Hutchinson, KS

We have come to Hutch (as the locals call it) to see our granddaughter's family:  Andrew, Lauren and their daughter Natalie, and our newest great grandson Finn.  Both Natalie and Finn were born exactly one year apart on December 23.  Finn is now 6 mos and Natilie is 18 mos.  I personally sorta think they're going to get gypped out of either Xmas presents or birthday presents...

Great Grandma Eloise, Natilie and Finn

Great Grandpa Gary and Finn

Daddy Andrew

Natalie and um Natalie

Finn

Finn

 Okay, I need to get a picture of Lauren inserted.  Also, we have about a bazillion more pictures of the cute kids.  Want more?   Just ask, I dare ya!

K State Fair Ground RV Park

We're camped at the Kansas State Fairground RV park.  Scads of spaces here at $30 a day, full hook-ups.  Central to town, and attractions.  

Terry Gaylon Inverter Technician

 Terry is listed as the area's Xantrex repair facility.  Our's went 'out' at the same time the generator went out.  Terry took the unit with him, but made sure we could have power for our A/Cs.  He brought it back late the next day, installed it, and it's working great.  Only cost $524 clams.  This is getting to be an expensive trip!!!

SR 71 Blackbird

Hutchinson is the home to a terrific museum of space artifacts called the Cosmosphere.  Hanging in the lobby is a 'flown' SR 71 Blackbird, the fastest airplane ever built.  Also houses an IMAX domed theater.  We were here years ago and found the museum to be unique and worthy.  A bit expensive today at $26, but seniors get a little break.    The following is a cut/paste from the brochure:

FOUNDING THE COSMOSPHERE

In 1962, Cosmosphere founder Patty Carey set up a used Planetarium Projector and rented folded chairs in the Poultry Building of the Kansas State Fair Grounds and created one of the first public planetariums in the Central United States. Four years later, the planetarium was offered a new home on the campus of Hutchinson Community College and a new, enlarged science center was constructed.
Encouraged by the planetarium's popularity, Patty and the board of directors began an expansion campaign to develop a space and science center worthy of international recognition.  When it opened in 1980, the 35,000-square-foot facility included the planetarium, a three-level exhibit gallery, new classrooms for expanded school programs and one of the first-ever IMAX® Dome Theaters.
In 1997, a major building addition expanded the facility to 105,000 square feet and allowed for the display of a flown SR-71 Blackbird in the lobby. In 1998, the Cosmosphere was named one of the first affiliates of the Smithsonian Institution, formalizing a long-term relationship with the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum.
In 2014, the Cosmosphere announced plans for another major renovation to support more interactive science education opportunities and to showcase its world class collection of artifacts in the type of engaging and stimulating environment today’s museum visitors expect. "

You can take a virtual tour here:  Virtual Tour



 Another don't miss thing to do in Hutch is to tour an active salt mine.

Underground in the Salt Mine

 Morton Salt has been here since the 1880's.  There is a tram ride tour.  One section of the mine is dedicated to preserving priceless things.  One debatably priceless things are old Hollywood films.  It's called Strataca:

"Travel 650 feet underground into an active salt mine!  Experience a cool and soothing subterranean world formed by salt deposits in the Permian Sea long ago. See the raw mine as it was left more than 50 years ago on the Salt Mine Express train ride and catch a guided tour on a tram to the Dark Ride. You won't want to miss a special gallery filled with authentic movie costumes and memorabilia. And don't miss the SALT SAFARI add on tour. A one hour guided adventure tour that goes BEYOND STRATACA. See salt formations not available to the general public until now! Limited capacity -- only 12 visitors at a time depart 3-4 times a day."

....that's from the brochure.  It's closed on Mondays.  You'll wear a hard hat, so don't bring your own.  It's Fun!

Now heading for Lansing, KS