Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 22:26:52 -0700
Reply-To: craig cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: craig cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Sights to see in the plains states (LVC)
In-Reply-To: <67f8ac6c0906042209o2644eacby3e3c17cb3635a331@mail.gmail.com>
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One thing I forgot to mention in my complaints about the great plains, is
that I am infatuated with windmills. This helped, ALOT.
Luckily there was always another windmill on the horizon. So if you share
the same love of Green energy, particularly windmills, that myself and Don
Quixote share, you may actually find some comfort in these states.
When I finally get around to posting trip pictures, I think you'll see that
i did find some things of interest in Nebraska, Iowa as well.
I agree with Gary, If you can take your time this is an entirely unique
section of America with an equally unique culture and history. I spent great
deals of time talking with locals most everywhere I stopped. I have some
great stories of how I saved the day and helped a neighbor, in a state I was
just passing through. More of those in upcoming posts....
Enjoy America's Bread Basket!
(Good music helps)
-Craig
'85GL turned WESTY
BOSTIG in the back
On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 10:09 PM, Gary Bawden <goldfieldgary@gmail.com>wrote:
> Greetings, fellow Vanagonauts,
>
> The other day I mentioned that Nebraska is home to some surplus
> stores. The one I'm thinking of is the sort of place you Westy owners
> could pull into, go browsing, and the next day (or three), you'd have
> the solution to opening your top with the eight kayaks, three mountain
> bikes, and six large bear-proof containers on top. I envision an
> electric-over-pneumatic switch on the dash, which, when depressed,
> would assist your top to open with the help of a pair of air
> cylinders, powered by a nifty belt-driven compressor you were able to
> bolt on somewhere on your anemic 1.9 waterboxer. And for those of us
> who just have the plain-vanilla Vanagons, surely something
> steampunkish would come of a visit!
>
> Then I got to thinking about the poor old maligned plains states in
> general, and how true it is that most folks find crossing them rather
> boring. And I'd have to say that if you're in a hurry and are forced
> to take the Interstate, it's pretty hard to pick out any interesting
> features, no matter where you are.
>
> So, IF you have the time, here's a short list of stuff to see in (some
> of) the plains states:
>
> Nebraska:
> Lincoln has Burden's Surplus, 1015 W. O Street (see above)
> Minden has Pioneer Village, which is home to a steam-powered
> merry-go-round, complete with an asthmatic calliope. Also exciting to
> gearheads is a huge collection of early engines, including outboard
> motors.
> Sydney has Cabela's flagship store, containing their bargain basement!
>
> Kansas:
> Just west of Emporia is the Flint Hills, which is one of the last
> remnants of the great plains that was spared the plow.
> Mushroom Rock State Park may not be on a par with Arches National
> Monument, but still, rocks in Kansas...woo-hoo!
> Speaking of Kansas rocks, check out the mile upon mile of hand-hewn
> limestone fenceposts, a testament to the pioneer's versatility.
>
> The Dakotas:
> Somewhere I read, years ago, that either North or South Dakota had the
> world's tallest radio tower. Worth seeing? Your decision!
>
> So obviously this is not an exhaustive list. I just like to point out
> from time to time that to really enjoy the sights, you've gotta get
> off the Interstates! And the coffee? Pretty bad, all right, but who
> cares? We can take our own fixins' with us!
>
> Gary
>
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