River edge

I like this scene of calm waters and man made river edging. In the background is one of two bridges that leads across the rivers to the Keeper of the Plains.

Pedicure?

If you saw yesterday's photo, then you've now seen the Troll from head to toe!

This guy needs a pedicure!

As you can see, he's not going to come out of his hiding place and gobble anyone up.

Troll

This photo was taken, by the river, not far from the Keeper of the Plains Plaza. From my understanding, this grate along the bike/walking path was over an unsightly drainage area that would of been costly to clean up and renovate. Instead, the city came up with an idea to add character to it, for a fraction of the cost. Those who look closely beneath this drainage grate, will find -- a Troll. It's a great addition to the area, giving something for young and old, to know about, look for, and find. October and halloween, seems like a good month to post this somewhat creepy, yet fun, and whimsical character.

Wooden grave marker

This is how graves were often marked during the covered wagon, and cowboy days. It reads "unknown", instead of a name. This grave marker is located beside an old covered wagon that had fallen under indian attack. It can be seen when entering Old Cowtown. It's, of course, just for depiction of the wild west era - not a real grave. I thought this photo would go well with yesterday's theme of cemetaries and tombstones.

October 1st, Theme day - Cemetary or Tombstones

Taken in a Wichita Cemetary.

Business Buildings

These are a couple of business buildings in downtown Wichita.

Real American Roadhouse

This was taken in a steakhouse called Logan's Roadhouse. The two previous photos were also taken here. Each table has a (regular sized) bucket of peanuts on it, and it's considered proper etiquette, to simply toss the shells onto the floor. The jukebox is much more colorful than it appears in this photo, the flash wiped them out. If interested in reading more, you can visit their webpage, by going to www.logansroadhouse.com

Blue Moon

As I saw this lovely neon sign,

I wondered how it would photograph,

and I spent the evening with a melancholy (blue) tune playing in my mind.

Blue moon,

You saw me standing alone,

Without a dream in my heart,

Without a love of my own.

Blue moon,

You knew just what Iwas there for.

You heard me saying a pray for

Someone I really could care for.

- - - - - - - -

Maybe the moon is made out of blue cheese.

Big peanuts?...

...or, little bucket?

Basket of flowers

A scene at Botanica, Wichita's Botanical Gardens.

Riverwalk - Colored Totems

I call these the colored totems. This is about half of them and all totaled they encircle an intersection at Amidon and McLean Boulevard. They are alight each evening in a different color, or set of colors. I've seen red, white and blue, a time or two. On this evening they are lavendar and pink. It's a treat to pass through this intersection and see the color for the evening. They are tranquil, not flashy, nor fading - just steadilly lit, and not too bright. This is a nice interesection to be stopped by a red light, just to enjoy the view. During the daytime, they are plain and colorless. leaving one to wonder "what color will they be tonight?"

They are located at the end of an ongoing riverwalk project, the city adds to, now and then, In the years to come, it will be a nicer than it already is. Wichitans and visitors can stroll or bike along the paved river bank paths, enjoying sights and businesses, along the way.

Near this stretch of river is; Old Cowtown, Botanica, The Wichita Art Museum, Mid-America All Indian Center, Keeper of the Plains Plaza, Exploration Place... and more.

Before Wichita came to be, this area had no lights, except for that of the sun, moon, stars and campfires, -- no businesses, no traffic or city sounds. Back then, this stretch of river was home to a village of Ouichita Indians. It was here, where they lived, hunted, and grew crops. They built mound shaped huts made from tree branches and brush (not teepees). This is a special section of the river, as it's where the Big and Little Arkansas rivers merge into one.

Wichita is the English version of Ouichita, and thus the name of this fair city.

Getting back to the colored totems, I especially like when they are the color of tomato soup made with milk. Anyone know the name of that color?

Rocket slide

This was always big fun for kids at Riverside Park, they could climb up inside it to various levels and at about the second level they could slide down. The slide has been removed and the entries closed off. It's been left in place for memories sake, but no longer do kids get to climb inside and slide down. Although, there is new park equipment beside this old rocket and there are slides there. They just aren't rocket slides. I'm curious to know - does (or has) your city ever had a slide like this one? I don't know who designed it, but am wondering if this is unique to Wichita, or if it was installed at other parks in other cities?

