4-7-2016 TOPEKA, KS

Yes, sometimes the wind is fierce in our little town of Pahrump, blowing up quite a dust storm.  But that is just now and again, and nothing like the stubborn, severe, unforgiving wind in the plains states we are crossing.  There are whitecaps on the little ponds on the farm land and even the low-profile BFT is bouncing left and right on the highway like a ping pong ball.  No inattention nor casual grip allowed behind the wheel.  The man at the toll booth on the KS turnpike told us it is almost always this way, here.  It is, honestly, a little exhausting.

Copper plate and looking up at the dome

The KS Capitol Building, which was closed last time we were here in Topeka, is an elusive little rascal but we finally chalked up our 40^th capitol.The original structure was completed in 1903.  Striking by its abundance is the copper used to plate much of the ornamentation on the banisters, edge moldings and dome.  One nice lady in the Governor’s office showed us around a bit and said that there are people polishing the copper around the clock.  The floors are shiny marble and sparkle with the reflection of thousands of lights in the many chandeliers. 

Copper staircases

A fifteen-years-long (and $300 million) restoration project has just been completed.  During the work on the ceilings, the layers of boring white paint were chipping off and workmen came to realize that beneath the paint there were beautiful murals and decorative leafing.  The restoration took a sudden twist and the original ceiling art was saved. 

Ceiling murals that were found under layers of paint

Sam Brownback, a nice conservative Republican, was in the US Congress for a few terms but didn’t run again because he is one of the rare few who believes in term limits and actually walks the walk.  He returned home and became the Governor of KS in 2010.  We stopped in to say, “hello,” to good ol’ Uncle Sam but he was busy and we thought better of interrupting him.  We told his secretary, Zoey, to say, “Hi!” from Rob and Lindy from Nevada.

One claim to fame in Kansas is the monumental Supreme Court decision in the Brown vs. Board of Education case and you can read about it everywhere.  The Chief Counsel in this case was Thurgood Marshall, who went on to become a well-known SC Justice.  Oliver Brown from Topeka was one of the plaintiffs, although many states joined forces in this case.  The decision made the practice of school segregation based upon skin color unlawful, for once and for all.  The year was 1954, remarkably 89 years after the Civil War ended and the 14^th Amendment abolishing slavery was added to the Constitution.  The wheels of the human mind turn slowly, yes?

The restaurant de jour in Topeka was The Blind Tiger.  John Dean, the bräumeister, diligently creates tasty beers brewed right here on the premises.  A glass of cold raw wheat ale nicely washes down slabs of bbq ribs or charbroiled steaks in the highly-polished-wood bar room.  This restaurant was rated # 2 out of more than 200 in the city.  Next time you pass through Topeka, eat here!

We have arrived in Garden City, KS for a quick overnight stay.  Tomorrow we are on to Durango and a beautiful drive through Colorado!