From Lamar Colorado to Kansas City Mo the stockyards are many
The are right in the middle of corn harvest now in Kansas
This is a view of the prarie in Flint Hills NW Refuge near Emporia KS
A type of sunflower that has a yellow center, not black.
These are two views of Greensberg, KS that was devasted by a tornado in 2007
The upper photo shows the vacant land that was wiped ouut and the lower one
shows one block of the newly built "grreen" housing. The town has made a great recovery
Look closely and you will see the "oranges" on the Osage Orange tree
Day 96, 97 Th. & Fri. Sept. 8,9 Dodge City to Emporia Kansas
Dodge City, What can I say? The home of the good guys (Bat Masterson, “Wild Bill” Hickock, Wyatt Earp and others), who chased, arrested and and shot at the bad guys like the notorious Clanton Gang, all died in the botched Coffeyville Bank heist except Emmett. They also chased the bad guys in Abilene and Wichita as well. This all happened in the 1800’s when Kansas was young and restless. Even Jesse James was in on one of Cantrill’s raids that killed over 200 citizens of Lawrence. But those were the days that were. Today, it, (Dodge City ) is a thriving cattle shipping center and wheat growing region and is a vital community of more than 23,000 souls. They have modernized the main street by making four lanes about 200 feet toward the RR tracks and leaving intact the old “main street” with all the old stores and saloons visible from the new highway through town .(Main street)
East of Dodge City , or “Dodge” as it is called locally, are slightly rolling hills filled with range land and some hints of milo and wheat . As we continue east the milo and wheat are more intense in production as are the evidence of many stockyards and feed lots holding 100,000 head of cattle fattening up and waiting for market. All along the highway the “SWOOSH” of the tall cattle trucks going by is constant. Grain trucks (corn and wheat) move through the roads as well. The land gradually gives way to some deciduous trees and many more fill the small valleys and arroyos until after Wichita when all of a sudden the land is rolling prairie and not a tree in sight. This must have been what it looked like to the early travelers before settlements were established.
We did travel through the town of Greensburg, KS, which, in 2007 was hit by that devastating tornado that wiped out many homes and the entire business community. Today it has dedicated its return to life with a completely “green” use of codes and materials in the new buildings in town. (see pics) . The medical center was beautiful and fit the environment with sandstone colors that blended in with the land. It certainly is a tribute to the people of Greensburg and their perseverance.
A light rain shower came through as we neared Emporia, and the smell of the desert was evident. It is a unique and unforgettable smell. Rather sweet and pleasant to the nostrils. We checked in at the Emporia RV Park and as the manager was not home called him at his cell phone . (He does remodeling of vacant houses for a living.) We took a space as per his instructions and settled in for the afternoon at 3:15. After a brief rest , we decided it was a night to eat out. Inasmuch as we were in “steak” country (lots of beef here) , we chose “Montana Mike’s” as the steakhouse of choice. It was a good selection. Ruth had the special Ribeye with potato, home made hot roll and a salad , and I chose the 1/2 rack of ribs with sweet potato and salad. It was excellent and tasty and when Ruth says that you know the steak was good .She will not say so unless it stands up to critical analysis. That was $30.00 well spent on good food plus some ribs still not eaten for another day. Jim topped that off with a “house” Margarita.
. Emporia is a bustling city of some 26,000 people. The Emporia Gazette is still owned by the Wm.Allen White family . White started the Gazette in 1895 and was editor until 1944. He won a Pulitzer Prize (1923) for an editorial and has written over 22 books.
We did search the Flint Hills for birds today and did find some 29 birds . It was tough birding as we are in between the summer fledging and the fall migration. Perhaps the best bird find today and last night were two Great Horned Owls that perched in a dead tree about 100 yards from the trailer. I could see them from the trailer doorway. We also got the car greased and oil change today, filled wth gas ($3.54) had a Dairy Queen (DQ) and got the last of the groceries we will need for the last three days. Tomorrow we will meet a cousin for lunch, the daughter of my Dad's niece, on our way through Kansas City. More on that tomorrow. Thanks for watching and if you want to leave me your e mail address on my Face Book or here in comments I will communicate with you after we get home on Wed. search for Jim Strohmer.
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