From the Flint Hills to the Springs

Today, we traveled through Kansas and into Colorado, with our destination for the night being Colorado Springs, where we are spending the night with Anthony’s cousin and saying goodbye to his mom for twelve days. I have traveled through Kansas before, but do not believe I came through Topeka, and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful parts of the state are. First of all, we live in a beautiful country, with various landscapes, and while I do not prefer the plains, I also have to acknowledge that there is beauty in that as well. Also, Kansas is not all flat. We went through the Flint Hills, and there was much to see and admire. Although we did not take a photo, there were many cows on them thar hills and I still don’t know how they got up there. They are much more athletic than me for sure.

We stopped to rest, and I took over the wheel. Around this same time, we started seeing the many wind turbines, and I fell in love. I love those things because they look futuristic, and they power more than 37,000 homes in that area. What is not to love about alternative energy sources?  Anthony got this shot from inside the car, and I love the juxtaposition of an original windmill with one of the newer giants.

What I also love about Kansas is all the wind that makes those turbines work so well. Wind is my favorite unseen force. If I want to have a good hair day, it definitely works against me, but also gives me a perfect excuse when said hair was not going to look good anyway. My favorite thing about Kansas has to be passing all the Kansas Jayhawks basketball signs knowing that Auburn beat them in March Madness. War Eagle!

We finally arrived in Colorado Springs to spend the night with Anthony’s cousin and his family. If you enjoy wide open spaces, I have found your place.  These shots are from their back porch and yard. I asked about the wildlife, and was told there are antelope, jack rabbits and snakes. I did not spend much time outside. On our way downtown, their son showed us the original schoolhouse where the students in the area were taught. The land goes on forever and the Rockies make a nice backdrop. 

After eating a delicious home cooked meal, we headed off in our cousin Joe's truck that sits about 20 feet off the ground, so you can just conjur a visual of how ridiculous I looked getting in and out of that thing.  I will say, however, that we had an excellent tour guide and we enjoyed our time with him immensely, especially since I have not seen him since he was a little boy.  We headed downtown, because I have decided that I love the downtown areas of any city.  Downtown Colorado Springs did not disappoint, especially since almost every corner had a beautiful view of the Rockies.  

 After we left downtown, I asked Joe if we could go to Garden of the gods based on the recommendation of my sister, and off we went.  It was overcast and starting to rain, so we did not get to explore, but we did get to take a couple of shots, including the Kissing Camels.  It was a beautiful city and we were fortunate to get a great crash course.

We are in for the night in a place so remotely beautiful that Kira said she can actually hear the rustling of the leaves.