Nebraska

Have you been to the world's only corn palace, which is in Mitchell, SD? When Sioux Falls failed to build its own corn palace in the late 1800s, Mitchell town leaders decided to do it. And do it they did. The outside of the building is covered in ears of corn and sheaves of rye in a pattern that changes annually. The old design is removed in June and the new design is finished by August. They devote 100 acres to growing the corn in 13 shades of color, and over 250,000 ears are applied. The photo shows the design that will come down in a few weeks; it covers several panels on the front and on the sides. It's pretty significant. Good historical video and guided tour available. Free, interestingly.

After the corn palace came the drive into Nebraska, which I had been warned is pretty boring. It's clearly an agricultural state, with miles and miles of rolling hills now covered in newly-planted greenery. Mostly corn, I'm told.

I noticed a dreaded MAINT REQD light on my dash. With several hundred miles to go, I opted to pull off and call the rental company. After asking a couple of relevant questions and letting me wait a few minutes, the service lady came back to say the oil didn't need to be changed for another 2000 miles so I should drive on and ignore the light. Really? The car is behaving just fine, but it's disconcerting anyway.

So, my drive to Clarkson continued. I was sent there to have a kolache from the bakery. I dutifully drove miles out of the way to find the Clarkson Bakery -- closed. See the photo.

I will find a kolache tomorrow one way or another.

Arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska, late in the afternoon.