Show us your pictures on "THE GREAT PLAINS"

Somewhere east of Coulee City WA last week

You almost expect to see the Duke riding up the path :)
love the "sepia" look

These photos were taken on the Kougarok Road outside of Nome, Alaska. The vegetation is different, but these rolling hills of Alaskan tundra reminded me of the rolling prairies in my home state of Wyoming.

It would be a shame to see an oil well or mining operation on the horizon. Hope Ted or someone steps up. If nothing else it looks like the state or fed gov would zone at least part of the area so it would not be destroyed.

Ted, where are you when we need you.

That was a good read. Thanks.

http://i.imgur.com/rvETs.jpg

Nice one.

Three weeks ago my wife and I rode to Havre, Montana for the start of her solo cross country trip. The land south of the Cypress Hills between the US border and the Alberta city of Medicine Hat is typical plains ...





Ian

Most of these photos were taken near Manhattan, KS. The last was taken SW of Lincoln, NE.

Yet another great history lesson SB...

A couple from the Plains in my back yard... That nasty bike kept sneekin in front of the lens.

Northeast of Eagle Butte, SD ahead of the rain....

Nice shots Dusty, and not a fence in sight. Truly open range.

Thanks, it's getting harder to find places like this, even around here...

wind waves in the grain, western kansas.

more of what I think of when I think plains and home..

Nothing quite like the Palouse in Washington!

I could sit by the side of the road for hours and watch the wind play in a mature wheat field or a stand of tall prairie grass. And I have. Great picture.

I've gotten through to page 40 so far, and there's some great inspiration for places to go. This is the best info thread I've found about the region.

Sorry for the cross post, but would you guys riding out there mind taking a look at my question here, about traveling across the midwest/great plains?

Thanks!

I will take a look at the thread to see if i can be any help.


A few from today... 270 miles of goodness, and no gas stops with another 4 1/2 gallons to burn,
.
And i found a bit of history for ya SB. It was the satge coach stop on the route from Bismarck to the Blackhills at the start of the gold rush. There is supposed to be wagon tracks on the hill side, i tried to find them.






Overlooking the stop.












And a couple of the beast.




Man it was a full grin day today, just ride and leave no road untouched!!!

