Some awesome things:
- While Iowa was very pretty, Nebraska was somewhat boring — but I-76 into Colorado is amazing. Bald rolling yellow-green hills.
- Unfortunately, I drove past the welcome center but I’m glad because I ran into Lucy’s Cafe which has a beautiful view of I-76.
- Listening to country while driving through Iowa and to Celtic music and the Omaha Symphony while through Nebraska is soulful experience. Denver has some good rock too. Will have to look up a whole lot of music when I get home — both new and classic.
- Thrilled that for the first time, my rental car was hit by a tumbleweed (i think!)
- Drove through a weird storm. I’ve only seen storm clouds like this in photos. Stunning to see them in real life! Photo doesn’t do justice.
Other thoughts:
- No matter how fast people want you to drive, you drive at a speed that’s comfortable to you and safe to everyone else.
- Travel inexpensively by consuming only water, bread and peanut butter. Add a 53 cent pecan pie for some luxury! Pay for meals that are truly unique.
- Use WiFi spots wherever possible. Some states have amazing rest areas.
- Annoyed at the fact that the Hyundai Accent that I rented guzzles gas at 75mph/120kph legal limit so I have to stay within 100-110kph.
I cannot agree with you more about speed limits. It is increasingly my experience while on road trips that people are doing at least 20 to 30 clicks more - and passing. Continually PASSING!!! I was delighted this time we went up to Algonquin to see a guy get totally nailed by the OPP as he sped past a tight armada of vehicles on a steep uphill with just as tightly packed cars rolling down. It was a wonder he didn’t cause an accident. Near the end of the downward cars was the OPP! The sirens went on just as soon as the jackass jumped into the oncoming lane to pass us all. It was such a sincere pleasure to see those OPP lights go on and the jackass have to pull off to the side. We saluted him with the finger as we passed - a salute to all those drivers who endanger people’s lives to catch maybe two or three seconds of speed.