Several posts ago, I defended Kansas--even to the point where I stated that I loved the state. I've changed my mind!
On my drive to and from Utah, Kansas gave me problems.

When I drove into Kansas City (Yes, I realize it's in Missouri, but it has the name "Kansas" in it.), I hit a downpour. The rubber from my windshield wiper came loose, making it difficult to see. The cars ahead of me suddenly stopped causing me to hit the brakes hard, hydroplane, and swerved into the ajoining lane to avoid a rear-end accident. Luckily, no one was in that lane.

Plan A was to camp at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, but it was closed due to "prescribed burning". I wasn't even able to hike any trails. Plan B was to find another camping spot, which I did along a reservoir nearby.

As I laid in my sleeping bag in the bed of my truck, I happily gazed at the waxing crescent moon and stars. About an hour later I felt raindrops hitting my face, lightning flashing about. So I ducked into the cab dragging my sleeping bag, shoes, and everything else I left outside. Then all hell broke loose: thunder, rain, hail, and worse yet, wind!

I had parked under a leaning tree, considered the danger, but figured the Kansas City storms had passed. Wrong! I didn't actually hear the tree snap, but witnessed the "near miss" the following morning. I could have been squashed!
And have you ever tried to sleep in the cab of a small truck--in a storm? I use the word "sleep" loosely.

After a breakfast of French toast at a nearby restaurant and plenty of coffee, I drove West for 3 hours in a soupy fog. I could barely see 10 feet in front of me, let alone observe the scenery. I couldn't have hiked anyway at Tallgrass. Ironically, western Kansas is in a severe drought--certainly not eastern Kansas.

Once the fog lifted, I decided to hike in a wildlife preserve south of Great Bend KS. Trying to find it, I got lost on county roads. No sun to get my bearings. I never did figure out how I made the "wrong turn". And contrary to common accusations, I asked for help in directions. Away I finally went, eager to get the Heck out of Kansas.

Now, on my way home, as I am wont to do, I'm traveling an obscure "blue highway", absolutely no cars, with a 60 mph speed limit. With cruise control set at 65, I crest a hill, my truck kicks up the rpm's, and I go 67 mph for a second. Yep, you guessed it. In that second, at the bottom of the hill, a state trooper's radar gun is pointed right at me. He wheels around flashing his lights. I'm a dead duck.

"Do you know what the speed limit is?" I show him my driver's license, registration, proof of insurance, etc., etc. I politely tried to explain the speed control problem, but to no avail. He was also going to site me for not wearing my seat belt, but I had it tucked under my arm. After 8 hours, it irritates my neck and shoulder. I got a lecture about that, but only a warning. I paid my "ticket" on line. $75.95--$25 for the actual speeding ticket; the rest in court and bank transaction costs. Did I mention this was the first and only speeding (or any other) ticket I've ever gotten--EVER--in 52 years?!

I hate Kansas.