Today was definitely an off-the-beaten-path sort of day. Well, I should say, from the beaten path to a less beaten path that's prettier and more scenic. I'm driving a corolla across the country- not a hummer. I started today in Omaha, and made sure I was the first in line to the Henry Doorly Zoo! I love zoos- it's a thing of mine- so I could't let this one pass me by. It's considered on of the best and I would stand by that! A phenomenal gorilla habitat.
I then hopped onto I-80 and headed to Lincoln, for a quick visit to the state capitol building. I won't lie- this is one of the best ones I've seen! In city of mostly smaller office buildings, this pinnacle of good 'ol country government stands out quite impressively. I grabbed some lunch at the yelp-suggested Sultan's Kite where I had the best chicken shawarma I've had. Move over NYC, Lincoln is honing in your shawarma game. I little bit further west on I-80 until Grand Island where I jumped onto Route 2...for a long time.
Nebraska Route 2 is considered one the country's most scenic routes (this term also seems interchangeable with iconic, though this was in fact scenic!). It juts diagonally NW across the state without reservations, and goes clear though the grassland heart of Nebraska, known as the Sandhills. Absolutely gorgeous. Miles and miles of quickly rolling hills of grassland. The road is in good condition too, which always makes it pleasant. Fill up on gas though, as most of the towns are 10-15 homes huddled together.
I finished Route 2 at Alliance, and then decided I better head south the 30 miles to check out Chimney Rock and Scottsbluff, both national parks/monuments. So that's where I'm writing this from. Will check those out and head due north tomorrow for South Dakota!