I headed west Thursday morning on I-70 to go rock hunting. As I entered I-70 at Auburn road the fall colors were worthy of a picture.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DJdkr4gwN4oNZzVHKZ681A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vweTAGW8xak/ToezHKbJjZI/AAAAAAAA0-E/yvm0C3YBtCA/s800/001.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=AlvinGerstner&target=ALBUM&id=5658688384929922193&feat=embedwebsite"></a></td></tr>
</table>It was a beautiful fall morning but the weather forecast was for strong winds from the north. I hadn't gone far and the winds began to increase and by the time I arrived at Salina for fuel they were really blowing. At Salina I went west on old 40 highway which is K-140. I came to Brookville and I believe this is the old hotel made famous with the great fried chicken they used to serve. The Brookville Hotel is now in Abilene.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9aeWI07knlKQwY3SwHsaDQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F36ofO80c2U/ToezID22nAI/AAAAAAAA0-I/ZAULvYRZews/s640/002.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pK51OuJ_JmInKGnrM-o8nQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AXXNAGnXvnk/ToezIs31uEI/AAAAAAAA0-M/q7maaa_B6mw/s800/003.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>I came across this old farmstead and you wonder about the people that used to live there.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SKcoV_bY2ogHM5QsQA6Ysw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WdF_6fC8Hzs/ToezJbApMzI/AAAAAAAA0-Q/a2Qj4Uiakb8/s800/004.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>I found my first rocks at Mushroom Rock Park.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g2PFOmDnDfl1wpF1LMSU3A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QlkgqGjTxyM/ToezKqjd6lI/AAAAAAAA0-Y/SWcrKHMGWs4/s800/006.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/75HUomHrNt-bSP5c9mSwVg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wHWDAN-wfWQ/ToezLrDmLkI/AAAAAAAA0-c/QXydPrfU1EU/s800/007.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>There was a windmill just over the hill.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v-VwjDv83eOCxdkf8N4JUg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7_PCULkez1U/ToezMa-K6PI/AAAAAAAA0-k/Hut5L9vBC9w/s800/009.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>Actually there were two!<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LEhsZNf21rVI_D9C1WDuHw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GRrQCL7VfSU/ToezPZUDVII/AAAAAAAA0-s/Q84ICNAwNsk/s800/011.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>More of the scenes and rocks.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_yBiYuel3o7gW5tuPaagoA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5qHvcu7xz3U/ToezP29pmNI/AAAAAAAA0-w/lEF-wf2Xl7Q/s800/012.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/85TbwESBkdBpfh8aWSET0Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QXhYuY1TB7g/ToezQX7YRjI/AAAAAAAA0-0/VxvVSPGT8MA/s800/013.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tSYLXTDcVsPcRGvY_1rYjw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8fvrDSCHlx4/ToezQ5zpIvI/AAAAAAAA0-4/zr8sIVQez-M/s800/014.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UFo8Oe_aegq3KEzFmqHFtQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fh13l1FKwyI/ToezRs9NRKI/AAAAAAAA0-8/QUAzFhXkNCU/s800/015.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>This park is located south of a town that used to be Carneiro which means "sheep fold" and was founded in 1882.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p0cHpMw9H07DcIzpmqLJVQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EtFj554wAIw/ToezSOiQiXI/AAAAAAAA0_A/EK5HAVGf2fE/s800/016.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>I came to Kanopolis which is home to Ft Harker.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-1ohhXVIX9BTmbtHogqJmg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TZRWE_uLJEc/ToezS5XwWcI/AAAAAAAA0_E/naJE8hz5_cg/s800/017.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>They also have a Drive-in theater, something you don't see much of anymore.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8lSP87RmKVZhpcKmqA89zw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IDIDDsvnh1o/ToezTCLvcvI/AAAAAAAA0_I/TLrzEb-8rfY/s800/018.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>The Ft Harker museum was not open. <br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WtPTm9ANpwOoASEgTG9JFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D6GyzljnU-0/ToezTuEXRdI/AAAAAAAA0_M/lCsMOZMsEps/s800/019.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>For more information about Ft Harker go here:<br />
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ks-fortharker.html<br />
I ate lunch in Ellsworth home of Ft Ellworth.<br />
http://www.santafetrailresearch.com/research/fort-ellsworth.html<br />
