We Left Family to See Family
We left the KOA in Ft. Collins on the morning of Monday, August 14, 2017, after our visit with Connie’s son, Jason, and family. We had scheduled doctor appointments and to visit family back “home”. Our goal was to be at the Blue Springs Campground, a Jackson County Park, on August 24. We had two scheduled stays but still had days without a firm reservation.
The GPS we were using wanted us to go a different route than expected. So, we unplugged it and headed for I-25 South. As we reached the Interstate, we could see traffic was backed up. Perhaps our GPS was trying to get us around the problem, which turned out to be an injury accident. In fact, we had to move over for the ambulance to get by us. We had a long delay. However, as most frequent travelers know, our chances for this experience is higher than most folks.
Past the accident, traffic was light through Denver, and it became even lighter as we headed east on I-70 toward Kansas. Our elevation went up as we got closer to our destination for the next two days, to 5,400 feet. Then, the elevation went down to 4,712 feet at Siebert, CO, our destination. I have a fascination with tracking elevation.
A Deal Through Passport America
We found a deal of two nights for the price of one night, through Passport America. The RV Park was small, as was the town of Siebert. This was to be a rest stop plus a maintenance day. So, the fact that there was no TV or internet and gravel roads would help us to focus on what needed to be done. We might fit in some time to read and nap.
A Workday in Siebert
On Tuesday, my duty for the day was to lube the sliders and get the duct tape glue off the propane door (from my earlier “get by” repair). I got the glue off by using peanut butter! Since I was on a roll, I fixed a loose shade, then, I secured the cover on the spare time. The wind and bumps in the road create some needed repairs over time.
Connie cleaned house and did laundry. While doing the laundry, she found a loaner library of movies left by other campers. We picked out our evening entertainment, a movie called “Meeks Turnover”, based on a small wagon train on the Oregon Trail. We had traveled over some of the same ground just this summer!
Pay Day on Our Anniversary!
This was the third Wednesday of the month, our SSA pay day! It, also, happened to be our wedding anniversary. It was, also, a travel day. Our next stop was in an area neither of us had seen in western Kansas. Our camp would be at Lake Scott State Park, near Scott City, KS.
Our drive from Siebert was only about 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, the office was closed. However, we found our site number. We had to back into our spot. A neighbor camper helped me navigate. We met Bob and Zada Weilert, of Weilert Farms, near Lodi, KS. They camp here during the week. He turned 77, today, and had their children and grandchildren coming over that evening.
We celebrated our anniversary by going to Scott City to eat. We found the Grill House for dinner and dessert at the DQ. Back in camp, we found that we had five TV channels available!
Life on the Lake
The next day, we finished our registration and got fishing licenses. However, we could not buy bait from the Beach House shop at the Lake until mid-afternoon. Remember, we are staying at a State Park in western Kansas, near a small town. There is not a lot going on. That makes relaxing a lot easier.
We finally got some worms for bait and started fishing. I caught a bass and Connie caught a large channel cat, which broke the line when I tried to lift it out of the water without a net. The score is now Connie 10 and Glenn 10.
A Day in Town
Friday, our third day in camp, required us to go to the public library to get a good internet connection to conduct some personal business. We had a late lunch at a Mexican restaurant. Then, we went for ice cream at the DQ.
On our way back to camp, we stopped at a historical site of the last Indian skirmish, called Battle Canyon. The last casualty of the Indian wars in Kansas happened here. And, back in the Park, we found another older evidence of Indian history and Spanish explorers.
A Pleasant Evening
Back in camp, we rested a while before we went fishing. Connie caught a bluegill and I caught a rock bass. The score now is Connie 11 and Glenn 11. We were prepared when a Park Ranger checked our fishing license!
It was a very pleasant evening, unlike the previous night of rain. We sat outside a while after a sandwich for supper. Tomorrow, we go to Monument Rocks.
A Dusty Trail to Monument Rocks
I cannot recall how we came to hear about Monument Rocks, but we chose this area to camp in order to see them. The thought of seeing rocks pushed high up out of the ground in the middle of the prairie was too much to resist. Near the turn off on US Hwy 63, we stopped at the Keystone Fossil Museum. It is a small shop. And, the owner is an artist and an active fossil hunter. They were active in setting up the signage at Monument Rocks National Landmark. To get to the Rocks, you will travel several miles on a dirt road. The site is well worth visiting and very unique.
Back in camp, we made time for our last opportunity to fish before leaving tomorrow. I caught two small fish. The score is now Connie 11 and Glenn 13!
Time to Move to Parsons
I have a cousin in Parsons, KS. That is a planned stop on our trip back to Independence, MO. In my next post, I will have some observations to make about various points of interest along our trail leading back east across the southern side of Kansas. Until next week, safe travels!