KANSAS, NOT INCLUDED ROUTE 66.

Kansas is located halfway between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. It also is home to the geographic centre of 48 states in the USA, near the town of Lebanon. (Not included Alaska and other outlaying states). Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado border Kansas. The State gradually rises from east to west. At around 200 meters along the Verdigris River at Coffeyville to 1230 meters at Mount Sunflower near the border with Colorado. While it is the highest point in Kansas, it is the lowest point in Colorado just 800 meters away.

Like Oklahoma and Missouri Kansas is also prone to severe weather, especially in the spring and the early summer. Due to its location at a climatic boundary prone to intrusions of multiple air masses, the state is vulnerable to strong and severe thunderstorms. Some of these storms become severe thunderstorms and these can produce tornadoes. Kansas averages more than 50 tornadoes every year. Not just severe thunderstorms but also large hailstorms are common. Picture below not mine

After Kansas City we stopped briefly in Manhattan, the university city of Kansas followed by the hometown of General Dwight (Ike) Eisenhower, Abilene. Eisenhower grew up in Abilene and became a five-star army general, commander of the World War 2 D-Day operation in Europe (the largest amphibious invasion in history) and later became president of the United States.

With weather becoming poor and cold we decided to continue west and took the I 70 interstate. Today we did Overlanding the American way, (full speed and a long day driving) a quick stop in Colby a western, prairie town full of history, and the city of Hays, larger than Colby but still interesting, before getting of the highway at Oakley.

Oakley has a slogan ” STOP FOR THE LEGEND, STAY FOR THE DAY”. The Birthplace of the Legend of Buffalo Bill, Cody is celebrated with a huge bronze sculpture of Buffalo Bill on his favourite horse aiming at a buffalo.

After leaving Oakley we travelled south towards Scott City stopping at various places of interest. Leaving Oakley, we realized we now entered the wild west country, wide open spaces, small towns, nice little main streets and friendly people who wave at you when passing. This part is called the heartland of America, hardworking farmers, and fun loving people.

Monument Rocks is a series of large chalk formations, rich in fossils, formed approximately 80 million years ago. We did get lost as after 6 kilometres on the well-maintained dirt road we arrived at an T junction without any signs, we turned left, should have turned right. Anyway, the GPS location is N 38º 44.578′ W 100º 76.236′ Monument Rocks was the first landmark chosen by the United States Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark in Kansas in 1968. Please note this is privately owned land. The owners allow visitors to visit this wonderful landmark. Please look after the property and please note NO CAMPING. The magnificent large monoliths rise as high as 18 meters high. It was created when the sea receded, and left behind the chalk deposits which, over time, have been eroded by the once much larger Smoky Hill River, wind, and rain. Monument Rocks is part of an area called the Badlands of Kansas with numerous chalk outcroppings in the vicinity including Little Jerusalem area, today collectively known as the “Badlands of Kansas.”

Little Jerusalem Badlands National Park was disappointing and does not look anything like the Badlands National Park we visited in South Dakota. But okay to had a lunch stop overlooking the Niobrara Chalk formation.

At Lake Scott fierce winds, and a mix of rain and snow was enough reason to stop for a few days till the weather system from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado cleared, hence we parked on the shore of the lake. The 1020-acre Scott State Park is a stunning oasis of natural springs and canyons. This state park also includes a 160-acre wildlife area. In all a beautiful setting. Around the park we saw lots of Bisons. All we need now is the weather to clear.

Scott City is a town of just 4000 people, you find several historical sites, one of them being Battle Canyon, the last Indian battle in Kansas.

Dodge City is nicknamed “Queen of the Cow towns”. The town was once considered the Wickedest Little City in America. The city is known for its history as a wild frontier town of the old West. It had saloons, gambling halls, and brothels, including the famous Long Branch Saloon (still operating) and China Doll brothel. Today the city’s pride and heritage bleed into the atmosphere no matter where you go. Fortunately, the hospitality these days is friendlier than it was when gunslingers were frequenting the saloons. The Dodge City Roundup Rodeo is held throughout the year and a major event for the locals. The town blends old with new while keeping with the character of its legendary history. Hit up Dodge City Brewing if you prefer beer to whiskey. Dodge City, Kansas, was once a bustling frontier town where visiting cowboys and locals could get away with just about anything.

We did not visit Greenburg, south east of Dodge City, but on May 4 2007, a 2.7 kilometre wide tornado with winds of 330 kilometres per hour killed 11 people and injured 63 more in Greensburg. The complete city was reduced to rubble.

Syracuse, just 26 kilometres from the Colorado border and just north of the Arkansas River.

The Syracuse Sand Dunes Park is the largest sand dunes park in Kansas and one of the largest in the Midwest. This Sand Park offers 1,300 acres of amazing dunes, rolling hills, bowls, and some fast flat areas that will appeal to those who love to drive in sand. Sand trails have been expanded through the park.

This was the last stop for us in Kansas, and we loved the many small prairie towns all holding so much history. Despite the bad weather we still enjoyed Kansas and if it wasn’t for the weather we would also have visited Atchison the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, the world’s most famous woman aviator. This history-making woman has 2 museums bearing her name. Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum and the Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum. The other museum we missed was that of the great daredevil Robbie Knievel and Eval Knievel in Topeka. I think the most famous jump Robbie ever did was the jump above the Grand Canyon during a successful 80 meters world record jump in Arizona, on May 20, 1999.

Kansas is a dose of classic America, with its rugged cowboy culture and wide-open prairies.

Till next time from Colorado