Day 4 — Iowa City to Kearney, Nebraska

From Day 3:

Nothin' up my sleeve!  Frog Angel and I having fun with a statue of Iowa City's greatest philanthropist.  His name is Bill something, but the base of the statue was iced over. 

No parking tickets!!!  Frog Angel making sure we don't encounter unwanted expense along the way.


I took advantage of the morning for some organization of my luggage.  I have a very nice Ralph Lauren duffel bag, which has been the envy of all the guys at the gym for more than 15 years.  The "bridge stop" on the zipper vanished, and the "slider" came off in my hand.  The bag was closed, but useless for getting to the stuff inside.  I was able to transfer the contents to another bag, and the contents were quite compressed by the weight of other items in my car.  If that's the biggest catastrophe I have, I'm golden.

Well, I did have another financial catastrophe, not to be discussed here.  All that will be remedied soon.



The Mall at Coralville, across the river from Iowa City, features this indoor skating and hockey rink.  It's located next to the food court.  Hockey and refreshments — I'm in!




Meanwhile, I've been enjoying some amazing meals on the road.  Nearly all were brought from home.  Excluding coffee, I have spent less than $9 on food during 4 days on the road.  The cold temperatures have helped.  All my frozen foodstuffs remained rock-hard frozen for the first three days.  When they do the "Survivor: Tundra" show, I'll be ready.

I learned what the state emblem for Iowa is (or should be).  It's an automobile nose-deep in a ditch off the interstate.  My delay in leaving was fortunate, allowing a slick morning snow to give way to dry pavement on I-80.  Other drivers were less fortunate.  Unofficial count:  25 cars spun off the road like marbles off a table.  After the first 12 or so, I fetched my camera, unlatching the case and operating the camera, while carefully assuring that I did not end up in a ditch myself as #26.  I was able to capture the more spectacular roadside spills for your enjoyment.


Now, this is amazing photography.  Captured the overturned car through the rear view mirror while keeping my own car between the lines.  And my zipperless Polo bag.



So, now you know.  "Iowa" is an Indian term, an incomplete thought, short for "Iowa lot of money to my insurance company."

New state slogan:  "Iowa, I-tow-a!"

Then, on to Nebraska, entering the state for the first time.  I had been in the car for nearly 7 hours, so when I hit Lincoln, the state capitol, I decided to stop.  Lo and behold, I found a Panera Bread, quite by serendipity.  There, Frog Angel and I encountered the bright spot of our day.

I asked the cashier, Ben, "What is the best thing about Lincoln, Nebraska."
Without hesitation, he answered, "The University."  He explained that he's changing majors to study International Business after serving 4 years with the Marines.  He said that being an older student has allowed him to appreciate his education that much more.  As I learned from one of my favorite people back home, I thanked him for his service to the United States.
"Oh, you don't need to thank me.  It is my privilege to serve our country."
Wow!  Thanks for that, Ben.


Frog Angel at the Lincoln, Neb. Panera Bread


As I left Lincoln, it was becoming dusk.  I drove another 2.5 hours, part of which was illuminated by a fabulous Nebraska sunset. I had no fear of snow or storms, as I could see practically forever across the flat expanse of highway.  The two lanes of the interstate glistened like strings of Christmas lights in the oncoming night.

At one point, I noticed my gas gauge nearing the warning light stage.  I chose to get off at Grand Island for a fill-up.  First, it's not a freaking island.  Where's the truth in advertising?  Next, Nebraska DOT, Don't advertise that you have gas if it's 5 freakin' miles down a two-lane, 55 mph access road without lights.  I've been spoiled by E-Z on, E-Z off.

I made it to Kearney, and found a Culver's Butter Burger joint.  After seeing these advertised for years on the Chicago Cubs' games, I was compelled to stop.  They look much bigger on TV.  The verdict:  Not as good as Bill Gray's cheeseburger.  But it was good.  The home made root beer:  excellent!  And it was worth spending money on a meal I didn't need because they offer free wi-fi.  I was able to watch the second half of Nebraska's total dismantling of Arizona, 33-0.  Frog Angel brought luck to Da Bears when we were in South Bend, and now to the Huskers.  I'm assured of an Iowa victory Saturday night by Frog Angel — Go Hawks!


FA enjoyed his Culver's experience, and the store manager, Kaitlyn, gladly posed with her guest.

Kearney names make me feel like I'm back in upstate NY.  It's in Buffalo County.  It's next to Grand Island.  Many of my friends went to Bishop Kearney High School. And I lived off Culver Road most of my life, and Culver's is here.  I haven't seen a single NY license plate, though.


I have a horrible case of hathead.  My cold is dissipating.  Motel 4 was comfortable, even in the 8 degree temps last night.  Coffee and wifi at Pane Bello, and now, the 5-hour venture to Colorado.  It's a beautiful, sunny day.