We will see what awaits us.
Our first break, and this Wyoming, is certainly different than that of our last few days in the Teton's.
Here we are along the Wind River in the Wind River Reservation, home to the Shoshone and Arapahoe Tribes.
(above & below)
We took a break near Ogallala, Nebraska along I-80.
We looked out at the vast expanse of hillsides, and thought about the pioneers crossing all
this in their covered wagons.
Now we have our own "covered wagon."
Again thinking about the pioneers crossing these fields. Of course, now they would have to dodge the oil wells
seen here on top of the rise in the center.
Still in western Nebraska, about 50 miles east of Ogallala, Jean sights this strangely colored cloud to the south of us.
The reflection you see in the photo, is the inside reflecting on the glass, as Jean took the photo.
We have no idea what would cause this rainbow colored effect, other than moisture in the cloud, but we have never seen this before. Interesting.
Over the years, we have driven past, actually under, this arch on I-80 near Kearny, Nebraska.
We have wondered for years just what it was.
(Pardon the bug smears on the windshield.)
Another view of the arch, this time with no bugs.
The decorative roof ornament.
As we drove up toward the entrance, several stage coaches were in evidence.
Ahh - a name.
As you can tell, above & below, it commemorates several aspects of pioneer life.
See above, and below for what its all about.
Inside are many fine displays, explaining how the Pioneer travelers traveled this land.
And it was a tough "road."
Many did not make it.
Eventually the overland stage coach made traveling somewhat easier.
Then the 'Iron Horse" and the 'Golden Spike' united the country by rail.
The car came into play, and 'camping' (RV'ing) arrived.
The 'Lincoln Highway' further connected the nation.
A reproduction of an early sign post along the Lincoln Highway
Soon, modern car travel was made vacation travel possible.
On July 27th, we enjoyed dinner at the home of Don & Maxine Albright.
After dinner, We find Max showing Jean her latest genealogy research documents, while Don looks on.
They were our neighbors when we first moved to Omaha in 1956.
While in the Omaha area, we visited, with Don & Max, the 'Wildlife Safari', a project of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo.
This is a multi-acre, four mile drive-in-your-own-car adventure past and through various areas inhabited by many species.
Above, and below we see a few of the many Elk who reside here.
Above & below, several White Tailed Deer posed for us we we slowly drove by.
Must be the Itching Season.
Waterfowl were in abundance.
Many Bison were near the road...
A baby and an albino Bison sauntered by.
A Pronghorn Antelope sat by the roadway, waiting for us to take a photograph.
When we left the Wildlife Safari, we were attracted by this missile standing tall just down the road
We discovered that we were at the entrance to the Strategic Air & Space Museum.
Right inside the entrance we are amazed, as the Blackhawk (SR-71A) was headed right at us.
(above & below)
The Blackhawk is still the world's fastest and highest flying airplane holding several height and speed records.
This particular plane has the third-highest flight hours (3,370) of all the SR-71's.
There are two enormous hangers containing Air Force planes, equipment, displays, and information.
As you can tell, by looking carefully (above & below) most every aircraft that involved
the Strategic Air Command is available to look at and learn about.
The place is a magnet for those interested in military air power.
Every plane on display, has detailed information about what the plane was designed to do,
and about the history of the specific plane on display.
This plane, see below, is unique.
Just a little fella''
It's such an enormous place, Jean and Max decided it was time to "take ten."
And, the U-2 "flies" by as we leave.
Before we visit some more mid-western friends, the Albright's take a photo of us at our "front door."
We drive south, and west to meet up with some friends from our "Christy" days in Shenandoah, Iowa - at the Depot Restaurant.
Dean, Kris (and 2-year old Sophia) Adkins arrive.
Dean stared as Rev. David Grantland in the Christy, The Musical
outdoor theater production in Townsend, TN.
When we reached Townsend (see the eastern Tennessee link),
we were able to visit with other friends who were also in Christy, The Musical.
During dinner Sophia keeps her parents attention.
After dinner we join them to visit their home, built in around the 1890's.
It's a beautiful old home in town, which they have brought up to the 21st century with loving care.
The "Front Door" photo.
Dean, Sophia, Mikayla (8), Claire (6 1/2) and Kris.
The whole gang...
As we left Shenandoah to return to our motorhome in Omaha, a rainbow was planted right on the Adkins' home.
Very fitting.
As we traveled though the "Corn State" of Iowa, this was a typical view,
corn and well kept homes, barns and equipment.
Our visit to Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa, was a 'nostalgia trip' for us.
We both went to school here, and were married here in April, of 1952.
Above is the Old Capitol, a school icon building.
University of Iowa - The Iowa Hawkeyes
Looking across the Iowa River toward the west campus - medical school and the athletic facilities.
Early this summer, in mid-June, Iowa City, and the University campus was severely damaged with flooding on the Iowa River.
(above - pumping in air, and pulling out wet air from the University library)
There were 26 buildings damaged during the flood, causing an estimated a total of $232.75 million in damages.
The rainfall was 200% of 'normal' for the period, resulting in widespread area flooding .
Here, the same operation, at the University Memorial Union.
Here is a clipping from the local newspaper, while we were going to school here.
"Studying" along the Iowa River. That's a young us, on the right.
We were involved with a University Square Dance group, the "Hick Hawks" - that was "back in the day."
A big day for us in Iowa City...
We were married in this Unitarian Church in Iowa City
Jean on her wedding day
A little later, also on our wedding day.
At a University dance...
An early view of us, and our first car - in front of the Iowa Memorial Union entrance.
The same place where, above, they were blowing fresh dry air into today.
(As I remember, this car used more oil than gas, so we didn't keep it too long.)
A later car - told you this was a nostalgia trip...
Enough now, back to real time.
As often as we could we visited the Amana Colonies, just west of Iowa City, while we were going to school in Iowa City.
They had several restaurants that served great 'family style' dinners.
The Amana Woolen Mill, above & below.
You certainly know the Amana name - think refrigerators, freezers, and more.
Our last view of the Old Capitol, as we now will head east again on August 2nd.