May 11-13: On to the Cornhusker state, Valparaiso and Lincoln Nebraska

Heading north from Colorado Springs to Denver, we enjoyed seeing the US Air Force Academy off to our left and the Rockies in the distance. We turned east near Denver and crossed Nebraska to Lincoln and then on to Valparaiso to visit our friends Jack and Harriet. Jack and his brother Don ran a successful cattle ranch operation for many years, but have now leased out the ranch land and are operating the lovely Pine Crest Farms B&B in two colonial style homes on the property.

The beautiful and aptly named Philadelphia Room

Curious cattle ranging nearby

Pennsylvania colonial style sitting room

Don, Kevin & Jack

Nebraska's Memorial Stadium, "Home of the Greatest Fans in College Football"

A special trophy

The spectacular Nebraska State Capitol

Red Cloud, of the Lakota Sioux, born near what is now North Platte

Irish-born Father Flanagan, founder of the famous orphanage, Boys Town

The original legislative chamber

Nebraska Steak at Magnolia's in the Historic Haymarket district

Harriet & Jack

Peg & Kevin

street view of Magnolia's at dusk

water tank by the tracks in the Haymarket

We hated to say "goodbye" to Bosun, bidding us farewell here, as we hit the road for Chicago.