It was by accident that my husband and I discovered eagles at Milford Lake. Being nature lovers and having two dogs that need a lot of exercise, we have been visiting the lake frequently since moving to Kansas in June of 1999. It…Read More

It was by accident that my husband and I discovered eagles at Milford Lake. Being nature lovers and having two dogs that need a lot of exercise, we have been visiting the lake frequently since moving to Kansas in June of 1999. It was in January, 2000 that we saw our first wild eagles. By the time we figured out that we were seeing eagles they were already leaving the area. I'm anxiously awaiting January to come around again -- I will be better prepared knowing what I am looking for.

There is no thrill quite like seeing eagles in the wild. I imagine what this land used to be like when eagles were abundant and it must have been such a marvelous sight. Close

One of the most memorable times I spent at Herington was on the morning that my husband and I struggled out of bed at 5:00 in the morning so that we could witness the sun rising over the lake. Actually, we got up at…Read More

One of the most memorable times I spent at Herington was on the morning that my husband and I struggled out of bed at 5:00 in the morning so that we could witness the sun rising over the lake.

Actually, we got up at this time for a dual purpose. Kansas in August is far to hot to do anything during the middle of the day. It had been weeks since we had been able to take our dogs for an outing because of the heat. Thus the early morning adventure.

We found the lake quite still and practically deserted. There was a boat with fishers at the north end and a couple of campers on the east side, but other than that we had the area to ourselves. The sounds of early morning birds are somehow both haunting and calming. Combined with the lapping of water upon the shore a feeling of peace was inevitable.

The sun was rising just as I returned from tracking a heron to our vantage point on a southernly promontory. It was stunning and I wondered why I didn't get up early more often.Close

Another building on the grounds is a place of meditation. It is a lovely building sitting by itself near one of the parking lots. The most lovely thing here is the outside fountain at night. It is lighted with colored lights and…Read More

Another building on the grounds is a place of meditation. It is a lovely building sitting by itself near one of the parking lots. The most lovely thing here is the outside fountain at night. It is lighted with colored lights and is a quiet and peaceful place to sit for a few moments of contemplation or meditation.Close

The family of Dwight Eisenhower has their family cemetery plot in Abilene, though the former president was not laid to rest here. The cemetery is located across town (on 14th about 4 blocks west of Buckeye) from the Eisenhower Center but is an interesting…Read More

The family of Dwight Eisenhower has their family cemetery plot in Abilene, though the former president was not laid to rest here. The cemetery is located across town (on 14th about 4 blocks west of Buckeye) from the Eisenhower Center but is an interesting side-trip. The Eisenhower plot is enclosed by its own ornate fence. There are several other interesting gravestones in this cemetery if you care to browse around.Close

I think the most unusual animals that we saw were the Bongos. It has always been my understanding that bongos were little drums played by beatniks. I never knew that they were also animals. As you can see from the photos, they…Read More

I think the most unusual animals that we saw were the Bongos. It has always been my understanding that bongos were little drums played by beatniks. I never knew that they were also animals. As you can see from the photos, they have quite unusual markings. These animals are nearly extinct and I am glad that I had the opportunity to see them in the flesh.Close

Another area of interest for me was the camels. The two dromedary camels remained right next to the viewing area the entire time we were by their enclosure. Though one of the camels simply stood around with a very composed look on its…Read More

Another area of interest for me was the camels. The two dromedary camels remained right next to the viewing area the entire time we were by their enclosure. Though one of the camels simply stood around with a very composed look on its face, the other seemed to think that it was time for 'Fun With Lips.' I almost couldn't get my husband to move along because he was getting such a kick out of this animals 'exploration of the various postures available to camel lips.'

The pen area was relatively clean. It was a warm day when we visited and though there was the usual animal odor of feces and urine it was not overwhelming nor terribly offensive.

The bactian camels were rather difficult to view due to the construction of the enclosure. They must be powerful animals and rather adverse to being penned up as the bars of their enclosure were quite thick.

