Season Three - Kansas to Colorado

On the road again!

Camping at KOA in Kansas and Colorado turned out to be a great experience!

After spending the night at KOA in Eureka Missouri, we made a grocery stop at a nearby Walmart and headed toward Kansas. We usually mix it up, utilizing State and National Parks as well as KOA Campgrounds. This trip, I did book mostly at KOA as we made our way across the country. Because of going into unknown territory, and only staying one night in each city, I felt more confident sleeping in a hopefully safe and restful place. Also they are located very near the highway which makes for easy access. Have to say, they did not disappoint.

A short distance from the Missouri border, is the city of Lawrence, Kansas. That is where we spent the night.

It was a cute campground, and got into the Wizard of Oz theme with street names like “Yellow Brick Road.” The University of Kansas is nearby, and the camp store happened to have souvenirs with pictures of their mascot, the Jayhawk. This mythical bird is also the mascot of my hometown, Jeannette, and I couldn’t resist buying a deck of playing cards to commemorate our stay in this city. (It’s the little things)

The next day, we followed Route 70 West across the entire state of Kansas! A lot of flat and a lot of fields – the landscape was changing. I had hoped to see fields of sunflowers, and we did. Only thing is that they were done blooming. However, I could imagine how beautiful they must have been.

Another KOA in Goodland, Kansas was our home for the night. We had crossed into the Mountain Time Zone, which was very exciting but made us feel so very far from home. I took a walk around the campground and located the tornado shelters. Even though it was a sunny day, the whole Oz thing kind of had me spooked.

I have a feeling we aren’t in Kansas anymore!

We didn’t have to drive very far to cross the border into Colorado. Although the welcome sign was a little sketch, the scenery promised to be spectacular.

At first, the view out the window was the same. But before long, we were treated to our first glimpse of the Rockies in the distance!

As we approached Denver, the ride was a little slow and tedious with traffic. But we were embarking on one of the most breathtaking drives of our travels! We climbed up the mountains to 11,000 ft and then back down the other side. Pine trees, boulders, and streams were a feast for the eyes.

When we saw the sign for Vale, we had to take a quick drive through. Because, why not?

But the best of the day was saved for last. Our KOA in Silt, Colorado was the most beautiful we have ever seen! The campground is nestled at the foot of the mountains next to the Colorado River. Our campsite backed right up to a stream that flowed into the river. It was incredible!