Ellsworth and Kanopolis Kansas

I didn’t have far to drive to get to Ellsworth from Abilene. A little further west on I-70 to 135 south then to 140 to 141 and 10 miles to the Outlet Parkside Campground built by the Corps of Engineers. I hadn’t planned on staying here originally. My thought was to stay at the state park in Kanopolis, actually right across the street. But I was advised by Connie and George Dickinson, owners of the Smoky Hill Trading Post, that because of the high winds, I would be more protected in the valley that Riverside offered. Although Kanopolis is directly across the street, it is on higher ground. Their advise was spot on, as even though I am below the winds, it is still extremely windy. So far Kansas has lived up to its windy reputation with gusts up to 45 miles per hour. I am camped directly above the river that is actually a runoff for the Kanopolis Dam and Reservoir.
That night I set up and relaxed as I knew the next day would offer a full day of sight seeing in Ellsworth. Ellsworth is one of only a handful of Kansas towns that were known as “End of Trail” towns for the Texas Cowboys and their wild Texas Longhorn Cattle. The era occupied a short span of history from 1867 to 1885, just under 20 years. Ellsworth served as a cattle depot or railhead for seven of those years from 1868 to 1875.
Seeing the Ellsworth County Historical Museum was high on my list as it is packed with the Western History I was looking for.
When I stopped into the Area Chamber of Commerce, I was informed by Nick Slechta, Director, that it was closed that day. His help to try to get one of the volunteers to open it failed so I just did the walking tour. I also stopped at Fort Harker which is famous for the campaign against the Cheyenne in 1864 and the famous people who used it as a base camp such as Generals Sheridan, Sherman, Grant, Hancock, Miles and others such as Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickok who were scouts for the military.
Western Wear, boots, were also on my mind, and I was directed me to C R Old West Trading Post. There I met Christina Goding, the owner. Chris informed me I would be trying on lots of boots to make sure I got a pair that fit and was to my liking. She did a great job and I left with a pair of Boulet Boots that were surprisingly enough, made in Canada. Well, Canada is almost the U S A so I bought them. I also left with gifts of post cards, a Kansas rock with a personal inscription on the back and special Blackrock leather conditioner. But, I also left with more. Chris and her co worker Val have become friends. Tonight we meet for beers at a place called Dry Dock and an opportunity for me to practice by Two Step that Chris taught me.
Chris and her companion, Rebel, that’s his real name, own almost 1000 acres of land directly off of Rt. 140, or just 40 as they refer to it. The farmers in the area still are true to the same traditions that their grand and great grandparents adhered to. The land is still considered cheap and as Rebel told me today when I visited their spread, “Kansas is one of the few places left where a farmer or cowboy can actually make a living”. They have 135 head of cattle and also grow soy beans other crops. Not a bad life.
Ellsworth is a true old west town even today. Western apparel is as common as a suit is in the big city.
So far the people that I have met in Kansas have been the most down to earth, friendly and generous people you could imagine. We’ll see how friendly they are tonight after I step on a few toes two stepping. I don’t think Two Step refers to toes.
Post Script: Thursday… A one man band (and son on occasion) at Dry Dock, great sound and a whole lot of fun. Rebel turned to me and said “All this in the middle of nowhere”.
Friday… I did end up seeing the Ellsworth Historical Museum and have posted a few pictures. It was not a disappointment. A second night of dancing in Salina, a fairly large town about 35 miles east of Ellsworth at a saloon called Outlaws. Outlaws is about 50 years old and seems to be a tradition in this area. I saw everything from country to preppie to hippie, young and old alike. It’s a very interesting place to listen to music, dance or just people watch. I did all three and had a great time.
Kansas…Not a bad place to settle down, if you can take the winds!

$2.50 for three months. Wild little town!

