Flat, beige, straight, and overcast.
Those paying attention noticed a new adjective in the subject line. A bend in the road takes on a whole new level of excitement out here. We’ve traveled through Iowa (Des Moines), Minnesota (Worthington), Nebraska (Columbus), and South Dakota (Yankton). This chapter contains the highlights so far (it’s short).
Yesterday we got in the white Dodge Grand Caravan, spied Nebraska 200 miles away, and then spent the next 4.5 hours driving toward it. We had our largest concert crowd ever in Columbus NE (1260 people in the audience – sold out) – not bad for a town with a total population of 21,000! We’ve now arrived at the cow capital of South Dakota: Yankton. En route, we experienced a momentary confluence of color, curves and altitude: a red barn appeared at a bend where Highway 81 had a perceptible rise.
My favorite Midwestern store names so far: the Latte Lizard (a drive-through coffee shop), the ubiquitous the Kum and Go (a convenience store chain); ShopKo (the Midwest Kmart), and the Buggy Bath (car wash).
Random comments made in our van:
That is an interesting silo.
I wonder why they harvest their corn like that?
THAT is a golf course!
I must confess the Midwest is surprising me with more cultural diversity and spice than I had ever imagined. Our first night, in search of sustenance, we cruised the strip near our hotel, turned away from the 75 minute wait at the Ground Round (everyone in town had gotten there ahead of us), and ventured into downtown Worthington, MN in search of “the Mexican restaurant”. We could not find it – but the downtown pipes country and western music from its streetlight speakers, and while doing a hoedown to keep warm we discovered an Ethiopian Restaurant where we were the only patrons. We ordered one of everything on the one copy of the menu available and were treated to spicy beef, fiery chicken and various vegetable dishes accompanied by fresh njera (rolled up, spongy bread that doubled as our silverware).
Yes, we are having fun and laughing often. I will be in touch again before the end of the week (it takes a few days to store up enough information to send). Your questions and comments are welcome if your curiosity is piqued by any of this chapter.
Much love,
Marybeth
p.s. Mom Reese’s Pittsburgh saying: “go outside and blow the stink off!” came to mind as I spent 90 minutes walking the perimeter of Lake Okabena in a 35 mph gale - the home of the 2008 Windsurfing National Championships. A heron and I were the only life forces in evidence. My first of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes …. only 9,999 to go….
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I enjoyed the commentary, Marybeth! However, I have to say that we prefer not to think of Yankton as the cow capital. How about chocolate chip cookie capital?!
ReplyDeleteActually, I'm envying your drives through the great open spaces. I am definitely a tree person (I have felt very much at home during my too infrequent visits to New England), but have also learned to love the prairie and the "Great American Desert." Maybe it's all that sky, all at once!
Have fun, and hello to everyone!