Misc Adventures – Page 18 – Bill Araujo's Image Playground

So Kansas Is Flat!

Most people think Kansas is really…… flat. Well, there might just be a few surprises. Some of you have heard of the Kansas Flint Hills but many have not ventured to the very western part of the state. Yes, it is very flat in that part of the state. However, if you venture down the long dusty road pictured below,

and after you think that you’re really lost this time for sure, you’ll find some very interesting formations. First, you’ll see

_BA19272 — What happened to the Flat Land?

followed by what you came looking for all the while, Monument Rocks. This landmark is on private land but the owners are generous to share it with the public. These limestone formations were formed 80 million years ago and were once the floor of a vast inland sea.

The image below shows my car as a reference to how tall these “rocks” are. They’re about 70 feet tall and you can walk right up to them. As a testament to the people that visit, I saw no graffiti which is refreshing.

Not too far from Monument Rock, you’ll find another surprise. It’s an oasis called Lake Scott State Park and Wildlife Area. The flat plains drop to this startling oasis with natural springs, deep wooded canyons and craggy bluffs.

While I had a bobcat visit my camp, I also saw many of these circling above. They’re turkey vultures. I kept wondering if they were trying to tell me something!!!

I also saw the weirdest bison, I’ve ever seen. The owners claimed them to be purebred bison or American Buffalo but they look like Beefalo to me. What do you think?

Oh, by the way, Lake Scott is rich in Kansas history too. Several Indian tribes have occupied the area. Indians reported French fur traders at the settlement in 1727. Not more than a stones throw away, the last white casualty of the Indian Wars in Kansas, Colonel William H. Lewis, was wounded and later died while trying to round up some Cheyenne men, women children who had escaped a reservation in Oklahoma as they were crossing through the area.

And you thought that western Kansas was just flat cattle country. I hope you’ve enjoyed the images and the little bit of history along with them.

Hope you come back again!

Bill

Ernie Miller Nature Center

untitled (1 of 1) — Ernie Miller Nature Center

Some of you have heard me talk about a very special place, Ernie Miller Nature Center. It’s 116 acres of nature almost completely surrounded by civilization. It has a stream, a number of nature trails and some prairie to explore as well as an interesting array of animals inside the main building.

The very talented and dedicated staff of Park Naturalists and Park Police provide an outstanding variety of interpretive programs for all ages throughout the year. The programs cover historical events, nature, conservation and are educational and always fun. The staff often dresses in costumes of the time period of the story to enhance the experience.

Often, animal ambassadors are used to emphasize nature and conservation concepts. The animal ambassadors include: insects, frogs, snakes, turtles, fish, mammals and birds of prey.

I have been very fortunate to be included in some of what they do, especially storytelling. Below, is an image of me as Farmer McGregor from Peter Rabbit. Of course, I was telling my side of the story! This Saturday evening for Haunted Kansas, I will be dressed as a frontiersman telling the story by a campfire of Josiah Wilbarger, the only known person to survive being scalped by Comanches.

Bill A. Farmer McGregor — Farmer McGregor

I’ve also been allowed to work with the raptors. I’m sometimes referred to as the “Owl Man” because I’m often seen working with the owls and giving impromptu presentations about them.

Up top, you’ll notice a new gallery which include images of animals and scenes that you’ll see at the nature center. I hope you enjoy them and will come out to see us.

Oh by the way, on the evenings of October 28th and 29th, we’ll be doing an “Owl Prowl.” It’s by reservation only. I don’t know if there are still spots available but if you’re interested, call Cindy at: 913-826-2800 to reserve a your spot.

See ya next time! Thanks for coming!