We stopped to read the information board which is between Montezuma and Ensign. There are 170 towers that cover nearly 20 sq miles and is the first to be built in Kansas. Each tower is 207' high and weighs 147,000 lbs.
Papa Ken helped build these wind towers seven years ago. Each turbine consists of 3-blades, 77' each, 154' in diameter and each blade weighing 3,300 lbs.
We stopped in Greensburg to view what was left of the city after the terrible massive EF5 tornado on May 4, 2007 that was nearly 2 miles wide. The city was 95% destroyed, but they are rebuilding and life will go on.
The tornado destroyed the Big Well Museum & Gift shop and the water tower. A new water tower has been constructed and plans are for a new museum/gift shop. Notice the bent flag pole.
This has been constructed since the tornado.
This is the World's Largest Hand-Dug Well which was built in the 1880s. The Santa Fe and Rock Island Railroads were laying tracks across the plains of Kansas and needed a reliable water source. The cost was about $45,000 which was a hugh sum of money in those days. The well served as a source of water for the city until 1932. In 1888 the well was completed and it is 109' deep and 32' in diameter.
Since the tornado no one is permitted to walk down the steps to the bottom of the Big Well, but plans are to open it again soon.
This is the big Gem Stone Rock between Cedar Vale and Sedan. It was found in the ground when the new 169 highway was built. It was stood up and half is buried in the ground.
WE ARE HOME! We drove 408 miles today making a total of 5,425 miles by car plus the 4,100 traveled on our Alaska/Yukon trip making a grand total of 9,525 through 15 states, British Columbia and Yukon Territory in Canada. This is the most I have traveled on any trip. I will be spending some time on the farm before I go back to Lawrence next month to live with Awin again. I must go help him plan for his wedding next July. Wonder what else is in store for me.
Emily jumped into the car as soon as the door was opened. She was so happy to see me.
I hope you have enjoyed my trip and perhaps learned a few things about our wonderful world that we live in.
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