Friday, September 12, 2014

Swinging Bridges, Skates & Cars

September 12, 2014
Pine Grove RV Park
Greenwood, Nebraska

We have spent the last two days in Greenwood about midway between Omaha and Lincoln.  The weather hasn't changed - it's still cold, windy and raining.


Yesterday we drove into Omaha to see a few attractions, but the weather was so nasty that we changed our plans.  We were at the National Lewis and Clark Trail Center and had planned to walk across the pedestrian bridge spanning the Missouri River.






 

A person commented that it would be a good day to take the trail on the bridge.  Even though it is made of steel and concrete, it moves quite a bit on windy days and it makes the trip much more exciting than usual.  As we were contemplating that comment, it started to rain harder and we figured it would be too much "excitement" for us and we went back to the truck.






Today we started with a visit to the National Museum of Roller Skating  in Lincoln.  I was surprised to learn that the first skates patented had the wheels mounted in a straight line.  And I thought rollerblades were new!











There was a variety of styles including "powered" skates with a chain saw engine, cowboy skates and custom skates for performing bears and horses.


















After lunch we decided to make a "short" stop at the Museum of American Speed. It is sponsored by Speedway Motors, America's oldest speed shop.  It's founder, Bill Smith built, raced and sold speed equipment for over 60 years.  




We have been to a lot of car museums before so I didn't think this would take too long.  Instead of just walking through, it was a guided tour that lasted THREE HOURS!  It was great to hear all the personal stories but I could have used a break.








In addition to early racing cars were special one-of-a-kind cars, engines and components, and also soap box derby cars and pedal cars.









Since I am not very knowledgeable about engines, I asked non-technical questions like, "Why is the White Trucking Company vehicle green?"

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