Sunday, February 22, 2009

A sandy morning walk




Kansas has so many diverse trails to walk! To appreciate the sandy soil of the Arkansas River Lowlands, the Sand Hills State Park trails are recommended.

Trailheads are off K-61, north of Hutchinson, to the east on 56th or 69th.

Woodlands, mid-grass prairie (but we saw winter big blue stem turkey feet!), yucca, sumac and more make it a place with a rich eco-sytem. Winter vegetation looks so bleak but if you look closely you see stages of life and the sand confirms the presence of many little scampering animals, as well as deer. The squirrel and hawk nests are evident. The animal trails are all over the place -- and it's evident that some geo-cachers use those trails as well.

The grounds are well taken care of and the trails are well marked.

Anyone who has walked this trail recognizes the tree that some hiker is kissing in this picture.

Winter is good in Kansas and it primes us so well for spring.

Recognizing our diverse regions and being at peace with winter is to "Get Kansas!"

KE #2 Marci Penner

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