Travel & Vacation: Midwest Dust Whirlwind
Midwest Dust Whirlwind
On one our road trips while in Kansas the girls saw their first Midwest Dust Whirlwind. Some people also called them Dust Devils. In the past few years Kansas has been pretty dry so sometimes when a farmer is working his field or something else is stirring up a large amount of dust you’ll see a dust whirlwind pop up.
When the girls first saw it they thought it was a tornado. It does look like a tornado touching down, but usually happens on a dry sunny day. We were driving along Highway 34 West near Platner, Colorado when we saw this dust whirlwind. Hopefully, the Midwest will start getting some nice rain soon so these dust devils will not be as common. The Midwest is a large producer of crops for our nation and around the world. We have a lot of farmers in our family from the Midwest who could use more rain for their crops.
A dust whirlwind (or commonly referred to as a dust devil) is caused when a vortex forms from the dust that is being kicked up into the air. The dust will often form a swirling column that reaches up vertically through the air. The dust devils could last for several hours and can either be small or large enough for people to see for many miles. They are typically harmless other than you can get dirt in your eyes and hit by small particles of dirt if you walk or drive through one.
Dust Devil off Highway 34 West! Looks like a tornado, but it is made of dirt.
The farmer working his field is kicking up enough dirt to create this Dust Whirlwind that can be seen for miles.
It was amazing to watch the swirling column of dirt raising high up into the sky.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Red Rocks Overlook Trail & Amphitheater
My cousin Renelle and her husband Eric took the girls and I to see the Red Rocks!
While we were in Colorado a few weeks ago we got to go for a hike up the Red Rocks Overlook and check out their Amphitheater! The red rocks were huge, beautiful boulders on the side of the mountain. It would have been neat to see them right after a rain storm, they probably look gorgeous! In the Red Rocks Amphitheater they hold many concerts. The Red Rocks are on over 800 acres of land and at about 6,500 feet above sea level.
The Red Rocks Amphitheater was formed naturally. The way the rocks line up provides an amazing acoustic setting for concerts. There is a museum at the Red Rocks Amphitheater were you can see all the musicians who have performed. The had all kinds of artists and groups including Bon Jovi, The Beatles, Sting, Opera Singers, and many more!
The red rock boulders were huge!
Brina hiking up to the top of the Red Rocks Overlook Trail.
Cool Red Rock boulders lined the hiking trail!
Brina taking a moment to sit down while Karlie thinks about how cool it would be to have one of those big rocks at her house (no I wouldn’t let her take one home on the plane, ha)!
Uncle Eric, Brina, and Karlie hiking up the trail!
Looking at the Red Rocks Amphitheater and parking lot below!
Just as long as they piece on top doesn’t roll my direction….
A view of the Red Rocks Amphitheater from the top of the Red Rocks Overlook Trail! They were getting ready for a concert that evening!
Karlie and Brina enjoying their time exploring the Red Rocks!
What goes up….must come down! Walking back down the trail with Aunt Renelle!
Brina pausing to let me take a quick picture!
A view of the Red Rocks Amphitheater from the top railing. It seats about 10,000 people. I bet it looks amazing at night during a concert!
The girls had to run down all the stairs of the amphitheater! At least they were able to get in a little extra exercise!
Inside the Red Rocks Museum they had a wall listing all the years, dates, and musicians that have performed in the amphitheater. They also had several other cool rooms to go through and explore. It was a pretty neat adventure for the kids. My cousin Renelle had been at a concert there a few years ago and said it was awesome!!!
Travel & Vacation: Picnic and Hike Around Lily Lake
Karlie and Brina hanging out at Lake Lily
We head up to Lake Lily to have a picnic, walk around the Lily Lake Loop, and enjoy the scenery. It was a beautiful day. A little colder than we are used to in South Carolina. We had a wonderful day with family!
Dad trying one of Renelle’s Wasabi Seaweed Strips! Spicy, crispy, and delicious!
Fun at Lake Lily!
Renelle brought these super cool hippo treats. The outside was a crunchy cookie dipped in white chocolate and chips of chocolate. The inside was a creamy chocolate.
Pausing for a picture with Grandma Penny and Aunt Mary Ann on our hike around Lake Lily.
Karlie wanted a picture with these cool fallen tree by the lake!
The Rocky Mountains scenery is beautiful!
Having fun in the Rocky Mountains!
Grandpa Russell by Lake Lily!
Gorgeous mountains around Lake Lily!
Soaking in the scenery around the lake.
Karlie all smiles on the hike around the lake.
Grandpa Russell on a stroll at Lake Lily!
Love spending time with my girls exploring.
Karlie loves being outside!