We enjoyed the camels tremendously.Close

Just north of Salina on 9th Street we found a wonderful winery. Who would have thought -- a Kansas Winery? My favorite wines are sweet dessert wines and Smoky Hill Winery offers a plethora of these. I absolutely abhor buying wine at…Read More

Just north of Salina on 9th Street we found a wonderful winery. Who would have thought -- a Kansas Winery? My favorite wines are sweet dessert wines and Smoky Hill Winery offers a plethora of these. I absolutely abhor buying wine at a liquor store because I believe it's best to sample what you are going to buy before you make a purchase and Smoky Hill Winery allows you to do this. Not only can you sample wines, but they also often serve snacks -- for free -- along with their wine sampling events. The winery produces and sells a marvelous Christmas wine -- sure to be the hit of any holiday gathering -- designed to be served warm for those cold December nights.Close

Just north of Salina, outside the small town of Minneapolis, Kansas, is a nature oddity that you won't soon forget. In a field of about 5 acres, you find 200 rocks. Yes, rocks, but these are the size of houses or cars and they are…Read More

Just north of Salina, outside the small town of Minneapolis, Kansas, is a nature oddity that you won't soon forget. In a field of about 5 acres, you find 200 rocks. Yes, rocks, but these are the size of houses or cars and they are alone in the wheat field. They are said to be over a million years old and made of Dakota sandstone. They were created from a grain of sand and pushed up through the earth to create this large formation. The cost of entrance is just $3 per person and a map may be purchased for a small fee. There is a covered picnic area for families to enjoy the day, and the walk is an easy one. Take a look at a website I found, www.washburn.edu/cas/art/cyoho/archive/KStravel/rockcity.Close

Taking our two jack russell terriers along on trips can present difficulties, such as "where do you potty them". Driving around Salina, Kansas we found a lovely park and visited it numerous times during our two day stay. The park is located on the corner…Read More

Taking our two jack russell terriers along on trips can present difficulties, such as "where do you potty them". Driving around Salina, Kansas we found a lovely park and visited it numerous times during our two day stay. The park is located on the corner of Ohio and Magnolia and is only 2 to 3 miles east of the shopping mall. The park is free and really worth the time.

The park seemed to be a large 5 to 10 acres of numerous activities. There was a small pond with a gazebo. You may see fish, ducks, and even beautiful swans. We enjoyed the numerous walking paths that winded in and out of the trees and followed the creeks that flowed throughout the park. If you have children or if you are a kid at heart there is a wonderful playground. Jami, our female, loved to jump and bark at the ducks and they seemed to be playing back. Close

First off, this is hands down one of the best Ren Fests in the country. That said, it’s a whole lot of fun too! For the family, for kids, and for kids of all ages! The entire website of this festival can be found here:…Read More

First off, this is hands down one of the best Ren Fests in the country. That said, it’s a whole lot of fun too! For the family, for kids, and for kids of all ages! The entire website of this festival can be found here: Kansas City Renaissance Festival

Now, on to the specifics! This festival is held in Bonner Springs, KS, which is about a half hour from downtown Kansas City. Tickets at the gate are $15.95 for adults, and $7.95 for kiddos! Under 5? It’s Free! Not only that, if you want to bring your doggie (see our fairy dog picture below!), all you need is proof that he has his vaccinations and it will cost you a one time per year $2.00 fee! Note, if you plan on coming several times in one year, there are special memberships available that might make it a good investment. You can find that information on their website, but its anywhere from 60 dollars to 100 for a season membership depending on how many times you go, etc.

The Ren Fest starts usually at the beginning of September each year, and lasts through the end of October! Each weekend is a "themed" weekend every year, so no matter if you go once or all weekends, you will have a great time! But each weekend they have something called the Queen's Tea which is $7.00 extra and lets you drink tea with the queen. Also there is the Royal Cigar Smoker which lets you get a great turkey leg dinner along with a cigar!

Other favorite attractions in these 16 acres of shaded land include the jousting tournament, costumed characters wandering about, musical acts performing for free at all times, food, shops, and great shows like "Puke and Snot!"

There is a children's realm, a petting zoo, and even an enchanted forest to wander in! If you are lucky, you might even see an ACTUAL wedding going on, as these are booked throughout the 7 weeks that the festival goes on!

There are wonderful shops and artisans there. You can find everything from clothing to swords. Dwarf Mountain Knives has the best handmade knives you can find! Tigger Tog has great clothes that are all handmade! Great ideas are available for kids too! Everything from fairy wings to face painting! Kids will LOVE this place!

Bonner Springs, KS is just a short drive from Kansas City, and therefore, accommodations abound. However, if you want to drive out just for the Ren Fest, there are some places to stay near there. Area hotels can be found if you click: HERE.

Whether or not you've ever gone to a Ren Fest before, this one is one of the best to try out! It has over 150 booths, I believe, and is one of the largest in the country. It is sponsored by the Kansas City Art Institute so all the proceeds from the entrance fees, etc. go to a good cause! Huzzah!