Somewhere..... Over the Rainbow?

Heading out from Salina Kansas, in search of adventure!

You know you are in a rural area when the signs for the Central Business District of the town point to a dirt road.

On the other hand, radio reception is great, no mountains or hills to interfere!

Woo hoo! The world's largest spur! This important American landmark is located at the entrance to the local rodeo arena. And being Saturday, there was a rodeo going on! Real Cowboys! Real Cowgirls! Real Rodeo Moms! (The apparent western equivalent of the eastern Soccer Mom)

We headed out to make our way across the prairie when we suddenly had to make an emergency U-turn as we somehow missed the Russell Stover Chocolate Outlet! Ten pounds later we are back on track for the next adventure!

Who knew that Kansas convenience stores employed upscale interior designers for their restroom decor. Basic black. So elegant.
Say: "Did you take a picture of the toilet?"
Me: "Of course I did! It's what we do."

Apparently Kansas has a serious crime problem in one very specific area. But it looks like the local authorities have a handle on the situation. Take that, toilet paper thieves!

Our last stop in Kansas was in Goodland to view the world's largest Van Gogh painting. Pretty impressive, though we were a little disappointed to learn that it was a reproduction and not an original Van Gogh. Still, worth the trip! And if the giant painting doesn't meet all of your cultural needs, Bill's Shootin Shop is right next door.

You've heard of both the Motel 6 and Super 8 Motel chains. Ever wonder what happened to number 7? Wonder no more! It's right here in Goodland!

We made it into Colorado around 2:30 pm and soon found our way to the Kit Carson County Fair Grounds and its restored antique carousel. We toured the museum and gift shop and Lizzie and Serra Jo took a spin on the ride itself. From one Burlington to another....

Got gas at a Sinclair station. I haven't seen one of those since I was a child.

And at another stop there was a livestock escape.

Finally arrived in Denver and while out foraging for food, we ran into this....

All in all, a pretty good day, and tomorrow we will do it all again!

Miles: 500
U-turns: 9.5 -- a record 4 at the spur, including a coveted inverse U-turn on leaving, an emergency U-turn to get to the chocolate outlet, one each in Goodland KS, Burlington CO, and 2.5 in Denver.
Pairs of underwear worn inside out all day: 1 (but don't tell anybody)
Arrests: 0
Free range sheep spotted: 2
Minutes spent lost in Denver searching for a place to eat: 90
Incredible sunsets viewed and photographed: 1