We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto

Let me first apologize for no post yesterday. We were really tired. We didn't make much progress west, but we did a lot of driving north and south.

We left our hotel early to have the Chevy Chase moment of our trip - to see:

The boys didn't have much luck moving it. Although, Dempsey thinks they nudged it and he felt it loosen. You have to wonder, just what makes one sit and begin this ball of twine? And once begun, what would make one continue?

From twine to centers(no connection really). The center of the contiguous United States is not far from the ball of twine. Ironically, the marker that stands at the center is smaller than the twine.

On our way to both of these places, we happened upon a lake in the middle of Kansas, Lake Waconda. There is an indian legend that goes with the lake. Kind of a Romeo and Juliet thing, but change the names and location.

This is a very pretty site out in the middle of prairie land all around. There were a lot of fresh water clams, big ones, that we saw along with Kill Dear and several other kinds of birds.

Take a long drive south, and you come to:

Built in 1860-1861 as an outpost for the Santa Fe Trail, all the buildings, except one, are original. The one that was destroyed has been rebuilt. It was taken apart and repurposed after the fort was sold and used as a ranch.

Compared to Forts McHenry and Frederick back home, this were really quite nice. They are made out of sandstone because that what was around. The lumber used was shipped down from Michigan! Quite a long trek.

Lastly about Kansas, just in case you were wondering, the state flower of Kansas is:

The Sunflower.

There is a variety that grows out here like weeds. And there are entire fields of them. We never thought about where all the sunflower seeds that get devoured during baseball season are grown, but now we know.

Today we entered Colorado. Let me just say that last night in Hays, KS we were at 2,000 feet. Now, we are at 6,000 feet! We are in Colorado Springs and will be going up Pike's Peak tomorrow via COG Railway(http://www.cograilway.com/). When we were 65 miles away, I took this picture:

That is Pike's Peak in the back! It was a bit hazy, but come on 65 miles??? Wow.
This is a picture of the mountains(not Pike's Peak) just after sunset from eastern Colorado Springs. Some of the scenery here is gorgeous. We have been driving, so no pictures yet. There are a lot of red rock formations that we will hopefully be able to take pictures of tomorrow.

Dempsey says, "I can't wait to see Arches National Park(later in the trip), the Grand Canton and all the other good stuff. I just want to say Hi to all my friends back home and I miss you."

Palmer says, "This is a really good experience and I can't wait to go up Pike's Peak."

As we turn in for the night, many times today we have been reminded of the disaster that happened 9 years ago. It is good to see the whole country remembers. Please take a moment to remember those who were lost and pray for those who remain.