A few miles from the RV park in Emporia, Kansas is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Cottonwood Falls, KS. I arrived there this morning just before 9am, picked up a trail map, talked to the Ranger for a few minutes, toured the barn and walked on the trails (around 2 miles). It was a clear and sunny morning.
Barn Cats @ The Tallgrass Preserve
I drove on the secondary roads all day today, driving through small towns. It was very windy today, so I slowed down and took it easy. There was not a lot of traffic, a few people passed by me, and some stayed behind me. Maybe I was blocking the wind and making their drive easier.
Last year, I read a book about the "Dust Bowl" in the 30's. I can't imagine living with this wind all the time and having to work outdoors in the fields or on the range.
Winfield, KS has a very nice downtown area that seems to be thriving. There were several retail stores and restaurants and people walking along the streets. Unfortunately, I didn't see this in too many small towns along the way. Many of the small towns have vacant storefronts in need of repair.
I stopped in at the new Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid, Oklahoma and learned about pioneers and a land run. On Sept. 16, 1893 the government opened up an area for settlement and the pioneers all ran or road their horses to a spot they liked and marked it as their own. I suppose I read about these things in grammar school, but didn't remember. I was also following the Chisholm Trail for part of the day, and will continue on this trail tomorrow and hopefully stop at some of the museums along the way. The railroads played a big part in the development of this area, so I am hoping to get some pictures of train depots.
Taking my time... going on the slow roads
just like this guy that was on the trail this morning.
9762 - 10018 / 256 miles gas prices 3.68
I think part of the enjoyment you are going to find on the road is taking your time to see the little "out of the way" places. Some may not be as informative as others, but you are sure to discover a hidden jewel from time to time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the up date and pictures. To bad the battery died. I bought and extra one and have never used it I bet its dead. I wouldn't recommend buying one they are way to expensive. But I was really doing lots of picture taking at the time. Oh well live and learn. Keep blogging and I will keep reading. :D
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the slow road every day if you can.
ReplyDeleteWe have seen a lot of small towns with closed & abandoned store fronts in the West. There is hardly anything left in some of the old dried up & weather beaten little Texas towns. That sort of thing is normally not seen from the Interstates. So much more interesting driving backroads America.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you are taking advantage of the more out of the way places to see. :)
ReplyDeleteSlow and steady wins the race!..safe travels Teri!
ReplyDeleteSounds like your trip is going great - it's amazing how each place has something special.
ReplyDeleteHow is the coach driving? I was surprised at how easy mine is to drive, are you finding the same thing? Are you all organized and comfortable? It's like playing house, I think, except we get to live there. :) I hope you continue having good weather, but less wind.