POST 1303; APRIL 27, 2014; GREENBURG, KANSAS

Two weeks ago I was sprinting up 8% mountain Roads at 7,600 ft altitude, but the WIND took headline first place.  Locals said April was typically windy.  I could not breathe in the high winds

OK, am now at something like 4,000 elevation.  Am told the Plains of Kansas are typically windy April through mid MAY with 35 mph winds forecast for today.

I began walking just after Sun Rise in MEADE, Kansas.  It was blowing at something like 45 mph, nearly blowing me off US 54.  Fetched SPIA-2 and drove the 10 miles to FOWLER, Kansas, hoping for better walking conditions.

Stepped out of SPIA-2 into winds I estimated at 60 miles per hour.  The horizon was becoming hazy from a rising dust storm.  Put on my "brave" hat and walked into that monstor wind, returning to SPIA-2 after two hours.

As I returned to FOWLER, planned to walk East for two hours, taking me to the town of MINNEOLA, Kansas.

No way.  Not into still rising winds.

Drove to MINNEOLA, parked, and walked back West on US 54 into ever stronger wind.  The nearby fields were still visable, but the horizon was eaten up by thick dust filling the sky.  Returned to SPIA after 1.5 hours.  Climbed into the car, gazing into trees bent double from the gale (Gale = 45 mph wind), measuring my options.

40 miles further East on US 54 waited the historic small city of GREENBURG, which in 2007 was TOTALLY DESTROYED by a Class E-5 Tornado fully 1-mile wide.  In two days, I would reach GREENBURG walking.  In 45 minutes I could drive to GREENBURG which I had been told had been rebuilt.  I opted to drive to GREENBURG.

Leaving US 54 in MEADE, Kansas, where I received wonderful help from locals.

Approaching FOWLER, Kansas, some 10 miles East of MEADE.

Parked SPIA-2 at the Convenience Store and walked back West toward MEADE.  Wind was now gusting to over Gale strength.

FOWLER Cemetery.

Came across this V-8 Gasoline Motor rigged as a water pump.  The motor was running at about 1800 rpm, the output shaft spinning while connected to a shaft of the Blue Deep Well Water Pump.

A 6 inch water pipe led from the base of the pump past the roaring motor, and depositing water into a short stand-pipe which disappeared into the ground.

Grain Storage Silos.

Trees wind bent nearly double as I set out on my third attempt of the morning.

MINNEOLA Grain Storage Silos.

Arriving in GREENBURG, the sky was dark with wind blown sand.  There was no way to stand safely.  Forget about any walking.

The City was laid out in broad newly surfaced concrete.  City block after city block in all directions had new multi-story buildings.  I found the SHERIFF's Office, introduced myself, asking where they would like me to spend the next couple nights while waiting for the now even STRONGER wind to die down.  Was told of a "Park-On-A-Lake a few blocks away which had ample parking, Picnic Tables, Toilet facilities, AND public fishing.

The Sheriff also suggested the new BEST WESTERN MOTEL would probably welcome my use of their WII-FII facilities to publish today's blog.  Am presently at Best Western, nearly comlete with the Blog update. 

Already visited the lake, having selected my over night spot.

Please say HELLO to CHARLIE (in blue) and ARROW (yes, his name is ARROW which goes with BOW and ARROW).

Charlie was fishing with a Ocean Surf Rod capable of handling a good size shark.  What is in those waters, I asked.  CAT FISH up to many feet long, was ARROW's response. 

Please say HELLO to CHARLIE, who has launched his web site BOWTIE FLOAT.COM., for fishing equipment.  I have not accessed Charlie's site, so do so at your own discretion.

Please say HELLO to ARROW. 

Plan to stay in GREENBURG, hoping the wind abates to allow walking the 40 miles we just drove.  Will  spend more time with Charlie, Arrow, and Sheriff JEFF as I roam the new constructions of rebuilt GREENBURG and wonder at the block after block of flat empty space which prior to May 2007, was a bustling city.

* * * * * * * * * *

I see no purpose of predicting the next couple days.  Must wait to see if Mother Nature calms down.

Perhaps Charlie will loan me a fishing pole !

POST 1302; APRIL 26, 2014; MEADE, KANSAS

WIND:  If the wind has been strong the past weeks, it is reaching storm speed today.  I lay awake in the backseat bedroom measuring the bounces of SPIA-2 as the wind increased during last night.
At dawn, I was on US 54 headed West toward PLAINS, some 14 miles distant...pushing uphill against the stiff blow.  After 2 hours, turned back to MEADE.

