The final push

After spending more time than planned in Picher, OK, I linked up with I-35 and set out for Des Moines, Iowa, then on to Illinois, Michigan, and finally back home.

This final stretch covers 1,235 miles (1,987 kilometers), passing through Kansas and Iowa, both known for their tornado activity.

Much of the scenery resembled Ontario, making for a pleasant though lengthy drive. As I crossed into Kansas, the weather began to grow ominous, signaling the onset of tornado season. By the time I passed Kansas City and approached Des Moines, Iowa, the temperature dropped sharply and the sky took on a mustard-green hue. The radio was abuzz with warnings to stay alert.

While I cleared Kansas without incident, Iowa presented some unusual weather. One moment, sunlight bathed the wheat fields; the next, conditions had drastically changed. Deciding to stop taking photos and focus on driving proved wise as day turned to night and a torrential downpour began. In my rearview mirror, I spotted not one but two funnel clouds forming. Fortunately, neither fully developed, but I wasn’t about to wait around to see what nature had in store.

Iowa farm field with approaching storm

Within moments things turned to this.

Then the rain came.

After Iowa, the final push to the border and home was quickly approaching.  What started out looking to be a very long and tiring day, over 600 miles, ended up being a relatively easy drive.

Epilogue to follow....