Road Trip 2009: O'Neill, Nebraska - "Irish Capital of Nebraska"

And they call the wind Mariah . . .

We have had amazing winds all day. So strong at lunch that we had to walk backwards to the car from our picnic spot along the Missouri River. Driving was interesting but it did keep us awake!

Part of the day was along a scenic byway through the Loess Hills in western Iowa. Beautiful and totally different than the area just to the west along the Missouri. We did a short stint on Interstate 29 and I really did not like it at all - too fast, straight and I didn't like it - did I say that?. At least it confirmed that we will avoid interstates for the rest of the trip.

The Loess Hills Scenic Byway weaves through the rugged landscape of windblown silt deposits along the Missouri River Valley. This unique American treasure possesses natural features found only in one other place in the world: the Yellow River Valley of China. Accordingly, the landscape supports many rare plants and animals.

Crossing Northern Nebraska we found several little towns with the small, independent, classic motels we have been looking for. Most towns only have one restaurant, if that. We were approaching O'Neill, knowing it is a little bigger than most, discussing if we wanted to stop this early - 4:30 at the time.

As we entered town we saw a large sign proclaiming O'Neill the "Irish Capital of Nebraska". Next we passed a motel offering "free internet, laundry and pets welcome". Next we saw a restaurant called The Blarney Stone offering steaks. Jim has been looking forward to a Nebraska steak. That did it, we cruised through the rest of town and returned to the motel and checked in.

O'Neill does have an Irish history:

The City of O'Neill was founded by John O'Neill in 1880 and offers a unique blend of old world charm and 21st century technology. We invite you to take a break from the hustle-bustle of city life and see for yourself all that we have to offer. General John O'Neill, for whom the town of O'Neill is named, was born
in Ireland, he fought for the Union during the Civil War. After having been briefly imprisoned for his participation in the so-called Fenian invasion of Canada, General O'Neill began his trek to what we know today as O'Neill, Nebraska.

It's 94 degrees outside but we plan to head out and explore town and find a shady spot to park the car for Abby. She has had a couple good runs today and took a nice swim in a lake in the Loess Hills. Abby is an excellent traveler and makes herself right at home no matter where we stay.