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http://kansastravel.org/keeperoftheplains.htm

Hubby and I hadn’t had a chance to visit the Keeper of the Plains since they had the re-dedication in May. This dedication marked the end of a 20 million(?) dollar renovation project they did along the river, including raising the Keeper of the Plains back up to a point where Exploration Place no longer blocked his view of the river.

We finally made our way down there a couple of weeks ago. What they did is absolutely beautiful!! After parking, there is a very artistic bridge that takes you across to the actual Keeper of the Plains exhibit, a little island at the fork where the rivers meet.

Once there, the sound of Native American flute music greets you and immediately starts to bring you to a place of peacefulness of the soul. Stories of how Native Americans in this region lived, hunted, and migrated are told on large plaques along the story wall. On the other side of this “courtyard” there is a beautiful piece of art that explains that the entire display is set in a circle separated into four quadrants to represent, earth, air, fire and water, and explains the significance of each element and of the combination of these elements in the Native American belief system. There are benches to sit on and on the day we went, a couple of local musicians had set up and played music for anyone who wanted to sit and listen, which we did.

A few steps down a rocky path, to the next level down, took us to an area with steam coming out of the ground to represent air. For some reason, this simple display is fascinating, especially to the kids. Walking further down the path, surrounded by native Kansas grasses, medicinal herbs and the like, took us to the front side of the exhibit. The Keeper standing above, giant rocks separating us from walking off into the river, more grasses and herbs and just outside of the rock walls were giant fire pits that are lit 2-3 times a night, provided beauty and peace. What I didn’t expect was how romantic this spot actually is, and I was obviously not the only one who felt that way. There were couples in various states of repose in every corner. One couple, snuggled up on a giant rock. Another couple, each with a relaxed arm around the other, leaned against the rock wall waiting for the fire lighting ceremony. Other couples, hand in hand or quietly embraced, were everywhere. Of course I, with my strange sense of humor, leaned into my husbands hear to whisper “Look. It’s make-out point”. I just couldn’t help myself, but it wasn’t much later that the atmosphere bled over and hubby and I were snuggled up too. It was so relaxing to just “be”. Even when the flames were lit, and the giant pillers of fire lept into the sky, the atmosphere was amazing. I could have watched those flames for hours, looking at the pictures the flames made against the black sky.

Several years ago but went to Lawrence with my best friend to see several bands including one called “The Swinging Udders”. Afterwards we went out dancing and had an absolute blast! He’s dead now but I will always cherish this memory with him.

it’s an airport, what’s to visit?