We took off on the backroads to Lincoln county, one of our favorite places to go
Kansas is known for the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz. We also have the Rim Man, a farmer really used his imagination to build this snowman out of tire rims.
Where’s Wylie? I always love to photograph him at the foot of a big old tree.
Beside the Post Rock Motel (which dates back to the 1950’s) is a wonderful Himalayan resturant. A tiny little building, with great food! It is definately worth a trip to Lincoln.
It was so much fun spending a couple days in Wamego, KS. The weather was cool and being in a small town you weren’t too far from an adventure.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
The Oz Museum certainly exceeded my expectations! Lots of props from the movie, life sized characters and even a theatre where you can watch the movie. Dorothy’s ruby slippers were on display though they weren’t the “real” ones. There were so may artifacts that it would take a day to see it all, (and of course I didn’t have my glasses to be able to read)! Admission was only $10.00. Pet friendly, they will babysit your larger dog, but you are able to carry your small pup through the museum.
There are flying monkeys on the building! I was terrified of those things.
Be sure to eat at Toto’s TacOz! My choice was the Guaco Taco. The best black beans!, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole stuffed in a crispy shell and soft flour tortilla. Making me hungry! They also had Emerald City Street Tacos, and the Yellow Brick Burrito.
This mural was on the wall along the Yellow Brick Road. I loved the saying!!
We’re ready for another road trip around Kansas, but this is one small town that we definitely will be returning to soon.
There are so many little towns in Kansas that are often overlooked as people hurry to get somewhere else. When I bought my little RV, I had in mind to explore some of these towns. Wylie and I had been going to the lakes and hiking, but they are getting busier and it’s getting too warm for this old lady and her pup to be out hiking. Our first stop on our Travel Kansas Tour is…..
Wamego, named for a Potawatomi Native American chief, platted in 1866.
Kansas River at Wamego
Calvin’s RV Camping was a nice shady, quiet rv park. The owners are so nice! Our rv is the little black and grey one. Just the perfect size to drive around and so comfortable for camping. All the modern conveniences! We can’t wait to go back!
Our first stop was the park to see the Dutch Mill. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the 1870’s north of Wamego, it was used to grind grain until the late 1880’s. Most of the mills in Kansas were powered by water, the Dutch Mill was powered by wind. In 1924, the mill was dismantled. Each stone was numbered and moved by horse-drawn wagons to the city park, where it was reassembled. The mill is no longer powered by the wind, but has been converted to electricity.
The city park also houses the Wamego Museum and other historical buildings and a little train that runs on a track throughout the park. In the spring of each year they host a tulip festival. That would be a beautiful sight!
Toto in Wamego
Numerous places around town you will see artwork from Kansas artist featuring Toto, from the Wizard of Oz. There are 15 Totos, we have more to photograph, but here is a start. Thanks Wylie for being so patient with me and posing for so many photos!!
Maggie, the Service Dog by Rhonda Kesner
Patriotic Toto, by Jamie Lynn
Wamegoscape II, by Christina Klein
“Toto”lly Gingham, by Kellie Dillinger
The Lollipop Guild, by Jamie Lynn
Emerald City Toto, by Joyce Abernathy
We aren’t done with our tour of Wamego. It will be about:
Lions and Tigers and Bears OH MY
On our way to one of our favorite backroads for an early morning walk, I saw this sunrise in my rear-view mirror.
The sky changes so quickly in only a matter of minutes.
Only the tops of the trees are highlighted by the rising sun.
Wylie and I spent another winter day at the lake. We went to Kanoplis, needing the exercise that the trails offered.
A well-traveled trail. We were the only ones on the trail, when it’s nice you can expect to see horses and hikers. 
The trails were wonderful to walk, until someone got a sticker in his paw and even though I removed it, he didn’t want to walk on the trail, I had to pack him out. Mention the word sticker and he will snarl at you!
Beautiful ice sculptures.
Someone built a really nice shelter.
This is our new little exploring vehicle. After a long hike it’s nice to have a meal and a nap!! Can’t wait to see all the adventures it will take us on. Not much longer than a full-sized pickup easy to get around, but you have to watch for low hanging limbs and other objects.
It was a beautiful winter day at the Kanoplis Lake. I always like to go this time of the year to see the eagles in their nest. This pair has been coming to this spot for years. The park closes the trails around their nest.
Temperatures were in the 50’s today, but we’ve had some really cold weather with wind chills in the -10! Parts of the lake are frozen over.
Wylie, the rock climber, we didn’t make it to the top!
Beautiful sky
So thankful for the nice winter day. It’s going to change tomorrow and get cold again with only a slight chance of moisture.
It was a cool overcast day, a trip to the lake sounded like a great way to pass the day. I was surprised how many others had the same idea! The campgrounds (that were open) were almost full. The adults were sitting around the campfires all bundled up in their winter coats. All the kids were running around play, riding bikes and not on their electronic devices. There were numerous Boy Scouts troops camping. The hiking trails were also busy. Wonderful to see so many out enjoying nature!!
The Redbud trees have been especially beautiful this year. They are native to this region of Kansas.
The eagles are back on their nest. They have used this nest for several years.
After being inside due to sub zero temperatures, it was so nice to see a day with no wind and in the 60’s. Perfect day to head to one of my favorite parts of Kansas. Post Rock country in Lincoln County, and parts of western Ottawa County.
Wide open spaces
Remains of a stone fence
Root cellar
Wylie and a big round rock.
It’s been a while since I posted and the format is completely different. Maybe that’s a good thing? We’ll see.
It hasn’t been our “normal” Kansas winter, (but what is normal anymore?). Mild temps and no moisture. It is wonderful being about to be outside without freezing your fingers and toes. We certainly have enjoyed being out and of course our long walks.
Our drive thru Maxwell Game Preserve. The bull elk were separated (by choice) from the cows. They were peacefully grazing.
On the west side of the preserve is the McPherson County State Lake. There are hiking trails, fishing, also 1 cabin that you can rent. There is some construction on to the west of the lake. It looks like a maybe camp ground is being built.
We have been having a beautiful September!! The mornings are so cool and there has been a lot of fog. My favorite time of day are our early morning walks.
Sunrise through the fog.
Sunrise through the smoke from all the fires out West. It looks more like the moon! Thankful that we can’t smell the smoke. Prayers for all the firefighters and all in the those effected by the fires.
Signs of autumn. My favorite season!
Farmer Days 