So, here's the deal. From Oklahoma, we were all set to head to California, and all the states in between. But, frankly, we were getting tired of the 100+ degree days (about 40 degrees C) with no end in sight. So, a new plan was hatched. We decided to head north to Kansas to get to Colorado and the Rockies. Surely, the mountain air would be cooler, and a welcome relief.
We had no real expectations, but as things turned out, Kansas was a positive and eye-opening experience
. Everything you think you know about it is true. Corn and wheat fields as far as the eye can see. Flat lands that stretch into the horizon, peppered by the occasional farmhouse, barn, farm equipment, herd of cattle, etc. Tractors and pickups fill the country roads. Most of the Kansas that we saw would not exactly be described as a tourist mecca, but we really enjoyed it. We started out in Wichita. Very laid-back, as far as we could tell. One thing we didn't know about was its large role in the aviation world. For instance, a majority of the world’s private airplanes, like Cessnas and Beechcraft, are made in Wichita. Other aviation companies like Learjet also have manufacturing facilities here. But the big momma of them all, Boeing, is leaving, which has really shaken up the town. Planes like the B-52 were manufactured here, so it's an emotional loss as well as an economic one. As visitors passing through, we got our news mainly from the local paper, and this is a hot topic. And that's the 'plane' truth.
As for the city itself, we mainly drove through the revitalized downtown area, something that we are getting used to seeing everywhere we have traveled on this trip
. It seems that most cities have taken steps to reclaim older or rundown areas, filling them with pubs, restos, museums, galleries, etc, all designed to attract people and stimulate the local economy. It was hard to tell just how well this has worked for Wichita, as we were there in mid-morning, and streets were relatively quiet.
We visited some of the city’s highlights like its iconic statue, called "Keeper of the Plains” which honors the native peoples of Kansas, and is located on sacred Indian ground. Here, as in a number of other places we visited, native tribal life is explained to the public, and typically, many myths and preconceived notions are dispelled.
One day in Wichita was enough for us, so we moved on to Dodge City, a city with a colorful past and now a tourist mecca. In its heyday, the town had been a virtual lawless place. Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, and Doc Holliday had been lawmen there at one time or another. Back then, Dodge City was a wild place for only 10 years or so, when buffalo hunting was at its peak, and it was very lucrative for hunters, who then came into town with their pockets loaded with cash, looking for a good time
. Within that decade, the buffalo herds were all but depleted in the region-- millions were killed. After this, the city went into decline. (Random facts: Bat Masterdon was born in Quebec, Doc Holliday was a trained dentist who gunned down at least 7 men and possibly many more.)
For us, as tourists, we did touristy things. We climbed aboard an ancient locomotive, walked a recreated western street, saw boot hill, and attended a hokey musical revue, featuring Miss Kitty and her 'girls’. We also toured the Stone House, a historic home of a wealthy family of the time. It is in remarkable condition given its age. Moreover, remaining within the same family for generations, the Stone House still contains many of the original furnishings and family contents, with attendants dressed in period costume. The visit was like stepping into a time machine, and really solidified our connection of the Dodge City of today with its colorful past.
The next stops in our travel through Kansas saw us spending time going to county fairs, state parks, and to some unusual geological sites
. We went to a community beef barbecue, We played cow patty bingo, attended a smallish rodeo, drove through muddy country roads, ate a lot of corn, and had a wonderful refreshing swim in a secluded lake along the way. Heck, we were becoming Kansans, and it was fun.
For those of you unfamiliar with cow patty bingo, a description is warranted. A stall perhaps 8 feet by 8 feet has a numbered grid painted on its floor. For a donation to a charity, you are then randomly assigned one of the numbers. At a given time, a lovely red-haired cow is brought into the stall. Eventually, nature takes its course, and a large load of poop lands somewhere on the floor. If you happened to have that number, you've won $100. Unfortunately for me, the bovine was not inclined to grace my particular number with her gift, so I graciously lost my $5 to the 4H, and we went on our way.
Yup, we had a great time in Kansas, and short of leaving with a stick of hay between our teeth, we got into the spirit of the place. Hence, the title of this blog.
NEVER SASS KANSAS
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Wichita, Kansas, United States
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Comments

2025-02-07
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The Sunnies
2015-08-03
Well, your travels through Kansas certainly sound a bit more low-key and relaxed....just what you needed to recoup from all of the hustle and bustle of the earlier part of your trip! Actually, I was wondering about the testicle festival....and why isn't this an offering in Philly? Seriously, you are seeing and doing things most of us have only heard and/or read about....and yet you are experiencing these adventures first hand! It certainly is an eye opening experience as to different ways of life across the U.S.! We wish you continued wonders and safe travels! Love and miss you!
cissie.retired
2015-08-03
Hi! How delightful that a State has a testicle festival!! That's so funny. I'm glad you made a turn to cooler climes. You'll probably enjoy that as you roam along. LOVE the photo of Bonnie as Buffalo Bill. And the sheep dressed for a PJ party is a winner! Too bad your cowpie bet wasn't a winner, but what a cute idea!
We celebrated my Amy's 42nd birthday last night at Queen Magruerita Pizzeria at Jane and Annette last night. Best pizza I've had in a long time and lovely salads. We were 10 people and we all raved. You must try it when you return...although there are other locations, this was best for the group.
Looking forward to your next blog. Take care and drive safely.
atiq
2015-08-04
LOVE the blog.
You two def know how to travel and do it in style. The pics are awesome - my favourite is ... cow-women Bonnie!
Enjoy the rest of your road trip. Miss you guys.
Hope Springman
2015-08-04
What a trip - for all of us! I feel like you've taken all your readers on to an incredible wild and woolly West movie set! Lots of fun, and who would have thought that Bonnie could be a beautiful American cowgirl? A testicle festival and cow patty bingo?! I'm speechless! Enjoy your adventures - look forward to reading more amazing stories and best of all, seeing you soon! Love, Hope
Honey and Danny
2015-08-04
You guys are unbelievable!!!! Our hats are off to you two. I bet you Rick Steves hasn't been to 1/2 of the places you have seen. Thanks for keeping us updated and looking forward to reading about your next adventure. Drive safely, keep healthy and be good?!
Love Honey and Danny