A few miles short of Mile High

What's the difference between Iowa and Nebraska? Nebraska has twice as many letters, so this photo of Nebraska could just as well be Iowa.

Greetings from Grand Island, Nebraska, a beautiful hamlet off of Interstate 80 about 5 hours from Denver. Our original plan was to drive from Chicago to Denver, but after the wedding festivities, we decided that we'd stop when we got tired. So, we're here in Grand Island. Don't ask me why a town in the plains of Nebraska would be called Grand Island.

Today's high while crossing the many corn and wheat fields of Iowa and Nebraska reached about 92 degrees. We encountered a brief thunderstorm in Moline, Illinois, after breakfast (yes, we're hitting all the hotspots). Otherwise, we've had clear, sunny and warm weather for our drive. In addition to the beautiful scenary, another bright spot in Nebraska has been the cheaper gas prices--$3.78--compared to the high of $4.10 we paid near Chicago. As today's designated driver I've also enjoyed Nebraska's 75 mph speed limit. No, the Town and Country isn't a hot rod, but it is a capable road cruiser. Next time I'm going to cross the country with Kenny Chesney. His accommodations look a bit more comfortable.