Padawan’s Journey 5

[brroberts]

We have not taken a longish trip in awhile. Today we left for our eclipse, Texas Hill Country, and visit my folks trip. We are at Sand Hills State Park in Hutchison, KS for two nights. Campground is decent. Hiking is more of just a walk. I have the traditional first night photo of Yoda and Padawan from the top of a sand hilll.

[brroberts]

Started today at the Cosmosphere. A really nice space museum. Parts were closed for renovation, but still nice to check out. Due to the closures, I didn’t take pictures, but we do plan on visiting again after the upgrades.

Next we went to the zoo. Well maintained small zoo. The grounds were nice, but it is a small zoo. I’ll attach a couple of pictures.

Following that, it was the Dillon Nature Center. It was being reworked also. I think the walks at the state park were nicer, but the center had good displays especially for kids.

Finally was a stop for our favorite ice cream at Braum’s. Off to Dodge City tomorrow, but there are other things to do in Hutchison if you wanted to spend more time.

Well pictures have to wait for better internet. Maybe tomorrow.

[rmitch]

Where will you be in the hill country?
We will be in Fredericksburg at my wife's sisters store, Yee Haw Ranch Outfitters. On State 290 just east of town.

[brroberts]

Outside of Kerrville in Ingram at an RV park I booked relatively cheap in Jan ‘23 for the eclipse. Cloud forecasts are currently not favorable.

[WillyB]

Looks like clouds for SE Missouri on Monday 4/8 but we are still going to be camping Thursday thru Tuesday at our daughter's property.

Looks like great camping weather but not Eclipse viewing weather.

Still have our fingers crossed and holding our thumbs.

[HABBERDABBER]

Predictions are hard to make.....especially about the future.

We'rplanning on heading to the Indianapolis area for the eclipse. Historical 70% probability of cloudy conditions there. I'll take my chances. This far out, any long range forecast is very speculative and sketchy. 3 days out, it will be a whole lot more accurate.

[rmitch]

My rule is if you are not there you definitely won't see it. By being there, you give yourself the chance to see it. Let's hope for great viewing conditions! This event is also a great excuse for an extended trip through the gulf coast and the south. How can we go wrong?

[brroberts]

Zoo pictures from Hutchison.

[brroberts]

Went to see Matt Dillon in Dodge today on front street.

[WillyB]

Originally Posted by brroberts

Went to see Matt Dillon in Dodge today on front street.

Imagine what that street looked like in 1870. Muddy, Dusty, Rutted and Horses tied to hitchin' posts. Much different than today's paved roads and internal combustion engines speeding to their next location.

[brroberts]

There were lots of brick streets in Dodge today.

[brroberts]

Streamed our church then some Sante Fe trail ruts, longhorns, and a drive by the Kansas State Soldiers Home which was Fort Dodge and could use some maintenance.

[brroberts]

Anthony Lake, KS today visiting family. We have the place to ourself.

[brroberts]

Gypsum hills of KS today.

[iamunique127]

Originally Posted by brroberts

Anthony Lake, KS today visiting family. We have the place to ourself.

Very nice.

[brroberts]

Seymour TX city campground tonight. Just an overnighter. Full hookups. 3 night max stay. Gravel parking lot basically. Not super cheap at $25, but right on our way. 320 miles today and then 300 tomorrow. That will put us at our planned eclipse location currently predicted to be cloudy, but I’m pretty sure a small hole will open for 5 minutes in just the right spot on Monday afternoon at just the right time.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by brroberts

.... but I’m pretty sure a small hole will open for 5 minutes in just the right spot on Monday afternoon at just the right time.

Gotta love a fellow 'eternal optimist'.

[brroberts]

One of the prettiest court houses I’ve ever seen in Throckmorton, TX today, but not a good way for me to grab a picture.

Here’s a little additional info:

https://texastimetravel.com/director...ty-courthouse/

[brroberts]

The Albany, TX courthouse was also nice.

[brroberts]

Rest area at the San Saba river.