I HATE HEIGHTS and I did'tl like the looks of this bridge at all. The sign warns only 3 allow at a time and not to jump. Jump, I didn't even want to talk it but if I was going to do the Konza, I had to cross the bridge. Just me, walking slowly the bridge still started to bounce up and down and I was to afraid to turn around or stop or run.

 Decided to walk the Konza Prairie this weekend and I knew it was 2.5 miles but it looked flat and easy and I really thought I would see a bird or two. As you see it looks nice and flat.

 The only reason I stopped to look back to where I've come from and take this picture, is to catch my breath.

 This looks difficult but its got to be my last hill up.

 I see the trail below so know down hill must be coming soon

 But there is another hill up

 Tippy top. Below in the distance is the Kansas River and River Valley. Its mostly farmland now but its steeped in history

 All the grasses had this red color

 All the complaining I did about climbing up the hills, this I climbed down and I think it was even harder than going up as I kept thinking I might slide down. The limestone is everywhere and a was used to build buildings in the area including thoes on Ft Riley

The Hokenson Homestead was near the end of the trail.Swedish immigants homesteaded the area in 1878. It was nice to set down and imagine what life was like for the homesteaders. The building didn't have many windows so it must have dark inside.

 

This was probably a root cellar?

 

 

 As I walked out, I saw this Red-bellied Woodpecker, The day was good

 

Spent last weekend at the Hoquim River RV Park with a group of folks we know and I loved the park, although it was rather on the pricey side and like most RV parks, little privacy as folks are packed rather like sardines in a can. But it was on the Hoquim River and had a wonderful trail.

 Not all RV Parks have great little trails to walk

 

 Hoquim was lumber country and this river was used to move the lumber to the mill. Mother Nature is trying her best to turn this all into dust

 A gentleman I was talking to told me there were river otters but we never saw one. There was a beautiful Great Blue Heron nesting in a tree and a tiny Spotted Sandpiper though

 Nice treat for a weary walker

 

Next week heading for Hoquim WA for the weekend. Not much of a trip but going with friends and that will be fun. Just hope that the weather holds. Heading south this winter, I've got the 29th of January circled on the calendar. Thats right after Sumo is over, can't miss that. And the plan is, since it's in the dead of winter, to just head south via the Oregon Coast. There are tons of campgrounds along the coast and if the weather gets bad, we'll pull in and wait it out. Got the trip planned as far as Beale AFB in Yuba City

 Wichita NWR just west of Ft Sill is an awesome place to visit.