Back Porch Guys

This was also taken at the Barbecue Cook Off campgrounds. I liked the string of pig lights, and if you enlarge the picture you'll see the "Buck a Bone" sign. These guys were enjoying the evening with a harmonica, guitar - and song/s. They could be heard by nearby campsites, and was a nice addition to the "campground" atmosphere.

A Buck a Bone

This is a shot taken at a Barbecue Cook Off Competition. There were quite a few participants - all cooking up their prize winning entries. This shot shows a booth with lots of different sauces. I requested beef brisket "Hotter than Hell" and thought I was going to need to call the Fire Department, to put the fire out on my tongue. It was good - and it was HOT! Tickets were sold for $1 each, and for "A Buck a Bone" (one ticket) generous portions were served. Some even offered free grub. As I walked amid this small encampment of modern day travel trailers, smokers, campfires, and barbecue aroma - I couldn't help envisioning the scene as it would of possibly looked 100 years ago, with covered wagons, campfires, horses, and cowboys. I guess it was the moon, and stars of the night sky that set the stage for a little nostalgia.

Dogi Pot

Took a walk the other evening, in a park I'd been to before, and noticed something new. Not a bad idea, and possibly a great way to meet people. (winking at Jayne)

Cool cat

Another scene from the downtown streetscape collection. A cat that's caught two birds for dinner, or for fun? And, also laying on the ground were some discarded cigarette butts, to which the kids thought would make a fun photo.

Downtown lighting

This photo shows the style of planters and lighting along the sidewalks of downtown Wichita.

Drive Thru?

While this is a classic addition to the 1950's decor of this place,

it's not the recommended way to "drive through" at a fast food restuarant.

Through a window, looking in...

This photo is a double view, a view of the jeep outside at the drive-in window, and a view of the customer inside dining on fish. (not the fish from the previous photo!)

Something's fishy...

If I was that dragonfly, I think I'd be a bit nervous - afraid of becoming a snack for the fish.

Ain't she sweet...

This girl was happilly posed by the boy with the frog, near the entrance of the Zoo. Tomorrow, I'll show you what the kids in the background were looking at.

Catching frogs

This statue is seen by the fish pond at the Sedgwick County Zoo entrance. Before joining CDPB, I didn't realize Wichita had so many nice works of public art. This one brings to mind days gone by, when going barefoot and catching frogs, was fun. I remember catching crawdads, tarantulas, frogs, lightening bugs, june bugs, roly polys, and butterflies. What did you catch?

Paddle boats

Some of the young paddleboaters went straight for the fountain and had fun getting wet. The more mature paddleboaters steered clear of the fountain, and stayed dry.

All aboard!!

These two cute kids are all set to see where they have been, as opposed to seeing where they are going. What does their body language say to you? To me it looks as if they are tuckered out from playing, patiently waiting for the train to fill up, and anticipating their backward journey through the park.

Pony rules

This sign makes the rules clear (I could not ride!). It must be the answers to the most frequently asked - pony ride questions. I know it answered all of mine. Do you see Bo's pony friend in the background, and the train ride to the left? I was allowed to ride the train - and did.

Pony named "Bo"

This is the pony picked out by the little girl, to ride. She wanted a "white one". His name is Bo. We were told, he's the largest of the small ponies to pick from, and the most gentle. She picked a good one. The ponies at this park are well cared for, they have a barn to shelter them from bad weather, a pasture to spend time in when not "working". They have plenty of, food, water, shade, and lots of happy children to ride them. The little girl who rode Bo, is beside me and she'd like for me to tell you... "the ponies can't run". (Of course they can run, but not while being led at the pace of the mechanical lead)

Follow the yellow brick road...

This is really a Yellow Brick Path (not a road), in a Wichita park. I thought by following it, I would at least see a scarecrow, cowardly lion, and tin man, but all there was to see was the yellow brick path, grass, bushes and trees. I recall in the past, there was a tree stump carving of a tornado, but it's no longer there. This is in a nice park - one that has a lake, paddle boats, children's train ride, pony rides, playground equipment, picnic tables and charcoal grills. The little girl in the photo is headed for the pony ride. She wants to ride the white pony, a pony named "Bo".

Baby Bear

While playing, a little girl buckled up her baby bear to go for a ride, where they were going, I do not know. Maybe to visit the other bears at the zoo. Notice this bear has a "bottle" of water. She was taking good care of this little cub. I'm filing this under the category of animals, because after all this is a stuffed "animal". Did you have a favorite stuffed friend in your early years? I had a bear with a music box in it, that played a favorite tune.

