November 1, 2012 – Ogallala, NE to Lincoln, NE

While the thermometer wasn’t as low as it had been some recent mornings, our hoses were partially frozen for the first time.  Our plans were to drive to Grand Island … a straight shot down I-80.

We were not surprised to be driving through miles and miles of corn fields

as  Nebraska is the corn-producing capital of the US.

Interestingly, however, mostly on the north side of the Interstate … the southern landscape looking generally different with many stands of deciduous trees.

Other noticeable crops and economic herds include hay,

cattle and alpacas.

There were also the predictable operating farms

as well as decaying farm buildings.

We also saw two vastly different generations of wind-driven machines.

 

While an unusual blade configuration, it was use to pump water in this part of the country

Actually, the fourth wind-turbine blade we saw being hauled today

Our plans called for us to stop and spend some time at the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument and Museum in Kearney, NE … which spans I-80.

However, the exit was several miles beyond and we’d just discovered that the campground we’d planned to stay at in Grand Island had closed on October 15th, as had many others in the area … so we were looking at pushing on another nearly 90 miles to Lincoln.

So, it’s now on our list of places we want to visit when traversing the central part of the US in the future.

During our now extended trip, there were still some interesting and different sights along the way.

Chrysler-built M-60-A3 Main Battle Tank, one of 14,416 built during the 1950s – 1970s

Barn designed to emulate the shape of a Conestoga Wagon

Old, mid-20th century caboose now used as a Visitor’s Center in Grand Island, NE

Vietnam era Army Helicopter

A horse-drawn 1917 Sinclair tank wagon used to haul up to 300 gallons of gasoline or other fuel to farmers and homesteaders

Prairie Schooner, a half-sized version of the famous Conestoga Wagon which was much easier on the oxen which pulled the wagon (10’-12’ long, 10’ high and 5’ wide – weighing ~1,300 lbs.)

Abandoned school bus


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