Month: May 2012

Who knew that La Junta would be worth a journey or that a Boy Scout troop could assemble a world class collection of Indian artwork, artifacts, and regalia. Having been to the National Museum of the American Indian in both Washington, DC and Manhattan, we were stunned at the collection assembled over 80 years by a bunch of boys in a small town in Colorado. The Koshare Indian Museum is funded by performances of Indian social dances (never religious), including a tour of Japan. With carefully maintained relationships with the Native American community, they also regularly purchase artwork from living artists. All costumes for the dances are made by the boys and thoroughly researched. These are hard working lads. Well worth a visit.

 

That’s how it feels sometimes. We’ve forgotten so much. The “worth a journey” attraction in La Junta is Bent’s Fort. Say what?

Way back when the border between the US and Mexico was the Arkansas river in what is now Colorado, the Bent brothers – William and Charles – founded a trading post with a partner and created a thriving business with the trappers and Indians in an outpost of civilization complete with peacocks. That was 1833. The trade turned to buffalo hides, William married Owl Woman, Colonel Stephen Kearney decided to invade Mexico (taking over the civilian fort for his base of operations), Kit Carson and many mountain men visited frequently, Charles became governor of New Mexico and was killed in the Taos uprising against American rule, William continued to go to bat for his Indian friends and relatives, and the fort was destroyed by fire. Phew. All that by 1849. Thanks to the meticulous measurements and drawings of a visitor to the fort, it was rebuilt in1975 and is now a living history museum maintained by the National Park Service. Again, well worth a visit.

Well, yes , we all managed a smile for the camera after 8 hours in the car together. Not a bad accomplishment for our fearless travelers, some more weary than others. This caboose converted into a drive-up bank reminded us that we’re still on the Santa Fe trail.

 

OK, it’s not our main objective, but when the chance for some good food comes up, we’ll grab it. The Mission Deli was suggested by our hotel after we nixed the “just down the street” suggestion of a place Amanda knew had been panned by reviewers. We ate well and added a fried relleno to the new experiences started last night with a fried pickle in Topeka.  

 

On our way from La Junta to Rocky Ford for dinner, Jim just had to jump out of the car for this picture of far more cattle than we had seen of people all day. We didn’t want to think about it too much. Stepping out of the restaurant later in the evening, it was hard to miss the smell of country air.  

 

When we take the trouble to look, we begin to see the commonplace in a different way. Veering south, we head into southern Colorado in a hard day of driving. Playing the Slumdog album helped keep us going.  

Heading west out of Topeka, the biggest surprise is that there are beautiful rolling hills. That, and signs about Ike and towns that contributed astronauts to Houston. Soon this gives way to little oil wells and big wind mills by the side of the highway; and a few remaining on farmsteads.

 

With Emma safely in her boarding school in St. Louis, the intrepid travelers set off on the Santa Fe trail, heading west into the merciless sun, stopping briefly at Boss Hawg’s in Topeka to fortify themselves for the journey ahead. They’ll return in a few week’s time to celebrate Emma’s graduation with her.  

Presenting an educated man. It’s official, Ken received his Bachelor’s degree on May 12. The culmination of four years of hard work and a few days of frenzied packing, Ken is now ready for anything.  

Farewell, center hall colonial, 4 BR, 2 1/2 baths. Dinosaurs still roam the upstairs hall playing hide and seek with Dracula. But, we’re off. We’ll carry our memories in our pockets, thank you very much, and head north. Sounds good. A change of view, a new direction, an internal adventure (guess you could say). See what happens. First phase: a traditional trip west to the gateway city and beyond to the Rockies, the Parks, and our stony-faced Presidents. Two graduations and sites to see in between. Stay tuned. – Amanda and Jim