Life is but a dream

Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream.

It's a pretty canoe on the Arkansas River. The daughter working, while the mom relaxes. (This photo views best when enlarged)

Another horse

Another horse statue, this one is found on the south side of Bank of America. It includes a girl and her dog. Some of you may remember the series of Downtown Streetscape statues previously posted. This is a member of that collection. There are also some small statues mounted along the streetscape - a frog, a lizard, a squirrel, a cat. It's such a nice walk along Douglas street - especially in the company of children who excitedly point out what they are seeing. If you missed the photos, and are interested, you can select the category "City Art" from the sidebar to view these nice works of art.

``Hi-ho, Silver, away''

Someone found a creative use for old chrome car bumpers - this shiny silver steed is located in downtown Wichita.

Pidgeon

This pidgeon was roosting on a wooden board under the roof of a covered bridge. It almost went unnoticed - but I happened to look up. Most people look over the sides of the bridge at the water below, as ducks and fish are swimming around.

There is a food dispenser mounted on the bridge, and for a quarter (or two) you can buy a handful of "fish food" to toss to the fish below. Often times as children open the door of the food dispenser - some of the pellets fall on the floor. If pidgeons can eat the small pellets, then this bird has found a safe and shady spot near a "cafeteria".

Grasshopper

This grasshopper lives at the Zoo, too, uncaged, free to hop around all over the place.

Shhhhhh...

I wanted to post this sign yesterday, to go with the Grizzly Bears, but saw yesterday was a first day of the month Theme Day. So, now continuing on am posting this grizzly warning sign. I've rarely had trouble sleeping, when woke up, I can usually go right back to sleep. But, some aren't so lucky and if they get woke up - they wake up grouchy and growl.

Zoo Blvd

Sept 1st DPB Theme Day - Street Sign
This is what most of Wichita's residential street signs look like. I thought this one would go nicely with the Zoo photos, as it is Zoo Blvd. The Sedgwick County Zoo was began in 1963 (planning stages), so this stretch of city street was given this special name sometime after that.

Grizzly #2

This is the other Grizzly Bear. The pool in yesterday's photo is at the base of a rock wall formation, which has rocky steps to reach the top. This is the other bear in the exhibit and was seen walking along the top edge of the wall. Both photo's of the bears were taken through thick glass, hard to tell - they turned out as if there was nothing between me and the bears.

Grizzly Bear

This Grizzly found a way to keep cool, on a HOT summer day. It was fun to watch as the bear paced back and forth along the water's edge (just getting his feet wet). I figured when he was ready he would simply walk down into the pool. All of a sudden, he lept into the air above the water - (picture Superman in flight) and as quickly as he entered the air, he splashed down "belly buster" style. It was quite entertaining to see the bear in mid air with arms and legs outstretched. I don't know about the other hot and sweaty spectators, but I couldn't help imagining how nice it would be to dive in with him. He looked so friendly, just like a big ol' teddy bear. There are two Grizzly's in this exhibit, I'll show you the other one tomorrow. They have a very nice "Bear home" at the Sedgwick County Zoo. It closely resembles a natural habitat.

Gorilla

This gorilla was interesting to watch as he strolled past the viewing area. He would take a few steps, and then pause (or pose). It was as if, he has learned that if he stops and holds still, he'll see flashes of light from cameras. He did this three or four times. He even turned his head towards the viewing area. What a ham he was, I couldn't help but like him. They have a very nice outdoor area to run, climb, tumble and play - and a nice air conditioned building to come into when the weather is bad, for feeding, and at bedtime.

Humboldt Penguin

Wichita is home to the Nationally renowned Sedgwick County Zoo. It's the 18th largest in the US and is Kansas's most popular tourist attraction. This year a Penguin exhibit was opened. Here's a picture of one that swam right up to the glass, observing me, as I was observing him. Humboldt Penguins come from South America's rocky coastal waters of Chile and Peru. They are named after the Humboldt current that runs up the west coast of South America from Antarctica. I hope they do well in their new Kansas home.

