Sunday, February 22, 2009

Shopping at Wolfe's Cameras - Exploring Wabaunsee County



On Saturday Feb 21, 2008, I had a fun afternoon shopping and exploring.




I headed to downtown Topeka, to make my first trip to Wolfe's Cameras , and it most certainly will not be my last. I had been looking for a good tripod for sometime to replace one that was stolen a few years ago.




I looked at Wolfe's online store to get some ideas. When I got to the store, I found a great selection of tripods. The sales person spent 15-20 minutes working with me, and I finally decided on a Manfrotto leg assembly, Promaster 3 way head, and Promaster bag to carry it in. I was very pleased with the whole experience and was truly amazed at the variety of photo, computer, and camcorder equipment along with photo finishing, frames, and more in this store.




Wolfe's has been in the retail photo business since 1947.




Wolfe's Cameras


635 S Kansas Ave


Topeka, KS 66603


785-235-1386


Open 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Daily, Thursday till 8:00 PM


Closed Sundays






I left Topeka on K-4 heading southwest thru Dover and stopped at the Echo Cliff area. It appears as though the pony truss bridge over Mission Creek will not be there much longer as the concrete bridge is almost finished. The cliff was illuminated in the late afternoon sun.




From Echo Cliff, I headed west and south passing thru the Nehring Creek valley, then south thru Hessdale and ending up at the Lake Wabaunsee area just as the sun was setting. I headed south on K-99 for dinner in Emporia at La Hacienda, one of my favorite Mexican Restaurants. They serve great Tacos de Carne Asada.




Finally, I drove back to Wichita on the Kansas Turnpike. Driving thru the Flint Hills at night is always an enjoyable experience.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Kingman County Geocaching and a Great Steak Dinner

Saturday Feb 7, 2009 was a warm day with little wind - perfect for an afternoon of exploring.




I left Wichita and headed into eastern Kingman County. I drove thru the Smoots Creek and South Fork Ninnescah River valleys, crossing each several times. Along the way, I found three (3) geocaches, one at Murdock Cemetery, another near the former town of Georgia, and finally one in downtown Kingman.








I also walked along Main Street in Kingman for several blocks, marveling at the brick and stone architecture, and taking many photos. This is one of my favorite things to do in a small town.






Finally, I went on to Turon in southwest Reno County for dinner with some friends from Hutchinson at Barb's Bar and Grill. Saturday evenings are steak night at Barb's, and I had a fabulous fillet mignon, that was every bit as good as I have had anywhere. The place sure seems to be popular as there were a number of groups there and one large group next to us. I will definitely go back.


Finally, I had a pleasant evening drive back to Wichita. What a great afternoon!
Links:
Barb's Bar and Grill: 121 N Burns Street Turon, KS 67583 (620) 497-6457
My Photo Galleries for Kingman County:

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Exploring Anderson County

On January 31, 2009 I made a long day trip from Wichita to explore parts of Anderson County in East Central Kansas.

I entered the county in the southwest near the town of Colony. I drove north crossing several bridges over Cedar Creek, including one concrete arch bridge just east of Mont Ida.

Mont Ida is an unincorporated community southwest of Garnett. I was interested in seeing the Mont Ida Church of the Brethren there. I found an interesting peace pole on the church lot. The Church of the Brethren is one of the historic peace churches and has an active peace agency On Earth Peace.







I continued on north and west and explored Patton Cemetery southwest of the town of Harris. This cemetery is at the end of a dead end road and sets in a beautiful setting up against some hills.




Then on thru Garnett and north into the picturesque Pottawatomie Creek valley. I circled around to northwest of Greeley to view a pony truss bridge and the historic Spencer's Crossing iron truss bridge built in 1885, and left in place when a new concrete bridge was built beside it.


Finally, I explored the town of Greeley before heading back home to Wichita.


Some links: