On my way out of North Platte, I saw this little amphibian slowly making its way across the road.
Curious about its species, I knew Riley would be able to help me identify it. Not only is he going to grow up to be an inventor, a paleontologist, an explorer, and a mandolin player, I also know him to be an astute biologist, so I sent him a photo and received this prompt response.
Kevin, I'm pretty sure it's a tiger salamander. Scientific name Ambystoma tigrinum. Happy exploring!
I also spotted a few reptiles along the way.
The hot south wind was howling all day, which was fine for the portions I was riding north, but mostly I was riding east, leaning five degrees to the right to maintain my balane. Still Nebraska's rolling hills at harvest season kept my spirits up.
I got covered in really sharp cockleburs getting that photo through the corn.
I arrived in Brunswick at around four in the afternoon, fully beat-up from the wind. However, I always love pulling into the familiar farm I visited every summer growing up.
Uncle Terry met me there at his house and we we went into town to fill the truck up with diesel. There we ran into Uncle Mark fueling up his 18 wheeler.
Mark invited me to go out with him to see my cousin Alex picking soybeans. He let me drive the truck.
We drove out to town in Julie's enormous Ford F350 to pick up Emily's sister Ali from volleyball practice.
Julie let me drive the truck.
I love this place, these people, and pie.
