O Pioneers!

Saturday I decided to check out one of the National Scenic Byways in Kansas (there are two of them). I drove north on Hwy 177 from Cassoday to Council Grove but the main attraction was the Tallgrass Prairie National Presevere just north of Cottonwood Falls. I have a special love of the Flint Hills, those beautiful gently rolling hills covered with tallgrass. I think of the pioneers and their journey - what it would have been like to crest a hill and see the trees next to a creek. Anyone who doesn't see beauty in the prairie is blind.

I encourage you to check out Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. It's about 1.5 hours northeast of Wichita. Bring good walking shoes for one of trails and make time for the 90 minute bus tour through the 10,000 acres. http://www.nps.gov/archive/tapr/home.htm

Another great resource is www.byways.org The website for the National Scenic Byways Program with maps and ideas for day trips along each route. And if you're ever in Cottonwood Falls, get a four star meal at the Grand Central Hotel where an old friend of mine is head chef.

Stone fences at Pioneer Bluffs-Rogler Ranch Historic District

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve


Lower Fox Creek School

And I had the perfect soundtrack for the drive, the Kansas vs. Kansas State football game, made even better by KU's win. Go Jayhawks!