Was going to hike a couple hours East on US 54, but with all the hype about wind, rain, hail, and tornadoes, I roamed the town of MEADE instead.  Today was town-wise GARAGE SALE DAY.  I took it in.  My heart cried for the meager offerings and fewer buyers.

Is now 5:30 pm CDT, local.  The Sun is shining brightly.  Wind is blistering theough the trees.  PIZZA HUT huge soign out front is twisting, turning,and bucking in the still rising wind.

Will move SPIA-2 to the abandoned SONIC Restaurant building which affords overhead roof protection from potential large damaging Hail Stones.

Locals seem unconcerned at the approaching storm.  News forecasters are a bit more animated with projections for continuance through Tuesday.   I am taking measured chances by staying in MEADE.  Locals say MEADE sits in a shallow valley, protected from the worst.  Towns to the East on US 54 are more exposed...so, MEADE is where SPIA-2 and ME will hunker down.

Residential Street, MEADE, Kansas.

PIZZA HUT, who has been so kind.

Small local airport is about 2 miles from MEADE Center.

Local history...not to challenge the DALTON Brothers.

Hills and valleys are becoming dominate as we move East toward the MISSISSIPPI River Valley.

One of few Ranch Homes adjacent to US 54.  Ranch Homes are becoming more numerous across the landscape.

Two more young ladies who ended their lives in an auto accident on the lonely stretches of US 54

Flag snapping too in the windy front yard of a local Ranch Home.

US 54 leading back East to MEADE.

More of the dusty farm roads of the Mid West Plains.

There is an occupied Farm House hiding in the protection of trees.

Returning to MEADE...joining the few shoppers perusing the TOWN GARAGE SALE.

MEADE is fortunate to have an honest to goodness Saddlery where leather goods are hand made.

Washing machine TUB ala my vintage.  A "Scrub Board" is used with this square wash tub to scrub away the grime from clothing.  150 years ago, local Native Americans used flat rocks in local streams as wash boards...pounding grimy deer skins with stout wood clubs to get them clean.

ME? ... I throw my grimy clothes in the bottom of my rare shower.  I use Shampoo to wash myself, the drainage soaking underfoot; my stomping becoming the cleaning club.  Rinse each piece well, wring out excess water, and allow to dry in a couple hours draped over the seats of the hot interior of SPIA-2.

A MEADE home.

MEADE GARAGE SALE in action.

Impromptu Sales Counter.

Toys on display.

Banjo offered by a professional musician.

Please say HELLO to ROBERT of KISMET.  Because of sickness at home, Robert missed yesterday Lunch at the KISMET Senior Center.

Pic of SHIRLEY TEMPLE for sale by one of the Garage Sale Vendors.  She was asking $5.00, but allowed me to photograph Shirley's image.

Clockmaker opened on Saturday just for the Garage Sale. 

Please say HELLO to Husband JEFF and Wife, MICKEY, who have been an 18 Wheeler Truck Driver Team for over 14 years.

* * * * * * * * * *

Have just been informed be PIZZA HUT Manager that weather forecasters have lowered forecast probability for severe MEADE storm down to 10%.

Guess NO Tornado pics for me today.   If wind dies during the night, might as well continue walking East on US 54 in the morning.

Have received additional $$ via Blog "DONATE" BUTTON.  Thank You.

POST 1301; APRIL 25, 2014; MEADE, KANSAS

Welcome to Friday Afternoon in MEADE, KANSAS.  Images have been selected and uploaded, ready for narration.

Walked twice this morning - actually set out before Sun Rise and with a short interlude to take off my winter coat after the first walk - was COLD last night -  continued for three more hours East on US 54.

Returned to KISMET in time for lunch at the SENIOR CENTER...then drove the 20 miles to MEADE, Kansas, where this update is ready for narration at PIZZA HUT.

FIRST:  Weather is going nuts nationwide.  MEADE, Kansas, where I plan to over night three nights, is dead center of a thunder storm / tornado possibility - lasting from tomorrow, Saturday, through Monday.

This should be fun.  Have already been given "safe" places to park over night and under cover from damaging golf ball size hail which can do real damage to SPIA-2. 

A town of some 500 has a far ranging popularity for their LABOR DAY World's Fair.

Sun Rose to another beautiful day out on the Range.

