Excursion to Wichita, April 2001

Excursion to Wichita, Apr. 2001

Every spring ranchers in the Flint Hills burn the prairie. Burning stimulates new growth of prairie tallgrasses and flowers. The Kansas Turnpike runs northeast/southwest through the Flint Hills and grass fires were burning as we traveled southwest toward Wichita.

At the northwest edge of Wichita is a neighborhood called "The Moorings," where homes are built along fingers of Crystal Lake, a small lake which was once a sand quarry. April 6th proved to be the most pleasant day of the year, thus far, and neighbors where celebrating fine, sunny weather by getting outdoors.

Jim and Julia enjoy their home by Crystal Lake. Both upstairs and downstairs patios extend to the water's edge--or beyond. Their home is light and airy. Jim enjoys fishing for catfish from his deck. In addition, they have their own dock space.

We were treated to delicate spring evening out in Old Town, downtown Wichita. The Old Town area is an upscale, rennovated warehouse area filled with shops, restaurants, bars and hotels. April 6th was prom night, so we saw many young people in fine dress.