Trick or treat from the Heartland

There are some products that we don't see back east and one of them are ethanol pumps.
While traveling across the country I have seen vast acres of corn. I know that we are supplying grain to many countries around the world. However that amount of corn grown and harvested in the midwest staggers the imagination. In late October stalks are drying in the fields as far as the eye can see. This commodity is apparently not only used to feed people but now utiliized to power the engines and turbines of transportation of this region.
I have never encountered these ethanol pumps before and they are abundant here in Omaha Nebraska where I have landed on this Halloween night. A treat for the midwestern citizen because this energy source cost them a mere $1.79 at the local filling station. A trick because this food source has morphed into another use besides providing nutrition to a living 0rganism.
Omaha seems like a friedly place with people sitting on their Halloween decorated front porch awaiting the neighborhood kids and offering them hot dogs, candy and smiles. While walking my dog Ranger through the community he was also offered a roasted frankfurter. I respectfully declined for him. Happy Halloween everybody.

Day of contrasts

How interesting it is to travel the land during these waning days of the US Presidential election 2008. So many signs portray the divisions in this great country. The symbolism of these two structures that I have seen today epitomizes it for me as clearly as the colors blue and red. From the modern progressive commercial Rock n Roll Hall of Fame to a working dairy farm int the heartland.

I have seen allot in this 24 hour period, including the John McCain motorcade zooming by under heavy police escort on a usually quiet two lane Rt 6 in Rollerville Ohio. He was campaigning hard in this land of cornfields and cows trying to draw up some votes amongst the farmers and their kin.

On a more personal observational note I discovered how much I dislike the food that is found in restaurants on the road. It is as if peoples standards & expectations are lowered while traveling. I guess I was not born to be Gypsy.

Leaving Tracks in the October Snow

My plan had always been to leave home for this journey before the snow flies so I was glad that we would be departing before November, but Mother Nature had other plans and there was significant snowfall for much of todays trip. The weather fronts do whatever they want and pay little regard to my desires. In the middle part of NYS we saw vistas that resembled a January postcard. This photo was taken on Rt 17 heading west outside of Binghampton.
My highlight of the day was seeing a bald eagle on the shores of the Allegheny River. He was standing on a branch with his white head shining as he gazed in the icy water swiftly flowing below.
We holed for the night in a comfy, warm hotel that accepted dogs in Erie PA. My primary requirement in choosing lodgings for this adventure is internet access so I can keep in touch with all of you during the time we are spending on the road.

WHOLE IN THE DONUT moves west

Toward the end of this month our entire household will be moving to the Bay Area. It will be during this national election that we will journey across this great land to reach our destination on the coast of California.
I feel that during this historical episode in our countries history we are showing hope looking towards better times in a new city. While opposing the urge to hunker down with 'stores of grain and potatoes' we will take another path that will lead us to a more optimistic destiny. Reaching for the stars during a time when the news is all doom and gloom.

I will be using this site to record our progress as we proceed with this adventure and send you all notes from the field. Feel free to stop by occasionally for the latest updates.