I did Iowa and Nebraska a disservice in my last blog by minimizes the differences between these two jewels of the heartland. As we hit the highway leaving lovely Grand Island, NE this morning, we were struck by the number of cattle and other livestock operations we passed. One farm even had a camel in its stockades. With livestock comes not just visual diversity but a variety of scents as well. In short, the cows stink!
We’ve also marveled at the vastness of the farming enterprises. Fields stretch beyond what the eye can see with young plants sprouting from the darkest and richest soil imaginable. Large, pivoting sprinklers on wheels are stationed in the middle of the fields awaiting a dry spell. My yard could use just one of those contraptions although our water restrictions would prohibit its use.
We arrived in Denver by lunchtime, checked into our hotel, and took a self-guided tour of the Mile High City. Dad wanted to check out the stadiums—the Broncos’ Invesco Field at Mile High and the Rockies’ Coors Field. I wanted to check out Denver’s first predominantly black neighborhood, Five Points, where the Black American West Museum resides. The museum which celebrates African-American history in America’s western region, was closed for the Memorial holiday. Our tour confirmed my research that Five Points has had its challenges after years of social and economic blight, but the arrival of a light rail station has also brought the new construction and re
novation of housing stock that announce a gentrification movement. My parents liked what they saw of Colorado’s Mile High City and I am certain they’ll enjoy the beauty of western Colorado as we traverse the Rocky Mountains in route to Las Vegas.
We’ve also marveled at the vastness of the farming enterprises. Fields stretch beyond what the eye can see with young plants sprouting from the darkest and richest soil imaginable. Large, pivoting sprinklers on wheels are stationed in the middle of the fields awaiting a dry spell. My yard could use just one of those contraptions although our water restrictions would prohibit its use.
We arrived in Denver by lunchtime, checked into our hotel, and took a self-guided tour of the Mile High City. Dad wanted to check out the stadiums—the Broncos’ Invesco Field at Mile High and the Rockies’ Coors Field. I wanted to check out Denver’s first predominantly black neighborhood, Five Points, where the Black American West Museum resides. The museum which celebrates African-American history in America’s western region, was closed for the Memorial holiday. Our tour confirmed my research that Five Points has had its challenges after years of social and economic blight, but the arrival of a light rail station has also brought the new construction and re
novation of housing stock that announce a gentrification movement. My parents liked what they saw of Colorado’s Mile High City and I am certain they’ll enjoy the beauty of western Colorado as we traverse the Rocky Mountains in route to Las Vegas.Final note--for those tracking fuel costs, we purchased gas for $3.90 per gallon in Nebraska for 89 octane with 10% ethanol. The mid-grade gas was cheaper than the $4.04 per gallon for regular grade (87 octane) probably because the regular grade doesn't have ethanol. Thankfully, our flex fuel Town and Country minivan can handle to the ethanol-augmented gas.
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