Getting away: Kansas road trip!
Polaroid of a favorite fence.
Getting away is something I don’t get to do often. I am a home body by nature, and the sanctuary of my home is bliss to me. That being said, getting away every now and then, even if it’s just for a weekend, is so refreshing and reinvigorating!
Chris and I decided to head out for the 9 hour drive on Thursday night after we both wrapped up work. Breaking up the trip is always nice, even though we always chose to drive straight through coming home. We hit the road during daylight hours, me with my camera and zoom lens poised and ready!
What I love about the drive to Kansas is that there is a lot of beauty and scenery that is completely different than where I live in Colorado. It’s more flat, yes, there is a ton of beautiful yellow in the fields, and even the types of trees (we all know I love me a good tree) are different and interesting. The first half of the drive brought intense weather, in the form of heat, thunder clouds and visible rain across the plains. Before we reached the actual looming thunderstorm, we saw dusty clouds where the wind was stirring up the dry land, cows huddling around and in small ponds for relief from the heat, and heat waves covering the pavement.
After dark fell, we could tell by the light show in front of us, that we were imminently coming up to the thunderstorm that brewed in the clouds we had observed for hours ahead. The rain pounded the car, the lightning was so bright it startled me every time it flashed, and the visibility was poor. I love a good rain storm but this one was a little unnerving. Hays couldn’t come fast enough!
We finally pulled off the exit and found our hotel and tucked into a really comfortable bed for the night. No plans, no clocks, just enjoying the adventure.
An accidental double exposure took away the intended shot that I have been repeating on our trips. I always love the look of the hotel bed that allowed us to recharge and get some much needed rest (although some of my bed photos have been after a night of NOT so good sleep due to less than comfortable accommodations lol), and leave us in comfort for the next day. This was one of the good ones
We got up when we woke up, went to find a good Americano (decaf for me) and headed on to Emporia. It was good to be driving in the daylight again. Part of the way I am able to handle a long car drive is to take photos. I’m not just snapping pictures, I’m observing my surroundings and if I see something of interest, I shoot. I made it a “thing” this time to observe how I could get a series of meaningful shots all taken from my seat in the car. The result was interesting, sometimes a hit and many times a miss, but it was fun and something I will continue to do on our future road trips!!
Arriving refreshed at Chris’s parent’s house, we had fun visiting with family and getting settled. The pool is always so nice to spend time next to, even if you aren’t in it.
We had a really nice dinner at a local fine dining locale, food prepared by a cousin of Chris’s even!
Saturday morning after breakfast and coffee, Chris and I headed out to a couple spots that I wanted to revisit from the last trip. A river surrounded by cool trees , a Veteran’s memorial and a local zoo. We milled around there for a bit and wrapped up our day on their main street where I picked up a few pieces of local art.
Family came over that evening for a most incredible BBQ and hangout! All in all, a very fun and satisfying day, surrounded by loved ones!
To follow: a group of photos that I made and some commentary along the way!!
Back at “home” with Chris family, it’s always a joy for me, relaxing and so inclusive. I feel like I fit right in with everyone, like seeing long time friends. The pace is slower, the chatter is fun, the environment relaxing.
Chris and I spent the better part of Saturday at the local spot I mentioned, just slowly wandering taking photos. The last trip we made out here, the bridge was entirely flooded. It was quite a sight to see. I really wanted to get back out there, and over to the other side, to see how it has changed. The area is beautiful…
The drive home was just as fun as the trip out. We listened to a variety of music, talked about life, had a lot of belly laughs about unexpected things along the way. Fun fact, we counted 30 different license plates on our way home…only being in 2 states!!
Ok I think I am at a good stopping point! Thanks so much for staying to take a look at my travels! I sure had a lot of fun!
I recently heard on a podcast that photographers tend to not write a lot when they post photos, only when they publish books. I decided to write more this time, mostly for my own selfish reasons to document my trip. It is funny how we don’t attach a narrative many times. Sometimes it doesn’t matter, as a picture can speak for itself. Sometimes, a written narrative can help carry you as a viewer/reader along, lead you in a sense, which may in turn help you become more a part of the story than you would have been without it. I hope it has been enjoyable and if you decided not to read along, I hope the photos were a fun journey!!
As always, I love connections so reach out with any questions or comments!!
Until next time, health and love to all!
<3