I’m writing tonight from the currently rain-drenched city of Lincoln, Nebraska, en route to the Yearly Kos Convention in Chicago. Tomorrow, I’ll be meeting up there with other science bloggers, including Tara, Chris Mooney, and Ed Brayton.
Most people are flying to the convention, but with my urge to experience the land up close and personal, I chose to drive. Some people have given me funny looks when I mentioned that I was driving. "Through Nebraska? The plains? Why?! They’re so... plain!" But I find this area to be anything but plain.
Driving east out of Denver, it isn’t long before the tall Rocky Mountains dip below the horizon. Up close, 14,000 foot tall mountains like Longs Peak seem gigantic, towering over all the land. But past the airport, past the ever-reaching fingers of urban sprawl, the mighty mountains simply disappear. Other changes are more subtle. After crossing the border into Nebraska, the air slowly becomes heavier. Eventually, not only can you feel the humidity, but you can see it... a fuzzy haze, lingering in the air... a haze that isn’t smog.
(For those of you who have to suffer in humid climates regularly, please pardon my enthusiasm.... it’s a novelty when you’re native to an arid land.)
Halfway into Nebraska, the humidity I was finding so unique gave way to a summer storm, one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. The intensity of the storm mimicked the gradual increase in humidity. Light pitter-patters gave way to gentle drizzles, until it was a downpour by the time I entered Lincoln.
Even the dry stretches of eastern Colorado provided some entertainment, thanks to those chaotic little coincidences. At one point, I was enjoying "Flight of the Bumblebee" on my iPod, when a light plane with yellow and black stripes took flight just before I passed a rural airport. It was a delightful moment. So, in honor of that, I’ll leave you with this classical piece, performed by an anthropomorphic robot flutist, while I get some rest before completing the rest of my journey:
If you’re going to be at the YearlyKos convention, be sure to drop by the Science Bloggers Caucus and say hi!
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Welcome to the Star City. Hope you enjoy your brief visit. (This isn't really one of our better rains.) If you're still in town in the morning stop by the Red Moon Bakery at 416 S. 11th for a cupcake or scone. Tell 'em Matt sent you and that breakfast is on me today.
Be sure to enjoy beautiful Iowa. The rolling hills are much nicer than flat lands on either side of us. Oh yes and the Amana's are a good place to stop and eat.
Well, I missed the science blogger caucus (although the science panel is later today; I'll be there) if anyone was looking for me.
Matt, I was staying on the east side of town, and didn't have time to backtrack, but I'll try to hit the bakery on the way back home. I love pastries! As for the storm, I think it was particularly beautiful because of the timing. I arrived in Lincoln right about sunset, so there were deep blues and purples on one side of the storm, and brilliant, glowing oranges on the other.
Jay, Iowa was lovely! I managed to get off the freeway, taking 44 into Des Moines, and it was easily the best part of my drive. I only have one quibble... don't any folks out there grow sunflowers? I was hoping to get a photo or two, but I didn't see one field of them in my entire trip across. Lots of corn, though... it would have reminded me of the fields in the movie "Toys" were it not for all the 21st century ag signs, advertising genetically enhanced crops and soy-based bio-diesel.
All in all, it was an interesting trip out. I'll write more about it later this afternoon.