We took the 10 East out of Walsenburg just after 7:00am. It was a very quiet road that went pretty much in a straight line over rolling grasslands of cattle ranches. We even saw wild deer grazing in one as we went past (I was pleased they were on the other side of the fence!).
The terrain was definitely more rural rather than alpine as we headed towards the Kansas state line. We turned on to HWY 50 East at the railroad and stockyard town of La Junta. After stopping for fuel at Holly we crossed over into Kansas.
The landscape was a mixture of stock grazing pasture and corn fields as we headed further in. The road was long and straight and a hot wind picked up as the morning wore on (the high for the day was around 91 F/33 C). It was one of those rides where I could use cruise control most of the way.
The terrain was definitely more rural rather than alpine as we headed towards the Kansas state line. We turned on to HWY 50 East at the railroad and stockyard town of La Junta. After stopping for fuel at Holly we crossed over into Kansas.
The landscape was a mixture of stock grazing pasture and corn fields as we headed further in. The road was long and straight and a hot wind picked up as the morning wore on (the high for the day was around 91 F/33 C). It was one of those rides where I could use cruise control most of the way.
The highway followed the route of the historic Santa Fe Wagon Trail that wound it's way through Kansas in the 1800's as settlers headed west. Some of the old wagon wheel ruts can still be seen from the road as you drive past. We arrived in Dodge City just before 1:00pm after riding around 500km's, but instantly had to put the watch forward an hour due to the change in time zone.
Now this stop is a particular highlight for me. As an avid fan of the Wild West, I have grown up with a fascination of this era in American history. Dodge City was founded as a buffalo hunting, cattle driving and railroad centre. In the late 1800's it had the reputation as the 'Hell of the Plains' with a high proportion of gunfight deaths and lawlessness. This is the town that Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson tamed.
We visited the Boot Hill Museum - built right next to the original Boot Hill cematary (yes it really did exist). The museum has many historic photos, gun collections, and Native American items from that period. Boot Hill was named because of the number of men that were buried there in shallow graves with their boots on! The city has also named a street after and erected a statue to commemorate the influence of Wyatt Earp.
We had another great dinner at a local diner.You really get value for money over here. Even with allowing for a tip of around 15%, you can get a main course for around $10 that includes; complimentary bread, a choice of soup or salad, your main course and a soft drink (bottomless - all you can drink). Love it - never leave the table hungry. I just have to remember to never eat more than I can lift!
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