This morning we awoke to clouds and some wind, along with “Watch for tornados” warnings on the hotel TV. The skies were lowering and their was some rain, but we drove out of it by Topeka, Kansas. Then it was all sun, brisk breezes and blue sky.  We had lunch at the M&R grill in Abilene, Kansas, another small family-owned concern, which are our favorites. We each had a great salad.

Upon arriving in Hays, the largest city in NW Kansas with a population of ~21,000, we walked the downtown area, known as “The Bricks” for its wide, brick-lined streets. It was clean and appeared prosperous with many thriving businesses and no empty shop-buildings.

Then we went to the Sternberg Natural History Museum, which had lots of live creatures, good exhibits, and was heavily Jurassic Park influenced, with dinosaurs galore. Tommy got Paula the Audobon Field Guide to Butterflies in the gift shop which she loves.

Next stop was the Fort Hays historical park. This military outpost was constructed to help maintain the peace between the early settlers and the various Indian tribes in the region. We got to tour a barracks that was still standing from that era as well as a small supply store and a jail.

Lastly, we came across a several buffalo in a pen on the park grounds that appeared to be quite content. Tomorrow we are off to Broomfield, Colorado to see some old college friends. We will also be crossing into the mountain time zone and starting our trek through the Rocky Mountains.