They say "getting there is half the fun". That depends on one's definition of fun.
Is sleeping in a pit toilet fun? Well, I did! While in Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas, the first night, severe storms hit overnight interrupting my sleeping under the stars. I had to grab my sleeping bag and head for the head. The smell wasn't too bad, but it was "the pits".

After some local sight seeing and a French toast breakfast at a hometown restaurant, I headed for Hutchison KS to tour the "Cosmosphere" Museum. Quite impressive for being in the middle of Kansas. Google it. I drove through a vicious wind storm all afternoon, gusts up to 80 mph. Even the wind turbines shut down (when winds are over 60 mph). "White out" conditions from dust made it dangerous to drive. With winds and predicted temps down to 25, I opted for a motel in Springfield CO.

The following morning was pleasant, so I took my planned hike in the Comanche Grasslands in SE Colorado. 8 miles worth to see Indian pictographs and a neat arch. Never saw another hiker. I then drove to Cortez CO. and moteled it again because of freezing temps.

The next morning (Sunday), I hiked 7 miles up the Sand Canyon trail (in Canyons of the Ancients Nat. Mon.) to an Indian pueblo ruins, which wasn't worth it because they really are in ruins. By the time I returned to my truck, I estimate I walked a total of 16 miles because I got lost--at least off track. Plus I got a nice blister from rushing--sometimes running--to finish the hike since I needed to get to Canyonlands by 5:00 PM. I was 15 min. late.

I'm exhausted all over again, so I'll continue another day!