Black Mesa, OK - Peak #14

Sept. 5, 2010 - We began the 8.4 mile round trip hike to Black Mesa at 11:00 a.m. Central Time. Made it to the 4,973 ft. summit at 12:30 p.m. Mountain Time! We were pleased with ourselves for hiking up the 4.2 miles in two and a half hours. The trailhead is well marked and it is the only trail we've seen so far that has mile markers so you know how far you've gone! We like that. The first two miles are easy in that there is not much elevation gain. Mile 3 is tougher because that's where you see the most elevation gain. The last mile is flat. There is no water and virtually no shade to be found on the entire trail. The temperature was around 100 degrees, so we recommend doing this one in cooler weather. We found a little solace from the merciless sun under a few short fir trees.

Mt. Sunflower, KS - Peak #13

September 4, 2010, - a beautiful, but hot and windy day, we reached the highpoint in Kansas, Mt. Sunflower at about 6:30 p.m. Mountain Time. From Hwy 40 west of Weskan, we drove north on a dirt road, WA-S3, for 11 miles, then a left turn, another mile, and there it was...in the middle of a cow pasture. We walked the half mile up a dirt path, through the cows, and to the "summit." I won't say that it is beautiful, it is just...Kansas - rolling plains and no trees. The owners of the property are gracious enough to maintain this highpoint for all to enjoy and there is even a summit register to sign. Six others had signed the log book today!

Acres and acres of sunflowers along the trip have thrilled us. We hope to see more on our way to Black Mesa, OK, tomorrow.