Howdy, today was a long one; lots of miles but some great scenery. Constantly changing vistas. First we started in fairly flat territory then it would start showing small hills, then river flowing (which I never had the camera on at the right time), then BIG hills. Lots of horses, sheep, cattle and even a few antelope. Nice fresh smells out here; did get a whiff of skunk a couple of times.
One has to hand it to the pioneers and their bravery, or stupidity, or love of the challenge of new things, or plane old lets go see something different. This land (the whole USA) is enormous. How in the heck could a family just beginning, with hardly anything, work enough of the land to even get started? Only the wife maybe and I guess the kids if any knew the meaning of work-or they learned real fast. Long and backbreaking. Then I think about all the grasshopper invasions I used to read about during the early settling days; those things could wipe out crops; all a familys hard work and food and cash sorce gone in a short time. Nasty, smelly things.
Sad the many large buildings and houses that are empty. Saw a lot of this throughout our journey. Guess due to lack of work in the area, laying off, closing of businesses, family no longer able to keep the house, farm or whatever or just not interested. Such a shame. I enjoy these wide open spaces with all its variety. Lots of miles to travel but at least there are things to look upon and wonder about. Too bad we couldn't just stop and dabble our feet in the rivers or walk along the banks. Oh well.
No spyder sightings today. Talked to a few people. One lady stopped at the same traffic light as us commented "I've never seen one of those, its adorable"; can you imagine, thats like calling it cute!
Pictures don't do justice so be patient you just have to see it yourselves.
