Kinsley, Kansas claims to be the midway point between New York City and San Francisco.  We aren't going to either this trip, but we did make it to Kinsley.

Kinsley also has an old steam locomotive on display.  While it is not in great condition it was interesting to see how massive it is.

The main drive wheels on this locomotive are about 8' tall.

Spearville, Kansas has a wind generator farm to be proud of. The initial plan which was completed in 2006 included 67 generators, some of which are shown above.  Additional generators bringing the total to 99 are expected to be in service by the end of 2010.  


The crop in the foreground is milo.  Milo is a very popular crop in western Kansas and eastern Colorado.  Milo is used primarily as an animal feed.  The seed cluster on the top contains from 750 to 1,250 seeds which are harvested to be converted to feed.  The entire plant which looks a lot like corn except it is only about 2-1/2 to 3 foot tall, can also be chopped up to create a silage type feed.

This picture is of some of the individual blades for the additional generators yet to be installed.  These blades are about 100' long.

Corn is another very popular crop in Kansas and Colorado. When the corn crop is greater than the capacity of the elevators, temporary mounds are created by building a plywood containment wall about 4' high and then mounding the corn up to a height of about 25'.  There are ducts under the mounds and ventilation fans attached to prevent spoilage.  Once the containment area is full, plastic tarps are used to cover it to protect it until it can be shipped to customers.  The containment mounds above are about 100' wide by about 500' long.  The one on the left is still being added to so it is not covered, the one to the right is completed and has been covered.

Mountains are one thing that Colorado is well known for and has lots of.  These are just west of Salida, Colorado.

This picture shows the approach from the east to Monarch Pass.  Monarch Pass is one of the highest passes in the U.S. that is maintained so as to be passable year round.  At the summit it is 11,312' above sea level and is on the Continental Divide.  Monarch Ridge which rises 12,000' above sea level, is directly above the pass and is accessible by a gondola lift.  In the distance are the slopes of Monarch Mountain Ski Resort.