I see this sign, it says beaver crossing, two miles. I think, a beaver crossing across an interstate? Am I going to have to drive over a bunch of little squished bodies? Then I realize that it's the name of a town. Thank goodness.
One of the all-time best city names has got be Ogallala. o-ga-LA-la, o-GA-la-la, o-ga-la-LA. Too fun.
Worst five things about driving through Nebraska: Dead, dry, brown grass; Old people who drive in the left lane and won't move over when you're behind them; scenic overlooks that overlook nothing; country music in the rest stops; dead, dry, brown grass.
Haiku:
Suicidal bugs
Wash off easier when fresh
May they rest in peace
Finally, signs of civilization appear as I near Lincoln. Hotels, houses, multiple exits, buildings, people, cars - Hello, Lincoln! What a sight for sore eyes! Lincoln even has a lake, and my eyes drink in the blue water.
I make it Omaha (wow - five lanes!). As I cross the border into Iowa I feel a sense of accomplishment. I roll into my Motel 6 and feel that Nebraska has been good to me. I made good time....
Epilogue:
Day two was spent driving through Iowa, where I was greeted by rolling hills, green fields, cows, and very large farm equipment. I left the Interstate at Cedar Rapids to take Hwy 151 into Wisconsin. I knew I was "home" when I crossed the mighty Mississippi and started seeing signs for Friday night fish fries. Mmmmm - cheese curds!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
photogal
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Location: Colorado
Reviews written: 42
Trusted by: 9 members
About Me:
I enjoy photography, digital imaging, red wine, and living in Colorado. Thanks for reading!
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