The morning started off with a cup of joe and the Double Tree chocolate chip cookie. It was a nice way to get up, and also a way to be prepared for the 5 hour drive ahead of us.

We decided that we should visit Melody’s friend in Missouri, so we stopped by to get some lunch at Panera. There wasn’t much for me to talk about so I ventured off into the mall that we were eating at and finally fell into Barnes and Noble. I proceeded to learn about swimming, National Geographic pictures, and also a book about getting ready to start drumming. But that was all when they finally found me, where I snapped this shot of the two of them

Well, we only had three more hours until the final destination, which the main attraction was the Tallgrass Prarie National Preserve. There we found a small 1 and 3/4 mile hike, called the southwind nature trail, where we found many different kind of wildflowers. Scared of all the ticks that may infest the grasslands, we walked with caution – looking like goofballs resulting though.

So we stopped by a school, that was right off the trail which was a “basic” school. They did stress this due to its basic architecture and also its basic teachings. I wanted to take a picture of Melody in front of the door with my new lens – suppose to be used at a wedding.

I also loved the cracked paint so I had to get a picture of that. Also accented by the rust on the door knob and key hole.

Well I finally found what I was looking for, or expecting. The wheat grass that was suppose to dominate this field was scarcely found. It was also even harder to take a picture of due to all the wind.

Kind of wishing there was more to offer, we found out that there were backcountry trails that take you to rolling hills and lakes. Well unfortunately you need a permit to hike these trails and also it closes at 3:30. Double losses for us, but hopefully next time!

Well there were many interesting things to photograph at the location. Including this very old gas pump. I just love old things – either rust, paint or just something retro. Glad I got to see it.

We decided that later that night we should try to catch a sunset picture. But was kind of blocked by only being able to walk on the trail given. I told Melody we should just sneak just a little to catch a view of the lake and its glory. Well I guess I found a jewel because the 5 minute exposure picture at the top is what I got. I’m trying to experiment and hopefully will be getting good results later in this trip with some star trails. I got a little bit at the top of this one, just need a slightly longer exposure, maybe an hour or so?