KANSAS

Wichita, Kansas

The Keeper of the Plains

The Keeper of the Plains was created in 1974 and is at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers.  

For the Plains Indians the sacred hoop was the all-encompassing symbol of the world.  Half the circle represents the physical realm, the other half the spiritual.  The four quadrants represent the four seasons, four directions, four times of day, and the four elements.  At the center of the hoop is a turtle; the Plains people believe we are all floating in a primordial sea on the back of the turtle.

Pedestrian suspension bridge over the Arkansas River.

Yucca plant with asparagus-like buds.

The design of this bridge reminds me of a single feather.

We had fun looking at all the old lanterns, coolers, stoves, etc. made over the years by Coleman.  I didn't realize that Coleman made some very ornate lanterns for home use before electricity.  And then we looked at all the latest camping equipment - Scott bought two sleeping bags.

We followed the route of the Pony Express through Kansas - every so often you'd see a rider high on a hill or galloping across a field.

Marysville, Kansas

We pulled off Highway 36 for lunch and saw this small downtown park honoring the Pony Express Riders.

Hollenberg Ranch Pony Express Stop

Erected in 1857 by G.H. Hollenberg on his ranch along the Oregon Trail.

Gerat and Sophia were German emigrants who sold food and other supplies, lodging, and draft animals to passing travelers.  Settlers, soldiers, freighters, stage coach passengers, and Pony Express riders all stopped here.  

This Pony Express Station is believed to be the only such station which has remained unaltered on its original site.

Friendly Indians...

Lebanon, Kansas

Yep, there's our truck and trailer at the geographical center of the United States!

Outside U.S. Center Chapel

Inside chapel

This is KANSAS!

I just had to share a picture of a Kansas "sunflower" road sign!

We saw many of these water wells throughout Kansas - some with cows, some without!

Gased up the pick-up at the local Co-op.  I thought this picture spoke to the lonesomeness of Kansas.

The green wheat danced in the wind!  

Abandoned tractor

Another Pony Express rider...

Goodland, Kansas

VanGogh's "Three Sunflowers in a Vase" on the World's Largest Easel was painted by Cameron Cross in 2001 to draw visitors to this small high prairie town.