Jen and I realized tonight that we’ve been to all 50 states together on trips, a fact that hadn’t occurred to us before. That’s not too shabby for ten years of travel, especially given our overseas adventures. Apparently we’ve been to 37.5% of all US Counties together during trips as well.
Oregon Trail marker in front of a cornfield. Approaching peak Nebraska. 🏷️25.08A
We stopped in Arthur today to see its 3 claims to fame: what was the smallest county courthouse in America (while operational), the only straw-bale church in the country, and…uhh…one of the last remaining metal playgrounds that were seemingly banned everywhere else in the country. 🏷️25.08A
We caught the last bit of sunset over the Platte River tonight. 🏷️25.08A
It’s not the Fourd Seasons, but we did manage to snake a free stay at the Crown Plaza tonight. 🏷️25.08A
We did the Golden Spike Tower tour at Bailey Yard—the world’s largest rail yard—in North Platte. I’m not a train guy, but I think I’ve been to most all of the major train spots in the country by now. 🏷️25.08A
Plotting today’s general route during breakfast. 🏷️25.08A
Is this the Nebraskan Cowboy equivalent of a sock over the dorm room doorknob? We didn’t go any further to investigate… 🏷️25.08A
Really enjoyed our stop at Second Chapter Brewing in Ogallala. The brewery took over the old city library location and really nailed the theme. What a fun spot! 🏷️25.08A
Perhaps my favorite thing about the Nebraska landscape is the sunflowers—both farmed and wild. So of course we poked around a sunflower field for a few minutes last night. 🏷️25.08A
Made some good progress on ye ol’ county map today (dark green counties). Only need 6 more to hit the 50% mark (my interim goal for each of the 50 states), which I should easily do tomorrow. 🏷️25.08A
The Knight Museum & Sandhills Center in Alliance, Nebraska is among the very best small town museums I’ve visited.
Well worth the price of admission (it’s free! and one of only two city-operated museums in the state). High quality displays and a comprehensive portrayal of the region. 🏷️25.08A
Today’s highlight was probably finally making it to Carhenge—perhaps the last “premier” roadside attraction on my list. Lots of photos to go through; it’s going to take a bit 😂
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Ending the day at a local craft brewery near tonight’s hotel in Alliance. Not sure how many photos we’ll get posted tonight—it’s been a long day of exploring the Sandhill region of the state. 🏷️25.08A
Made the pilgrimage to Runza for this Nebraska classic. Hmm. I get why this is a midwestern thing, but I think once was enough. 🏷️25.08A
I had no idea there were cattle phonebooks. 🏷️25.08A
Well, I have clearly been misled… 🏷️25.08A
I hate to be critical, but Nebraska rest areas could really use an upgrade. At least a roll of toilet paper would be helpful. 🏷️25.08A
Three Grand Island airport observations:
- ticketing, security, baggage claim, and rental car booths are all in the same room
- there was an RV parked curbside; it did not move for 20 mins. I didn’t see a driver in the front seat.
- other cars arriving to pick up people literally just parked in travel lanes, blocking all traffic. I had to walk 50 feet to scold one to move so our uber could finally get to us 🏷️25.08A
It’s my first time flying out of Mesa-Gateway airport. OHSO Brewing offered us roadie red solo cups so we could bring beer to our gate, which feels a bit Vegas but is a nice policy.
I’m 100% certain that we are the only tourists on this flight to (checks notes again) Grand Island Nebraska 🤣 25.08A
