Spring Hiking on the Konza

There was a lot of burning today so the air was very smoky, but we had fun comparing the burned and unburned areas. It's been a great season for the flowering trees - especially the Redbuds. We walked the short - 2.5 mile - loop and Isaac only had to be carried for about 1/4 mile. I was glad we did the "normal" route. That is, climbing the big hill at the beginning so the rest of the trail was flat or downhill.















Taking a break at the top of the big hill.

















Isaac is a great hiker who knows when to rest.

















Joe was a gentle leader who kept us going.

Walk on the Konza

Yesterday we took the boys out for their first walk on the Konza. A beautiful 65 degree afternoon with just enough time for a short trek. On the drive out there, a flock (?) of turkeys flew over our van and was quite a site. Then at the start of the trail I was able to identify a turkey footprint and the boys soon had fun hunting for more. Later, we heard an owl "hoo-hoot" in the woods. About a half a mile in and Joe decided he'd had enough. Fortunately, before turning around, we stopped long enough to hear and see a woodpecker.


This is the first of many seasonal trips we plan to make because with 4 seasons and walking the trail in both directions, we have at least 8 chances to see something new. We only walked a half mile of the two mile loop so the possibilities are really many more.

Where the Buffalo (I mean Bison) Roam

We went to the open house at Konza Prairie this morning. It is always delightful out there, but today the weather was beautiful and we were with good people, so it was even better. The only negative was that we didn't have time to do all the great things offered. We went on a hayrack ride where a biologist told us about all the cool research they're doing out there. Next time we want to do more of the crafts and activities. Joe did get to catch grasshoppers in a net, which he greatly enjoyed, as well as play with the trucks they use to put out fires during burnings.