Tag Archives: ELK

Not A Normal Winter

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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.

Back Roads to Maxwell

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I had my day all planned out, and none of what I had planned worked out.  It is a cool, breezy overcast day and the place I was wanting to go in the Flint Hills would be better photographed on a clear day.  Wylie and I loaded up and took the back roads over to Maxwell Wildlife Refuge near Canton, Kansas.  Here’s what we saw today.

 

Abandoned bridge outside of Assaria, KSDSC02853

I didn’t find any information on Hallville, KS.  There is one home currently occupied, I could find no other remains of any buildings.  It was along an abandoned train track.

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Olive Springs School was built in 1885 and was used as a school until 1947.  It is now an art gallery displaying the painting and prints of a local artist, Maleta Forsberg.

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Bridge near the entrance to Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

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Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is home to 200 head of bison and 50 elk.  They roam free on the 2800 acre natural prairie.

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Just west of the Refuge is McPherson State fishing lake, where we saw this lone eagle.

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Buffalo National River, Arkansas

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In 1972 the Buffalo River was declared a National River, one of the few remaining free-flowing, undammed river in the lower 48 states.  It originates at the highest part of the Boston Mountains of the Ozarks and flows 135 miles before joining the White River.  The National River is popular for camping, float trips, and fishing.  There are over 100 miles of hiking trails.  The best way to see the river are by the trails or a float trip.  I’m looking forward to a return trip to explore the river!

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Parker-Hickman Farmstead

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This looks like a trail tree!!

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Rocky Mountain Elk were introduced to the region a few years ago.  The herd now numbers around 800.

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Swan

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