Colorful Milk Trucks service numerous local Dairy Farms.

General Store folks who have been so kind allowing use of their WII FII service and over night parking.

Interesting topographical change has developed.  The FLAT Plains are changing to slight undulating HILLS.

Distant lifeless vistas are being interrupted by Ranches popping up with cultivated fields of wheat being IRRIGATED from above ground Rotating SPRINKLER Systems.

Elevations are changing slowly.  The land is sloping away from the beyond -the- horizon Rocky Mountains.  The slope is bringing hills and valleys, which will become more pronounced as we move East.  The MISSISSIPPI River Valley is just over the horizon.

Some travelers leave these simple markers...where their lives came to a close.

Sprinkler in action.  Please note the water spray only inches above the growing Wheat Crop.

Placed any higher, the sprinkler heads would spray water to the ever blowing wind.  Underground "drip" irrigation is being discussed for the near future.

Nice to meet old friends in new places.

These Praying Mantis looking machines are proliferating the landscape.  We are in the OIL and GAS production zone stretching from deep into CANADA to the Gulf of MEXICO off the TEXAS Coast.

Found this DOLL in the grass along side US 54.  Fetched her, straightened her mussed skirts and set her in easy view of passing vehicles.  Perhaps she will find a new MOM to give her renewed TLC (Tender Loving Care).

An actual valley.  The CIMARRON River runs through it.

Distant hills welcoming the flat lands of the Great Plains which stretch from the Rocky Mountains in the West nearly to the MISSISSIPPI River Valley in the East.

KISMET Main Street.

KISMET Main Street.

Metal sheathed Grain Elevator.

Yes, small towns boast really big Grain Storage Elevator Silos

Pumping hot oil...

...from Mother Earth into those Oil Tanks.

KISMET creating the APEX of a rather nice mathematical photograph.

Please say HELLO to LINDA, whom I met while watching her fill her SUV gas tank.  Keeping her from her appointment, we chatted until jogged by another gas customer who agreed to take a pic of LINDA and ME

...next pic, please !

Hmmm;  Nice pic, Linda...you make ME look half OK, too...course, I just finished 20 miles and had to go pee.

....so, naturally, I popped into the KISMET Senior Center, where I was just in time for lunch.

Please say HELLO to LARRY MYERS, who ate and ran.

...and, please say HELLO to DEAN, on his left: MARY, then ROSIE and JUNE

Lunch was excellent, provided week days by the State of KANSAS to all Senior Centers.

Please say HELLO to LACY, the gorgeous young lady who prepared and served our lunch.

A KISMET home.

HOME of the three DALTON BROTHERS, famous historic OUTLAWS of the 1890s.  This is their real home in MEADE, Kansas, which I visited upon my arrival from driving the 20 miles from KISMET. 

Two brothers dead.   One brother severely injured when the gang tried to get cute and rob two banks at the same time.  Residents of COFFEYVILLE, Kansas did them in (gunned them down in a gun fight).

Reproduction of the Brothers' DALTON Barn.  Original burned down, to be rebuilt in the 1920s by WPA workers.

WPA = US Government program for putting millions of Americans to work during the dark years of the Great Depression.

Please say HELLO to a very special man, MARK.  MARK greeted me at the DALTON BROTHER's home, talked me through History dripping from the surrounding walls. 

The background directly behind MARK is the actual "escape" TUNNEL built by the BROTHERS from their home to the Barn down the hill.

Standing at the Barn Corner, the "Escape" Tunnel follows the Lay Line to the home top of the hill.

I mentioned to MARK, my visit to BONNIE and CLYDE historic spots, whereupon MARK revealed he is also somewhat of an expert on B and C...who visited MEADE, Kansas, where their car broke down.  Clyde set off down (NOW) US 54 to a Picnic of locals where he attempted to make off with a parked car.  Seems the Picnic Ladies took issue with Clyde's wishes and gang attacked him with their CROQUET MALLETS from which Clyde ran off.

* * * * * * * * * *

Is now 7:30 PM.  Have worked on this update for over 5 hours.  I trust my efforts are worthy.

Ahead of tomorrow's storms, will walk 7 miles back toward KISMET and return to MEADE.

If the weather allows, will walk East on US 54 toward FOWLER, some 10 miles distant.

Oh, by the way, the Mother of the DALTON BROTHERS was related to the equally famous OUTLAWS, The YOUNGER GANG.

Seems the boys were FIRST COUSINS.