As we traveled today the landscape changed again.  If you ever had any doubt about where corn is grown in the U.S., just drive through Iowa!  The landscape was golden-topped green stalks marching in rows over the rolling landscape on both sides of the road.  It was truly impressive.  I hope it isn't wrong that I immediately gave thanks for polenta, popcorn, and Fritos!

Most of our drive was rural but we did drive through Des Moines,  Omaha, and Lincoln.  We had to stop at the visitor center in Nebraska for a map - it was the only state map we didn't have for this trip.

I have to give a shout out to all the volunteers who man those visitor centers.  It can be a really boring job with no visitors - we were the first ones there at 4:00 in the afternoon! 

Today was calm and unadventurous and we found a hotel room with no trouble.  We had lots of time to mull over the vastness of this nation, the wind farms (so alien looking), the many other travelers on vacation and the same-ness of every mall.  Tomorrow we will get to Denver and start driving through and toward mountains.  I will sign off with a picture of the African tortoise I mentioned yesterday - yes, she is almost 24 inches long.  This prehistoric looking creature was just strolling through the yard.  I'm sure it was a sign of the odd and interesting things we will see on our journey.