A Shadow over the Falls

A solo trek to Geary Lake Falls overshadowed by tragedy

Windows down and music up, I made my way west along the back highways of Kansas one clear and sunny Friday morning. Two spots in the northern Flint Hills had peaked my interest on this typical journey of discovery. Some of my ancestors had helped build and settle the town of Milford and I was curious to have a look around. In addition, some report that Geary State Fishing Lake hosts the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in the state.

Milford City Park in Kansas

I did not linger long in Milford, having arrived much later than expected, and being rather distracted by thoughts of an earlier event along the road. Just north of of Manhattan, I had stumbled on the scene of a recent and terrible accident. Aiding and comforting survivors of an overturned vehicle until officials arrived became the most important task of the day.

Tragic accident at US-24 & US-77 in Riley County, Kansas 

While the stop at Milford City Park afterwards did offer a good place to collect myself, my heart was now only half interested in the journey. I considered turning home, but decided to press on, having traveled all that way. Geary Lake is only a short jump down the road from Milford, and just south of Junction City. It proved a much better spot for reflection, trying to forget what I had seen, while trying not to forget. White noise from water crashing down tends to obliterate more than just other sounds.

Path across Geary Lake Dam

It is really easy to access these falls. A short dirt path across the earth dam leads to the top of the biggest and best waterfalls that I have yet seen in the state of Kansas.

Atop Geary Lake Falls

Getting below the falls requires a bit more effort though. A steep gravel path leads down into the forest below, then another leads along the stream to the base of the falls. The path had recently been cleared, making navigation easy. A few people were walking up and down on the falls taking photos too. I was not prepared to get that involved, but may come back and give it try. A few more people arrived just as I was leaving. I suspect the site has the potential to get rather busy.

Below Geary Lake Falls

Crossing back homeward with more a bit determination than the trip out, the interstate provided more space to consider events of the day. While glad to have had the opportunity to wander alone for a day, I was disappointed in how things turned for others, but still glad I had been able to assist.

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Further Reading

Geary State Fishing Lake
Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Toursim

Fort Scott Video Adventure

A collection of photos and video, trying out a different presentation.  It was lazy, sunny afternoon, perfect for exploring Fort Scott National Historic Site in Kansas, followed by a stop at nearby Rock Creek Lake, for a look at the waterfalls there.

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Further Reading

Fort Scott National Historic Site - US National Park Service

Arkansas Video Adventuring in March

Thinking it might be interesting to try presenting all of the photos in a different format, I decided to try dumping them all into a little video with some accompaniment.  

This trip south began with a non-stop drive through to Pruitt Landing on the Buffalo River, then on to Jasper, Buffalo River Canyon Overlook, ending the afternoon with a hike at Sugar Loaf Mountain.  We adventured down to Little Rock for a moment, but mostly relaxed around Greers Ferry Lake.  

The return journey found us hiking through Rush Historic District, and riding the Peel Ferry, pausing momentarily for a snapshot of Beaver Creek Bridge at Kissee Mills Park.

Persistent Winter

Fresh snow in the morning sun — January 2019

A seemingly endless parade of snow and ice in Kansas City

Observing a few good days at the beginning of the month in Kansas City, the remainder of the month was unreasonably frigid, as usual. When the sun did shine, the world was blinding white.

One of the few clear days in KC - February 2019 

In no time at all for temperatures to drop to their normal average of below 0°C. Freezing rain glazed the city, followed immediately by snow, briefly paralyzing the town.

Growing ice in KC — February 2019

It continued to sneak up on the population overnight at random intervals throughout the entire month. Snow that appeared at the first of the month, now hidden below fresh snow, along with with even colder temperatures, ensured everything remained solidly frozen in place.

Yet more night snow in KC — February 2019

More snow is scheduled too. It is nothing unusual. This is likely the most terrible time of the year in this part of the country, but it will be over soon. Spring is due any day now.  Expeditions to new places,others more familiar, along with associated observations from the road continue when things thaw.

Freezing and Thawing

Looking west on East 14th Street towards Main Street in Kansas City - January 2019

A few photos and thoughts on the progress of winter in Kansas City

It started off mild enough. Temperatures lingered between 5–10°C and the wind, almost completely absent. Remaining outdoors for a short time in these conditions requires little effort, but indoors is preferable for long periods.

Looking up at the dome of the historic Empire Theater in Kansas City

As temperatures drop, pulling snow and ice down from the skies, leaving to go anywhere can seem too much a chore. Outdoors becomes too formidable. Harassing and howling winds are too oppressive. Simply watching the snow fall from the comfort of home is the preferred choice for many.

A snowy field in northern Kansas City - January 2019

Large fluffy snowflakes fell thick and wet this time, sticking to everything. It piled up 20 cm in the area, and as much 30 cm in parts nearby. More followed, and temperatures locked below 0 °C ensured the blanket of white would remain for a few weeks. Falling to -20 °C for a few days ensured folks remained indoor at all costs.

Ice Mushroom - February 2019

Blue skies unfolded on the final day of the month, and an increase in temperature melted the world. Odd shapes appeared here and there, and the blanket of white gave way to muddy strains of green and brown. It will not last long though. February is notorious for being unruly, and more negativity from the polar regions is forecast.  Expeditions to new places,others more familiar, along with associated observations from the road will persist when things thaw more.