SAW-HEARD-DID
I SAW first hand the joy that comes from taking a step away from the beaten path and exploring some of the lesser but still equally curious, informative and well crafted local attractions. Who knew there was a week's worth of exploring and relaxing to be had here in KS without stepping foot in any of their "big" cities.
Week 1 of our Eastward Ho adventure has been a success. The only thing we'd like to change is the heat and humidity.
We knew headed this direction in the heat of the summer would require developing a tolerance for these two weather variables. I foolishly believed we'd have at least one week of "not so hot" weather...oh silly girl that I am.
I HEARD my husband as he reminded me heading into this trip "Don't over plan".
In the interest of full disclosure- I find the most fun comes from planning- so the minute we agree on a location- I start to research the heck out of that area. Which I have done- for the KY destination we are aiming for.
But, what I agreed not to do was to plan out the entire route in advance. This has led to us making route choices as we head east. The exact route remains unknown- but that's ok- we are headed in the right direction.
I WE DID this past week included
- Stayed at 4 Campgrounds
- a beautifully maintained county park near Goodland Kansas
- a lovely Harvest Host site in Wilson KY- where the owner is completing a labor of love renovating an old missile silo
- 2 COE sites- one with a little more distance between other campers but both with the highly coveted electrical hook ups
- Explored 2 museums
- Ft. Wallace- a very nicely curated museum that paints a vivid picture of life in western Kansas during the era of westward migration
- Eisenhower Library and museum- ok- I suppose I shouldn't really count that- we just visited this location in the style of a Chevy Chase American Vacation movie- drove by, nodded yep-there she is, and continued on our route.
- That wasn't the intention- but when we got there, much like Wally World for the Griswold family- the park was essentially closed. You see, the feds are in charge of operations- which in a pandemic translates to them being about 6 months behind the times-only about 10% capacity was being admitted, and tickets were all sold out for that day. Unlike the Griswold family- we didn't try to storm the castle to learn all about Ike- we just paid our respects at his chapel and drove on by.
- Took 2 tours
- Matthew, the owner of the missile silo and his loyal furry side kick Buddy showed us around the decommissioned missile silo.
- For details and photos- check out Hubby's blog- most of the technical stuff just went zooming by my head.
- My take aways-
- it's pretty near perfect temperature inside-perfect for those of us not used to the heat or suffering from persistent hot flashes
- Yikes-that's a long way down-I think I'll stand over here
- No honey- you may not buy one- According to the owner, the area around Salina has 12 similar silos, some for purchase. Fortunately- hubby and I agreed- for this type of project, you have to have big dreams, infinite patience, lots of muscle and a fair amount of cash to bring it all to fruition. Thanks- but we'll pass
- Salt mine tour in Hutchinson. Pretty extensive information shared- with my take aways being
- Yeah baby, it's cool down here,
- Damn it's dark without headlights,
- This place is huge- but seems a bit safer and cleaner to work in than say a coal mine and maybe not as profitable as gold-silver mining?
- Took a nap or two
- Discovered some true gems thanks to the Roadside America app-
- Like a giant grasshopper made from tractor parts
- Or one giant egg to celebrate the Czech heritage of Wilson
- Or the herd of Swedish horses filling the streets of Lindsborg
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