I headed west out of Ellworth to near Wilson then came south to Holyrood. Some scenes along the way.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WdDTrnJvB0weAg5BzDStWg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z5HxAhwth7I/ToezUs2JwWI/AAAAAAAA0_U/lYEmYAkMyrA/s800/020.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HPMqPx_SRbuxcvSCsMvUSg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5mhi76Efc4k/ToezVAIzyXI/AAAAAAAA0_Y/eBpBBtPAGz8/s800/021.JPG" height="465" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>I came to Cheyenne Bottoms and rode around in there on the rough wash boarded roads. <br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_xyLlCmeXKjKRWqqzqsptg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XyfeWtDliKw/ToezVlG1PgI/AAAAAAAA0_c/xGKV7lbPfsI/s800/022.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>There were quite a few birds but since the wind was so strong it was not a great day for viewing.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SqEzfh2g7AdhMxSdeOgm2g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aNlQ4MVLo6I/ToezYCBwpSI/AAAAAAAA0_g/n5ASUVd1-EA/s800/023.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yVlS8VqmKaaFBlUQQqetMA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Kg16hTcpfTA/ToezYqXGvhI/AAAAAAAA0_k/7ry1ig1vJLM/s800/024.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wUu38l4jkoPajuawCXJFCQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nUA7tlK0grc/ToezaBZ4XAI/AAAAAAAA0_0/Cjqrq45BUv0/s800/028.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>There was lots of dust in the air.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3rftyyC3Ztga2r0PCWz7sQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w6aCK_aQtDc/ToezYxK0BdI/AAAAAAAA0_o/Mb5oxBc_hFg/s800/025.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>This dry wet land was where most of the dust was coming from.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OVv5bTxaZOpSnWrtgayuBQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VxvtRIW2hoA/ToezZF1rqxI/AAAAAAAA0_s/d8Mc-g3EZr8/s800/026.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>There were some wildflowers growing.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Gp70rykOUaOYv8OrUmln2w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tg1CQifcbJo/ToezZi8l77I/AAAAAAAA0_w/_N1xaEgrFIg/s800/027.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>I went to the Cheyenne Bottoms visitor center and spent a little time then headed into Great Bend as I a had a motel reservation there. After I got checked in I decided to look up a niece that lives in Great Bend. Their place was easy to find and Holly had just arrived home from work and her husband Bryan Gilliam was also there so I had a nice visit with them. <br />
On Friday morning I awoke to a cool crisp fall day and no wind! I headed northwest on K-96 to Rush Center, then north to LaCrosse. I went west on K-4 through McCracken and turned north on K-147 towards Cedar Bluff State Park. The water was deep blue and not many trees around. The Smoky River flows into the lake.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y6kMFCXriguuUGipgTYd5w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ApbduRyubOY/ToezalZ-ggI/AAAAAAAA0_4/cs8ssQoxFyM/s800/029.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4PLR8Zo_YZZcHqVLlEzfoA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U4nLzQzLbz4/ToezbC1hRDI/AAAAAAAA0_8/mB_HadT_Zf8/s800/030.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>I then came to my second "Rock" along the Smoky.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/btIa-GFKDu0kFUInuQEQQw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YqF7a5dXEY8/ToezbiWJOYI/AAAAAAAA1AA/lAdXmoQkDi0/s800/031.JPG" height="800" width="532" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>This is a BOD marker that marks the Butterfield Overland Dispatch a stage coach line that ran from Atchison to Denver. <br />
http://www.santafetrailresearch.com/research/bod-dispatch.html<br />
There are many markers along this trail and most are close to the Smoky River on the north side.<br />
I went a few miles north on K-147 and found a good gravel road heading west. By looking at the map it should be 9 miles west to 283 hwy. Just before I get to the highway I see this church.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h_3u775_0ctZWzU2n5YRWQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XZ9NapxaPs4/ToezcswKJ2I/AAAAAAAA1AI/C_T8U6EzeCM/s800/033.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>A closer view.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fhsQ-PxLofM6TPl74godgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-s-AfUlIuPO0/ToezdW4xbxI/AAAAAAAA1AM/Lfv2GDTXqGA/s800/034.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>Now Castle rock is west and by looking at the map and some information I had I should go a couple miles north and find a sign pointing west. I didn't find it so I went south and came to the Smoky so I knew it had to be north. I went back to that church and there was a good road on the north side of it so I headed west. Now here's where things get a little sketchy. By looking at the map Castle Rock is half way between Collyer and Quinter, only about 15 miles south. So I am coming in from the east and start to see some rock formations.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TxszvjoQwXHUYFKUNn6aSw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7ZSQydYSCDw/Toezd3ZGCVI/AAAAAAAA1AQ/Uk7CYjzARW8/s800/035.JPG" height="434" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>They don't get close real fast and I wonder if I can get to them. This is the Badlands of Kansas!<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KLKyDVQUunERFFZ0g4TmTw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mccHaAgWp04/ToezekF6LXI/AAAAAAAA1AU/m9MiHoDQ_EU/s800/036.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>I go as far west as I think I should then went south a mile or so then west again the first chance I get and come to this sign. Now this is the sign I thought I was going to find by the church.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7iDYjxKtO1FUNUUJ3UBDnA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aFwRBS93vxI/ToezfCjxNHI/AAAAAAAA1AY/5MMObmK43YI/s800/037.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>So this is the road going in from the south.