Nebraska to Wyoming

So on our way to prepare for the big Oregon trip, we got a message that another England driver needed a ride to Salt Lake City. Sometimes, depending on the situation a fellow trucker may need a lift so the message is passed through the proper channels to get it arranged (much better than Greyhound or a taxi!). In this case the guy turned out to be still in his phase two of training and needed to make a stop at home to take care of things before heading back on the road.

The driver in question turned out to be Kevin, a quiet man from Memphis who got into this business, because in his words “there was nothing else to get.” The benefits of having Kevin on the truck with us made it possible for us to stay on the road continuously instead of making stops. So with another pair of hands at the wheel, we set off. James took the first shift, getting us from Tennessee to the regularly traveled I-80. Soon Kevin was at the wheel and next thing I know, we are in Nebraska.

Freshly showered and with a hot breakfast in my belly (believe me, a hot meal is such a treasured thing on the road) we set off to cross the rest of Nebraska. The first thing I always think about when referring to the state was Lady Gaga’s song “You and I” where she mentions Nebraska. While I don’t know the reference, once again a pop tune has become an ear worm. What I discovered with the sunrise was quite possibly the flattest land I have ever laid eyes on, to the point that the horizon gets hazy only because it is miles away from you (a phenomenon that continues as you head west).

Sprawling fields where recently cut hay was grown now reside a herd of cattle to eat the rest. There are so many little calves around that you can’t help but make AWW noises. There are SOO many birds it’s mindboggling. Watching their snakelike patterns spiral in the air continues to keep my attentions.

We discovered that Nebraska is not only farmland, but the home of some of the larger cattle companies. The view was about as impressive as the smell.  

Seeing all these fields reminds me of the scenes of Clark Kent’s upbringing or of the unassuming personality leaving this land in pursuit of their dreams in the big city. For me these views give my mind so much room to roam over my past, my friends and family and wonder in all the blessings life has to offer. Soon the western side of the state becomes more hilly, preparing us for the great state of Wyoming.

From the moment we crossed the state line, it definitely made an impression. We stopped at the first welcome center and it turned out to be one of the nicest places. It was run by this cute little old lady who had lived in the state her whole life. When asked what her favorite thing about Wyoming was, her reply was: “I’ve always loved the wide open spaces of it all. So much room and I’ve noticed that people tend to hate that.” I had never really thought about it like that where some would prefer the closeness of a large city while with other people if they can see their neighbor’s house, even from miles away, it is still too close for their liking.

That was definitely the precedent in Wyoming.

Then I saw the Rockies, or the baby Rockies.

There is truly no way to tell you how far away those mountains really are. 

The temps today have been in the 70’s but there is solid snow scattered about, generous drifts of it lying about in the cracks and crevices of the hills, ditches, and creeks.

It was strange feeling the warm sun on my face while staring at mostly frozen lakes and streams. The state continues to surprise as I see my first oil refineries ever and yet, more cattle country. The farther west we go, the more we see this strange union of industry and nature. I still can't tell if it is a wholly working relationship or not. To me while the man made structures are impressive, it has no contest in the God made majesty of it all. 

Wyoming boasts three different types of mountains, from my eyes. There's the snow capped peaks in the distance, with strange piles of smooth boulders and then the rolling babies that have such wind blown grass it appears like velvet draped over a sleeping person. This place is truly a nature lover's playground between the hiking, camping, climbing, rafting and skiing available. 

I feel I have to mention that the further west you travel, the less occurring civilization is out here. By the time we get to the western end of the state, it had been almost 100 miles since we had seen any signs of a town, truck stop, or even a mom and pop type place. So needless to say the day ended on a high note when we got to Little America. 

http://wyoming.littleamerica.com/

This oasis of a stop started back in the 1800's when a man who was shepherding his flock got trapped in a storm. While taking shelter the man thought of how wonderful it would be to have a hot meal, a warm bed and some company to ease him from his situation. So ten years later that man came back and found the spot he was trapped in and said, "I will build it here!" And so he did. 

Today Little America is this HUGE complex of buildings, sporting a hotel, truck stop, repair services, and even a playground for little Susie and Johnnie. The billboards for this place begin popping up 200 MILES away and becoming a frequent occurrence on the landscape. Whoever did the advertising sure knew what they were up to, claiming to have 50 cent ice cream cones and enticing parents by saying that their kids could stay for free. Believe me, after sitting in a seat all day it was surely a welcome sight (and the ice cream cone was fabulous!) 

More to come shortly, next up, UTAH!