Dragging Douglas

When turning around from yesterday's photo, this is the view looking towards the west. This stretch of city street through downtown Wichita used to be popular among the young crowd of "new" drivers. That was before the internet. High school students would cruise up and down Douglas Avenue, and the term for this activity was "drag Douglas". They would congregate, driving back and forth, showing off their first cars, and meeting other people around their age. It wasn't uncommon on a Friday or Saturday night to be asked "wanna go drag Douglas", or "let's go drag Douglas". I don't think it goes on much these days, but am not sure. Guess I'll have to venture downtown on a Friday or Saturday evening and see if young drivers are still bumper-to-bumper; honking, waving, hollering out of car windows, flirting, and revving engines. Does your city have (or did it use to have) this kind of driving activity in it's past?

Douglas Avenue

Douglas Avenue is a main street running east and west, through the heart of downtown Wichita. In it's early days it was a dirt road traveled by; horseback, covered wagons, buggies, and early Automobiles. Eventually, this road was "paved" with red brick, and as time progressed most of the brick has been replaced, or covered with blacktop and/or concrete. Douglas is the dividing line between "north" and "south" Wichita addresses.

This is a "looking east" view along Douglas. The building with Saturn painted on it, is a hair salon, called Planet Hair.

There are pubs, cafes, antique shops, and other businesses. One of the cafe's along this view is the The Old Mill Tasty shop, it's a great place to enjoy good food in an old fashioned soda shop and cafe. I highly recommend their Chicken Salad Sandwich and Turtle Sundae.

A retired Santa Fe train engine rests atop the railroad bridge(it's always there, no longer used), and is a part of the Great Plains Transportation Museum.

Emporia street is one way, going North only, and downtown Wichita's speed limit is 30 miles per hour.

Also note: the Eaton Hotel (shown earlier on this blog) is hidden by the trees in the right side of the photo. The Eaton Hotel is located close to where Wichita's early day passenger train station was. The old train station building is still there, but today it's an upscale steak house. Wichita hasn't had passenger train service for many years, but many trains travel through the city, hauling loads of all kinds of "stuff".

Pepperoni Pizza

Pizza anyone? What's your favorite toppings? Thick crust, stuffed crust, or thin and crispy? Wichita is the home of the very first Pizza Hut, maybe I'll take a photo of the original "Pizza Hut" and post it sometime. I have fun remembering the old advertisement of "Putt, putt, to the Pizza Hut". To see it click here: http://iblogmustang.com/2007/04/17/put-put-the-pizza-hut/

High and Low

Oh! ye'll take the high road and I'll take the low road,
And I'll be in Scotland afore ye; But me and my true love
Will never meet again On the bonnie, bonnie banks of .... The Arkansas.

Native wisdom

The statue in the header of my blog is called "The Keeper of the Plains", he stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers. The Keeper Plaza, located around the base of the statue, incorporates the history of the Native Americans and embodies a “sacred hoop” and the 4 elements that make up life (Earth, air, fire and water).
I've noticed some American cities are named after places in Europe. Ever wondered how Wichita got it's name? It's named after the Wichita Indians that first inhabited this area. Back in the days when all that was needed was - Earth, air, fire and water. Could you get by on those basic needs, these days?

Windows

Pink

Pumping water

Anyone remember using your whole body to pump water from an old fashioned water pump like this one?

Munger house

This log home was built in 1868 near the Arkansas River, by a Mr Munger. The logs used for it came from cottonwood trees in the area. It served as a 2-room hotel, a post office, and pioneer hospital. A lot of action for this little log home. The dresser drawers in the guest rooms, have a lock on each of them. The paying guests, were given a key to their dresser drawer. The plaster between the logs, included buffalo hair in the mixture. This home has been well preserved as it was for many years housed within the walls of a larger home that had been built around it. It is now in Wichita's Old Cowtown. It's furnished inside, as it would of been during it's early days in Wichita history. It has two front doors, the one on the left is entry to the "living room" which served as Mr Munger's office. It has a desk and dining table in it. The door on the right enters into the kitchen area. The two guest (hotel) rooms are on the back. Not sure what's upstairs, but am thinking that's where the Munger family slept. That's just a guess though, not a fact. Remember the picture of the Carey-Eaton Hotel - quite a difference a few years made. Cattle business must of been booming around the time span of when the two hotels were built 1868 - 1887.

Cowtown businesses

Old fashioned swing

If you ever go to Old Cowtown and you are taking young children - be sure to allow extra time for them to play on the old fashioned "tree swing". It's a rope tied to a tree branch (way up high), with a bag of sand tied to the other end. It's big fun for little ones. And, it doesn't cost extra. This swing is in an area near the one room schoolhouse shown in an earlier post. The red building in the background is the public restrooms.