The popular image of Kansas is one of an endless flat plain, subject to the occasional violent tornadoes. The expansive plains are indeed an interesting characteristic, but our road trip through the west of the state exposed us to a different facet of the state – the Cowtowns. When we were planning an overnight stay on the trip, I immediately circled Dodge City. The image of Wyatt Earp patrolling the wild town of the 19th century is well documented in the local tourist attractions. However, the industry that spurred the cowtowns in Kansas remains – there are numerous stockyards in the region and they are an eye opening sight. I’ve never seen so much cattle and when we stopped to take in the spectacle, the view seemed almost biblical. I guess we don’t realize the scale of the industry that provides beef up and down the country. A visit to Kansas would rectify that.
