DINNER IN NEBRASKA.We made it to Marysville by 11.30
Chatted and drank a few beers till 3.30 then headed out into town to look for somewhere to eat……
Nothing.
So Tom asked Freddie to call another of the South African seasonal workers in Beatrice, Nebraska to find out about decent places that may be open for dinner.
In the mean time, Tom was an amazing host, and massive source of information on everything from farming, harvesting and transport to his 4 years spent with the American military in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.
He also spent many missions each a year long on the South African South Pole expeditions.
One of Tom’s stress and PTSD relievers is whittling.
I think this one looks a bit like me.
Many of his carvings end up in the bin as he is a bit of a perfectionist.
Lucky for,Dennis and I, we each managed to twist his arm,for one.
Leaving Marysville, we headed for Beatrice, Nebraska.
And another state to add to my ever increasing list of states visited or passed through.
Three South Africans a long way from home. One thing in common, the love of travel and new horizons.
Got into Beatrice, it is a large, expansive town.
Found a Mexican restaurant that was going to be open.
So we waited 15 minutes in the Carpark, chatting, watching talent till they opened at 5.00pm…
Later we would be thankful for this move as the waiting people, waiting to be seated numbered well over 12.
We all ordered Mexican, except Freddie, he stuck with a safe option……
Dennis had an amazing “thing” with all sorts of stuff in it. Tom ordered the same, with beans replacing the rice, as he has a garlic allergy.
Mine was three soft tortillas with chicken, beef and pork respectively. Two would have been enough.
Our server was awesome, making great food recommendations off the menu, she also brought Dennis nd I the WORST EVER Margaritas.
And Tom and Freddie, able to relax and unwind a bit.
A real pleasure spending time and a meal with them.
Dennis’ Massive “THING” on a plate. He only managed half, I picked the prawns/shrimp out of his left overs. Really good taste.
Happy guys.
All of us, feeding frenzy. Table went very quiet.
After dinner we (well, I instigated it) went to DQ (Dairy Queen) for my first experience.
So an interesting group…… Dennis is diabetic, Tome is lactose intolerant, Freddie and I are OK.
So Tome elected to sit out this round…… but I asked if they had any dairy free products.
Jackpot !!!
Top event of Tom’s day.
The rest of us had small portions. Really good too.
So we headed back to Kansas, into the sunset, still talking nonstop.
Till we hit the train line, level crossing.
Once again, Tom’s encyclopaedic knowledge about trains rattle off that it was a 330 wagon train with a bunch of mid mounted engines, unloaded and headed somewhere specific that he was able to identify. Eventually it all passed and we carried on.
Driving back into town, over the bridge I was again reminded of how patriotic this country and its people are.
The Stars and Stripes represents so much to so many, and they proudly display it EVERYWHERE.
The town was also on the original,Pony Express route, and many reminders are all over the area.
Marysville’s proud heritage features the Home Station No. 1 on the Pony Express route. Despite running just 18 months, the Pony Express has become a part of American lore.
Between April 1860 and October 1861, riders traveled day and night through all conditions to carry letters from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, and back. This usually took ten days with riders changing horses every 12 to 15 miles. Each rider would ride 75 to 100 miles before turning the mail in a mochila over to a new rider at one of the 40 “home stations” along the route.
The home station in Marysville, a stone barn built by Joseph Cottrell in 1859, was leased to the Pony Express in 1860. Cottrell kept his blacksmith shop in the barn. The barn is still standing and is now a museum. The riders likely slept at the nearby Barrett Hotel, located where Ar-Ex Drug Store is today.
The first westbound rider left St. Joseph, Missouri early in the evening on April 3, 1860, arriving in Marysville the next morning. Historians differ as to his identity, but local tradition says his name was Johnny Fry. The mail was carried in a mochila which fit over the saddle and could not be removed unless the rider dismounted. It had four mail pockets called cantinas, which were always locked during the ride. The rider took the mochila off one mount and quickly put it over the saddle of the next. Two minutes were allowed for changing horses.
Sending mail by Pony Express was very expensive. The original charge was $5.00 an ounce and 5 cents for every additional ounce. Later the charges were reduced to $1.00 per ounce. In 1860 the telegraph was completed across the continent, providing a cheaper and much quicker method of communication than letters carried by fast pony. The Pony Express came to an end, but its legend and legacy live on.
The museum in Marysville’s Home Station No. 1 consists of the original stable, now the oldest building in Marshall County, and an annex added in 1991 which matches its architectural style. The museum’s exhibits have been expanded to include trails and railroads, emphasizing Marysville’s wider historic importance as a transportation hub.
In June of each year, the National Pony Express Association sponsors a Pony Express Re-Ride from Sacramento, CA to St. Joseph, MO. Each year they alternate the direction of the re-ride, traveling East or West. More than 550 riders and horses are posted at intervals to take turns carrying the mail. Each rider takes an oath similar to the riders in 1860-1861 and is issued a Bible in the tradition of Russell, Majors and Waddell, the operators of the Pony Express.
On the main road.
Eventually by 7.45pm we turned up into Freddie and Toms street to drop them off at home.
An amazing day out, firstly on the drive with Dennis, always entertaining, and then a few hours with these guys.
On leaving, I took pics of a couple of the Black squirrels in town.
Fifty-one 5-foot fiberglass black squirrels are displayed all throughout town, designed and painted by local and
regional artists. Grab a map at the Visitors Center or area gas stations and go find each squirrel to learn more
about the inspiration behind our furry friends!
Dennis and I decided to put some miles in before we pulled over to find a motel.
Great decision as we got a winner, compared to the previous Monday at Motel 6. On;y $10 more but still run as a Mom and Pop concern.
Sun behind us this time.
And our motel.
Once settled in we had a cold beer from the cooler bag behind the seat, and called it a good day.
Sleep came fast, and we both had a good night. For a change.
I think that is enough for now.
Thanks for joining.
