Getting out of Indy was flawless as we headed northwest on I-74 to transition to the main artery of the US – Interstate 80. We passed through Champaign, Bloomington and a picturest Peoria, with its small-town skyline, the giant Caterpillar HQ and the alluring riverfront casino. Peoria is likely the only city in Illinois where I would like to spend a day or two, but likely never will.
In light traffic we transitioned to I-80 and crossed the mighty Mississippi River with a sub sandwich stop in Le Claire, Iowa – another gem of a town on the banks of the river. From there the midwestern winds kicked up fiercely and the temperatures peaked out at 95 F.
I knew from watching the Weather Channel during breakfast that there were massive thunderstorms to the north (as pictured), but we managed to dodge them through Omaha and made to Lincoln with light to spare. Only after check-in did the deluge begin, as only it can in the great breadbasket of America.
After a just OK American-Mexican meal with margaritas staffed by overworked U of N students, I missed the turn back to the hotel as the rains were relentless. After a U-turn over I-80 I managed a safe return to the hotel. All stress left me.
Now resting in a comfortable Marriott bed, I am relieved the day went by with only one minor incident: a low-pressure indicator went off on the BMW after installing $1,000 worth of new run-flats. It proved to be a false alarm thankfully.
Tomorrow, Rawlins, Wyoming, with maybe a pit stop for a cold beer in Cheyenne. Maybe a change of jeans and shirt as well.
