Way Out West

Last week we travelled to Kansas so that I could attend a weaving workshop at the Yarn Barn in Lawrence. (More about that later.) On the trip out, however, we drove farther west in Kansas to the Flint Hills area and visited the Tallgrass Prairie Nature Preserve in Chase County. With temperatures in the low 90's and plenty of wind, it wasn't the ideal time perhaps, but it was still a memorable side trip. Lots of wildflowers were in bloom - prickly pear, coneflowers, scurfy pea and more. But the flower that caught my eye most was this beauty - butterfly milkweed. Sure, we can grow it here in Missouri, but seeing the clusters of bright orange, some large, some small, scattered across the landscape made them seem remarkable, not just another variety of the humble milkweed.

The landscape itself is vast and open. Adjectives fail to capture its true nature. One rolling hill is followed by another. The information in the visitors center said that in the ancient days of the continent, the area was covered by large, shallow oceans. As I turned 360 degrees, seeing endless hills and sky in every direction, the word that came to mind was primal. I thought about how daunting the landscape must have appeared to settlers from the east coast or Europe who were used to shorter vistas and urban settings. And about how daily life without our modern conveniences would have demanded constant hard work and perseverance to survive. Such an awe-inspiring but formidable environment might have fostered great accomplishments in some, yet might have induced depression and despair in others. I was also amazed by the stone fences, hand built from the abundant flint. These weren't just short lengths, enclosing gardens or small pastures. They rolled up and down with the contours of the hills, disappearing into the horizon. How much time and labor went into their construction!

Here's one last picture. We only hiked a short distance up one of the trails due to the heat. At one picturesque spot there were benches for sitting, presumably for taking in the immense view and contemplating whatever one might choose to contemplate in such a place. This bench didn't look particularly inviting!

Next time: Rug weaving in Lawrence