I had always imagined Flint Hills to be a rocky desert-like area in the Central-Eastern Kansas where one could walk up to the nearest cliff and chisel away a piece of flint big enough to make a tomahawk. I guess I’ll add this to the list of many other things that didn’t turn out the way I imagined. Driving the Flint Hills Scenic Byway was somewhere on my list of things to do and it turned out to be probably one of the best, most relaxing day-trips from Kansas City, filled with nature, views, history, vast spaces that make you feel small and roads reaching all the way to the horizon. It’s hard to imagine covering these hills on foot, living on remote ranches, surviving without all the conveniences of the modern age. It’s fun to think about things like these while flying at high speeds in a comfortable vehicle with the windows down and the radio up.
The South end of the Scenic Byway is at Cassoday, KS, population 130, with just about as many signs proclaiming it to be the Prairie Chicken Capital of the World.
Prairie Chicken, also known as the “Tuna of the Prairie” are nowhere to be seen, probably busy hiding from the 130 hungry Cassodayans. The signs are the most photographed object in Cassoday.
For the longest time a trip to Argentina has occupied the top spot on my imaginarybucketlist, patiently waiting for its time. Talking about my dream to visit Argentina became such a part of my life that after finally getting it done, I might be at a loss of subjects to discuss in a polite conversation. In any case, the trip and the country of Argentina turned out to be everything I imagined it to be and much more, and became the longest, the most expensive and the best trip of my adult life.
A full-blown winter storm in March? Check!
An incorrect, rapidly changing weather forecast? Check!
Scary drive home? Check!
Making it home alive to write about it – priceless!
If you don’t feel like getting out, I shot a little clip for you.
And the rest of my photos:
By the way I still think weather forecasters should be arrested for the incorrect predictions. UPDATE: I mentioned in comments what the weather forecast used to look like in my childhood and here is a video from November 2, 1977. This is for the whole country;they just list general areas, conditions and temperature ranges (in C°).
These photos show how stores used to advertise goods and services but the most interesting thing is prices.
As always all photos are linked to their large versions.
People shopping in an auto parts store in Lebanon, KS. February 1957Sign on window advertising a variety of services available in Kansas City, MO. August 1945Sen. Edward V. Long's law office is maintained in Bowling Green, MO. May 1967Sign on liquor store encouraging customers to buy quantity in Kansas City, MO. August 1945
Nowadays even XO has to pay more than 75 cents for his haircut.
A man waiting in a barber shop for a haircut in Lebanon, KS. February 1957
Carton of cigarettes for $2.25.
Teenage girls drinking milkshakes at a local restaurant in Lebanon, KS. February 1957
Notice – old-timey cereal boxes on the top shelf.
Enos A. Axtell (R), a candidate for office, standing with his family in the grocery store owned by his parents in Kansas City, MO. July 1946A man buying a greeting card from a drugstore in Lebanon, KS. February 1957A man waits for customers at a counter in Lebanon, KS. February 1957Men standing on in front of a local drugstore in Lebanon, KS. February 1957
Sa-Tan-Ic Laxative Compound in the bottom right.
Medicines for sale at a local drugstore in Lebanon, KS. February 1957
This blog is so well-known in certain marketing circles that I almost feel obligated to bring up a subject which may be of interest to them. Today I will showcase talent, fresh approach and marketing savvy of creative geniuses who brought you this innovation:
♥Fine Print On Billboards♥
Lets say you are driving North on I-35 around 127th street overpass and you notice this enticing billboard. “GasoLean“, just what you always wanted, but something is not right and no amount of squinting allows you to see just how “GasoLean” this vehicle is. Is it closer to “GasoBulemic” when it actually throws up most of the gas it consumes, or is it bordering on “GasObese”?
It’s simple. All you have to do is drive up to 127th street, park your car at the nearby apartment complex, walk up on the bridge and read the fine print.
Still can’t see? You must be getting old, have a closer look. That’s all, just a quick drive and a short walk away.