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OCyDWnIszUb7NI4Te2Nd6A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-juCfAszXmac/ToezflvxBeI/AAAAAAAA1Ac/cXSo7w_tE2g/s800/038.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Viop8zooWEZgJq3CmRRvxg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2lDlKpPPvfM/ToezgCq-KWI/AAAAAAAA1Ag/6fQxJmMranQ/s800/039.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>I stopped here to check out the the trail ahead and decided to walk to the top. Good choice!<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cO74MGJojJkjw63C469jMA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fKpjcyfmDcc/Toezg4PgV_I/AAAAAAAA1Ak/lL6su-O6cM0/s800/040.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>Deep ruts a steep incline. Four wheelers had been going up.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ekmrhuwVyLdMFudwKNAARA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Lhp7p_uGK1s/Toezhl6nbpI/AAAAAAAA1Ao/sIvoxIwITIs/s800/041.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>My third rock, Castle Rock from above.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yq11sfN3OifLQIPWygLGew?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HryO3aqK_wQ/Toezia6qbfI/AAAAAAAA1As/NSrs83GEzoo/s800/042.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1RpY1WvJ63IeucNOEkaAjg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sF2FKY6YVXg/ToezjAK_gpI/AAAAAAAA1Aw/8azPho8axU4/s800/043.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ubmIUvqIl6v0XXXhH9ixrg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fwASUbkDAWw/ToezkKcaiAI/AAAAAAAA1A0/RsMPtUakHyQ/s800/044.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oy0OJhwVIjWmajpOnJI5Mg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mqWnwxDcWH0/Toezlf_p9hI/AAAAAAAA1A4/AHWqbY_91s8/s800/045.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>View looking up.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/drA3IxXg2xNfNsmGYBfmDQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qh61zEQHNF4/ToezmP1xocI/AAAAAAAA1BA/ixxep1sAnBI/s800/047.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>I pushed the bike back down the hill a ways then took the trail to the left. It is not for the faint of heart. Had I walked down it a ways I probably wouldn't had ridden down but once you start you are committed. There were deep ruts and wash outs. One trail would end and you had to turn on the other to avoid complete wash outs. My bike sits high off the ground but I bottomed out several times. I made it down though.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WeafJQxC8d-sPsvFXKWfwA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c17oOmaIztA/Toezm_yLZxI/AAAAAAAA1BE/9dvHf5I0viE/s800/048.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fNBZLxoXBTf8jyUegWSyKQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j8ZIcYEyNVY/ToeznuCZnBI/AAAAAAAA1F0/CaFpMo9bVDA/s800/049.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>And so did the bike!<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1-5T6jDzDmTbqfM4dpCEtA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kCxRAVTiulE/ToezoaZdzcI/AAAAAAAA1BM/4UCkxZysimA/s800/050.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>The first pictures were taken from up there.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/14gDWO14Khxq7T3hIVAEtA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8qwXi53cyI4/Toezo94rehI/AAAAAAAA1BQ/036mPCTJ6pI/s800/051.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fItKUw7tujXPHf4XfCBAEQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1gNS__kZo6o/ToezpSiRbAI/AAAAAAAA1BY/9uNSroQAKRs/s800/052.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>Castle Rock up close.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f8e5eKoLnST_sWUgHrAPRg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P_ZXgaaxU_Y/ToezqGYeK6I/AAAAAAAA1Bc/DGYF5OPHOYI/s800/053.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_EhHHDcrfNDKczs4tqb17g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RAnIMWjXxBE/Toezqr6rlXI/AAAAAAAA1Bg/GpEOBhdEzfY/s800/054.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>Prairie and Kansas Bad Lands.<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X3oEB40rzBgz0ds66p0UbQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kqdscfKMVAA/Toezq_0m2fI/AAAAAAAA1Bk/tY8cODVOPGo/s800/055.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z1iJl4KUBH5EucnU_yKfjw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QTgT3xg5RkM/ToezrTrYsxI/AAAAAAAA1Bo/_CpnYI3lXxM/s800/056.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uIh7qMDqk-ZDC9oPedc0CA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PgvcVSrr9qc/Toezr5xG87I/AAAAAAAA1Bs/FXf1bqayOkA/s800/057.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NXJ_VSGK7aBAlt6_kNztmA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hXCRTP34VdE/ToeztbIH8GI/AAAAAAAA1B4/eRM5QYCgDAU/s800/060.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/so30bdEAVG6aYr-sCQVYvA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3x2huI3ivY0/Toezty9VLhI/AAAAAAAA1B8/tW0d9Xz0KY0/s800/061.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wKDDdiEsME0KgO98WXxncg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AkUsMK76psQ/ToezuzXe0mI/AAAAAAAA1CE/7mzkIG0Eut8/s800/063.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8b0LgyGCzFHBBPpj15URDA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0EEBwGFbM5I/ToezvSvXRvI/AAAAAAAA1CI/KI-mAaW0uP0/s800/064.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlvinGerstner/MushroomCastleMonumentRocks?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Mushroom, Castle, Monument Rocks</a></td></tr>
</table>