Today started as leisurely as possible with a 20mph wind and temps in the 40’s. This is NOT what we expected! Luckily, the campground had a fabulously clean and warm bathroom and we all enjoyed HOT showers. The girls and I primped and preened while Derick froze getting the camper packed.
We didn’t leave the campground until almost 11. We followed the Santa Fe Trail from Dodge City to Fort Larned Historical Site. We almost bypassed Fort Larned because of the wind, but luckily we decided to be brave. What a surprise to find that almost every single building at the Fort (built in the 1860’s and abandoned less than 20 years later) had been refurbished AND furnished with 1868-ish period furniture, clothing, muskets and more. There was an impressive barracks room, a 2-wing hospital, a black smith shop, a bakery, a commissary, officer’s quarters and more. We all four enjoyed seeing how our military “counter parts” lived over a Century ago. We also learned more about the Indians in the area and how the white people tried to defend themselves from Indian attacks—though it appeared that the whites were doing all of the attacking and the Indians were the ones on the defensive. It was the most impressive display of this type of history that I have ever seen. And it is in the middle of NOWHERE. Of course, we were the only people there. I wish that we could make this trip again after Memorial Day to see all of these historical places “come to life.”
As we have been driving, we have noticed that many fields are planted and something green is growing. Remember that it snowed just a few weeks ago. Well, two (very) old men were having coffee at Wendy’s while we lunched and they mentioned that it is WHEAT. Apparently there is a early summer harvest (which, one man said, is supposed to be late this year) and a second planting and harvest fall. At least, that is what we deduced. The farming operations here are huge and impressive and very much what you think of when you think of “Kansas.”
The final surprise of the day is Wilson Lake State Park. Wilson Lake is huge and beautiful (and manmade we think). The campsites are plentiful and some literally hang over the edge of the lake. The marina houses gigantic houseboats and even some sailboats. We found a campsite overlooking (not overhanging) the lake and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. We only saw two other campers in the entire park, but I bet that this place is packed during the summer months.
Tomorrow we head through Manhattan (the hometown of Mattie’s teacher) and will camp East of the city. Our final experience for this trip will be at the Wizard of Oz Museum.
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