I-80 (Day 1) - Nebraska (Leg 1)

My first day I had a very specific goal. I wanted to make it to Hayes Center, NE. A friend from Chicago grew up on a farm there and with just one mention that I might be able to stay there on my journey had me sold.

I set my sights on the 808 mile, 13 hour drive.

Nebraska - is a long state. It is long and it is flat and boring. It did have a very cool sunset. A big red sun in a big open sky.

To get to the farm you have to veer off of I-80 about 50 miles south. In the wee hours of the night this was interesting. 110 mph was not fast enough and I had no idea I would encounter,turkey vultures (big carnivorous birds? at 12:30 am they were man eaters I was certain)that flew out from the side of the road and were the size of small sharp toothed children. That and families, correction, herds of deer that seemed to not be terrified of the turkey vultures that were feasting on their departed or my fast approaching headlights.

50 miles, a dirt road and a light in the distance later I found myself at the farm. The best place in all of Nebraska I am certain. I was met by Del and Joyce my hosts and I am convinced that I could be convinced to take up residence as hired farm help in their town...but that's a story for day 2.


(Turkey vultures not photographed - but they are there)