#372 Smoky Gardens, Goodland, Kansas

Smokey Gardens was a two hours stop and we found it on all stays. They had some images of the park on the site and it must have been for like 5 years ago because it looked a little run down.

We were pleasantly surprised when we got there as it looked like everything was brand new so they must have just done a major renovation. They had 50-amp full hookups for like maybe 15 bucks or something and that was great. India and I went on a nice hike the next day and I took some pictures of the lake and all that sort of thing.

I've seen several of these type of trees and the bark is so distinctive and it really appeals to me. Cottonwood I think.

We were only going to stop for one night. For whatever reason Bert decided to barricade himself in the bottom part called the dungeon of the RV. He wouldn't come out no matter what and we can't leave until he comes out because we always think there is a secret exit that he might jump out on the highway and we can't have that. We wanted to be Flagler the next stop before dark.

The crazy cat was messing this up for us and I got to tell you we really needed to go. At some point it's like okay Bert, you suck. we're going to go. I thought maybe if I started making some noises it would scare him into coming back into the living room. I slid in connected to the truck and started going up to an upper part of the park and along the way I hit just as many bumps as I could stand to just make it just unbearable to be in the dungeon. I had left India back there because I needed someone to retrieve him. By the time I got to the top of the hill, she said he emerged quite shaken. This type of behavior is where Bert sucks sometimes.

We finally got underway and it was getting closer and closer to dusk by the time we got underway so thanks, Bert.

KS, GOODLAND: Smoky Gardens (also called Soldier's Memorial Park or Sherman Wildlife Area). Vault toilets. Park & lake have been abandoned but kept mowed & clean. Free. Locals welcomed us. Park anywhere. I-70 x17, go 7 mi Son SR-27 to MM 164, TL (W) on Rd 52, go 2 mi, TR (N) on Rd 17, go 2 mi, TR on Rd 54 into park. 39.18758 -101.75716. Rds. are good hard dirt. Quiet & beautiful. PHOTO. Ed & Carol McClellan #68594 Jul 04. Last updated by Song & Steve Judson #12180 stayed Jul 18.