Day 2 5/19/2012 Around KC Everyone knows it Windy......
Out here in Kansas, (although I'm only 6 miles from Missouri) I was informed by my host of how strong the winds can be. And yesterday was no exception. Wow, while riding around KC, the winds had to be gusting at least 30 mph. And it seemed it was never the same direction. Made for some interesting riding.
I'm staying in Overland Park, KS. Yes, Kansas. It is quite difficult, as both Karen and her Husband attended the University of Kansas. I attended the University of Missouri. Of course, when I arrived I was donning a Mizzou shirt, and of had another ready for yesterday. Have to show that school pride. (Even though Mizzou had one the biggest blunders of the year, when they blew a 25+ point lead and lost to Kansas in late Feburary. But it was the refs fault of course!!) One could say it is a pretty strong rivalry. It was one of the longest running, up until Mizzou bolted for the SEC.
Debagged the Valk and took off around 12:00. Karen was up for a ride, so we headed North and first stop was the Overland Park Market.
Located in “Old Town”, it was a typical open air market. I did find some nice 1015 Onions. Living in Texas for a few years, I learned about the 1015's origins.
A special hybrid developed at Texas A&M, and first germinated or something like that on October 15, hence the name. They are only available once a year. Picked up a box and they were a great addition the guacamole I assembled later in the day.
After a quick stroll through the market, and a couple fruit and vegetable shots,
we headed back to Missouri, to do yet another “pop in” at an old friends from Mizzou. Unfortunately, he was not home. Well, where to next? Headed down Ward Parkway to the “Plaza”, and visited the most famous of the 200+ fountains located in the area.
Close to Main, and feeling for a little more Urban setting, headed East towards downtown. A new building appeared on the Horizon, and quite a spectacular structure it is.
While photographing this magnificent structure, lo and behold a Valk sighting occurred. Red and Black Interstate. Made a big wave while along side my Valk. Thought maybe a U turn was going to occur, but alas, none was to be found.
Well, where to know??? Not sure. Thought about finding the Amtrak station, but while cruising north on Main, made it to the second Farmer's Market of the day. This was much larger than the OP Market. A tip for anyone who likes to smoke, one of the vendors had huge bags of wood, (cherry, apple, mesquite, etc) for $8.00. I believe it was a half bushel.
Best find here were some great avacados ( .50 a piece) and cilantro. Guacamole was in my future. Then decided I was going to cook dinner for my hosts, so I picked up a few poblano peppers. But then needed chorizo and chihuahua cheese, (to stuff in the peppers) so we headed back West to KC, Kansas to the El Torito Super Mercado, where we picked up the aforementioned ingredients.
Karen was digging the ride, so how about a visit to the Boulevard Brewery!
After trying to find it in the garmin database, (only took two attempts to get the right category,) discovered it was only about 4 miles away. They do tours, but you must register online. The tours commence at the top of every hour, and we were going to just miss the 3:00 tour. After arriving at the Brewery, we found out it really didn't matter that we were late. It was all filled, the 4:00 tour had a waiting list of 10. The dude working the reception area was really informative. So much he said the tours fill up as much as three months in advance!! But he said there was a good chance we could get in the 4:00 pm tour, as often times people do not show. Not wanting to wait almost an hour, we politely declined and I asked him if we could have some free beer anyway! Got some laughs from some of the others waiting, and much to my surprise, the guy returned with two glasses of the Stout! Looks like a great tour, and at the end plenty of free samples. Hope to return.
Twas time to head back South to Overland Park, and battled the winds on 35 and 69. Arrived safe, ande Karen headed out to pick up some Negra Modelo. I started cooking the Chorizo and making the Guac. Was a great day.
Here is the HDR shot of the day.......
In a few hours, will pack back up, reattach the trailer, and head for Eureka Springs, via Afton, Oklahoma to visit my friend at her Afton Station Museum on Route 66.
