A day of many miles, few pictures. We rose early, knowing we had a long way to go across Nebraska. We are convinced that even the pioneers and pony express riders were bored in parts of Nebraska. It is very pretty, and still green this time of year, but little variety.

One thing we noticed is that each little town has a very tall grain elevator and water tower with its name on it. It made it very easy for us to anticipate the approaching town.

We made a stop at Gothenburg. We've been there before. Again, this is a spot where both the Mormon Trail and Pony Express Route are the same.

We stopped at a rest stop which had a small visitor's center. The hostess suggested (without our asking) that we go to lunch in the small town of Paxton, at Ole's Restaurant. She said it was an interesting place to eat -- an excellent Sunday buffet -- with great atmosphere. The fellow who owns the place likes to hunt big game, and has found a spot to display his trophies. The food was good, and the place was packed with wildlife, including several other bikers.

We said goodby to the Mormon Trail and headed southwest on I76 toward Denver. We noticed the change in terrain almost immediately as we started to climb away from the river. Where there were plush green farm land, now there is sage brush and sego lillies. We know this will soon enough give way to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Before we make it through the mountains we will stay the night in Henderson, just a few miles east of Denver. It has been a long day, covering over 500 miles. Tomorrow we will take it easier, stopping to enjoy the mountains.