5,701.4 Miles--but who's counting

Traveling is truly magical. It's magical how you can walk or roll into new environments, new ecosystems and sustain old friendships, solidify forming friendships, attain new friendships. It's amazing the strength that can be gathered from these transforming experiences however easy or arduous the journey.

This journey was easy and I have ended up where I started: home. As the miles tallied up, I realize that I am a lousy travel blogger. I'm not tied to the keyboard but to the road and the experiences the journey has to offer. It always takes a while for my expeditions to sink into my bones and circulate through my system to finally come out in written words--meandering their way to my fingers as I meander down the road. This time, I have been gone over a month and a half. My local friends say it felt like forever. For me, it's never quite long enough because once I'm home, it's like a sweet dream. 'Did I really do it'?'

After last I wrote, I traveled one more day with Caroline and Imo, following their Casita while I toted
my own little abode on wheels. We traveled so smoothly together that I know that we have future trips together in store. I have gathered a handful of acquaintances from that enchanted Quartzsite Fiberglass rally in February which have now evolved into blossoming friendships. Many good things have come from that rally which has been a pivotal transformation for the strengthening of my spirit.

When I departed from Imo and Caroline to continue my journey on my own, I headed west to the little town of Seward,
Nebraska just west of Lincoln to meet with a friend and celebrate Independence Day in (what I was told and now know it to be true) the 4th of July capital of Nebraska! Up until my arrival in Nebraska, I had not experienced summer. I had not had one hot day. Remember I told you that I had to layer up clothing in Grand Marais, Minnesota? So upon my arrival I took a dip in the town's beautiful, cool swimming pool on a hot June summer day.

As I toured this little town it seemed to grow larger and larger. It is home to Concordia University which houses an elaborate mineral-rock exhibit in the basement. The Civic Center displays beautiful art by Thomas Berger Johnson. This excursion led to the two local banks with additional works from the artist, Reinhold Marxhausen who is known for sculpture, painting, and object art. I actually was able to hold, listen, and see prototypes of his Stardust sound sculptures! These are palm-sized objects made to look like rocks but with wires inside that create a symphony of sound.

The two weeks I was in this town I could feel a slow crescendo building that let me know that something big was going to happen. Everyone asked, "You're staying for the 4th, right?" I must not forget that I did indeed eat at Runza, which was the answer to the second most asked question while I was visiting.

 

This small town is filled with friendly, smiling people and has one of the best thrift stores. The big event of the 4th finally came around and there was something for everyone: pet parade, pole vaulting, basketball, exhibits, yum yums (sloppy joes), lectures, food contests, and more, not to forget the grand parade in the middle of the day and fireworks that night. The schedule was printed in fine print on a poster. So, if you didn't get to see or do it this year, you have to come back so you get to do it next year. I guess that's what I'll have to do.

My Casita, my Tara performed outstandingly. I like ending the day and entering my little home away from home. Life is good. Wow! I drove 5701.4 miles! But who's counting.