Abilene Kansas

Leaving Branson for Kansas was bitter sweet. I wanted to spend more time there, but the road was calling!
Route 65 North out of Missouri is all hills and all small country towns. I’ve said that before and I am sure will say it again through out the country. Route 65 runs through the heart of Missouri and is a straight shot into Kansas once you turn West onto I-70. There you see a vastly different landscape. What seems like millions of acres of land on both sides of I-70 dedicated to raising cattle. That’s pretty much it, except for a farm or home here and there. The wind is also what you feel, strong and continuous. I was told that Kansas is boring with nothing to see. I didn’t find it boring, just different. I was truly amazed at the amount of land that was before me. I did find the Bison ranches interesting. Now I know where those Buffalo burgers come from that I have been ordering.
I entered Abilene and the Covered Wagon Campground and set up for the evening. Abilene is the home of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Lots of Eisenhower stuff. “I Like Ike”, but I preferred to see the Western stuff. I found out that I have to go down to Ellsworth, Wichita, or Dodge City for that. That is where I will be heading. Actually Abilene has some interesting history that you can read about in the picture below. The buildings that you see are the real deal. Not replicas, but the actual structure. The Rock Island Station  and railroad is the same that you hear about in the song about it being “A mighty fine line”. It all stared here in Abilene. All information that I know you were clamoring for. More cow towns to follow. Enjoy the pictures. TC…

                                            Not your TC, but this TC...

    

Bye, Bye...

Branson Missouri

Driving into Branson on Rt. 65 brought back memories of when Mike and I did the same but from Arkansas heading north, and on Harleys. I entered this time from 44 West which also was familiar. Route 66 and 44 West parallel each other and we drove Route 66 to California. The mountains are more spectacular the way I approached. I managed a few photos of the Arch while driving through St. Louis. The Arch is the “Gateway To The West”. It is a gleaming stainless steel structure that towers over the city of St. Louis, Mo. It is a site to behold. It is a 630 foot semi circle that makes the arches at McDonalds look like little babies. Its purpose was to honor and inspire those who headed west to seek their fortune and fame and to expand the new frontier. You know, “Go West Young Man”. Horace Greeley.
When we were in Branson we saw a copy cat Beatle show called Liverpool Legends. I couldn’t resist taking a picture of the marquee of the same show going now. I call Branson a circus town. There is so much going on. Country Western shows of all flavor and just about any other kind of show and entertainment. This town started out when the likes of Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and others provided a venue for future stars to show off their stuff. From that small idea it has turned into a Mecca of entertainment.
I check into the Table Rock State Park and picked a site across the Table Rock River and Marina which in part is created by the Table Rock Dam. Lots of things named Table Rock here.
The wineries seem to call out my name and today I toured another. Pat the young lady who poured and toured was very informative. Those large oak barrels are 160 years old. Actually at one point in time the Stone Hill Winery was the second largest in the nation. All the grapes are from Missouri and I assure you at least the Hermannsberger is excellent. You can actually taste the oak in the flavor of the wine. No grapes from Branson though, much too rocky, only from other parts of Missouri.
This campground seems to be a place to do exactly what I am doing; make this your temporary home while you visit Branson and help the economy, which from my assessment, doesn’t need too much help. Hey, I’ll do what I can though.
Today I spent all day at Silver Dollar City. It is an 1800’s Missouri Country theme park. For a $56.00 entry fee you to see get to see numerous shows, ride a train, see many exhibits and experience great food and so much fun. I started out with breakfast of an amazing walnut cheese pastry and coffee. The pastry was baked on site and the smell sort of drew me in like a moth to a flame, or a hungry person who didn’t have breakfast. The Fiery Fiddles show was a Las Vegas quality 45 minute show that was great. Note the lovely playing fiddle upside down. She did it all, sang, played an amazing violin and did the acrobat thing too. Lunch was next that consisted of a sausage sandwich that called my attention and my name earlier. I had to go back and indulge. See the Castorine Oil picture, I figured if it didn’t work on the car it would help my stomach. I figured I would need it by the end of the day! The Silver Dollar Saloon show was great with comedy and a bevy of beauties that were cute and had great voices too. A Russian band that played Glenn Miller stuff and other American favorites was also a lot of fun. Ice cream for dinner was next on the menu. Oh well, so much for the diet. There was a glass blowing show, wood carving and a great train ride with a half way show that was very funny. The Pickers were very funny.
If you are ever in Branson, Silver Dollar City is a must. Well worth the admission and more. Kansas and all the cowboy towns is my next stop. Looking forward to that, partner…Enjoy some pictures. TC…