We started in Lincoln, Nebraska after an amazing night’s rest and a break from the Jeep.

We filled up on gas, OJ and truck stop coffee before heading out on 80 West.  It was a beautiful morning in Lincoln, with bluebird skies and warm temps.

Nebraska, while actually a really cool state, was my nemesis on this trip.  The sheer size of this state, when coupled with the rather drab scenes, makes it a monotonous drive.  There is, however a beauty in the stark flatness, combined with what seems like “small town” America.  I want to visit Nebraska more, as long as I don’t have to drive across it.

The mile markers passed rather quickly toward Wyoming with little issue.

Toward the Western end of the state, the winds began to pick up, and pretty strong.  Signs warned of empty trailers with 50+ MPH headwinds.  The Jeep is not very aerodynamic, and the soft top made conversation and music pretty pointless.

Once we entered Wyoming (finally!)  the winds were howling pretty crazy.

The I-80 corridor will always hold a special place in my heart.  Melanie and I had plane tickets on 9/11 to attend her brother’s wedding in Iowa.  With United rebooking us repeatedly and the FAA eventually restricting all flights, we had no more options.

Until I found a car to rent.

So we drove that little Mazda from Palo Alto, CA all the way to Burlington, IA.  It took us 40 hours of straight driving and early relationship building.  If two newly-dating people can survive that much time together in a car, well…maybe that explains our 11 year success with our marriage.

The sun slowly slipped behind the mountainscape as we progressed through Wyoming.  Looking out my driver’s side window I could not help but be mesmerized by the starry night sky.  It was absolutely amazing.

Making our way into Utah, we found a great place to crash for the night for our final push into Oregon.

 VEGAN SITUATION:

As we head further West there are more Taco Bells when in a pinch.  Along this corridor, that is honestly the best bet.  We did not have time to go into supermarkets, so I have no idea what those were like, but I will remain pessimistic.  Some truck stops have bananas and other goodies.