BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS (GREAT SALT LAKE DESERT), UTAH

My husband was so excited when we unexpectedly saw the sign “Bonneville Salt Flats”.  After driving thru what seems to be miles after miles, as far as the eyes could see, of salt fields, my husband commented, “I bet this is an area where land speed records were set” – golly, he was right!

The owner of the hotel we stayed took part in the race but we did not have the opportunity to meet him.  There were photos on display in the lobby and historical facts about the area.  We were told that speed racing is major event held each year in Wendover, Utah.  The 2013 Speed Week is scheduled on August 10, and the World Finals is October 1^st which attracts racing fans from around the world.

We saw lot of people walking around in the salt field.  Kids were especially enjoying the activity.  We decided not to go thru the trouble of washing our feet and our shoes.  Besides, it would not be good to have even a grain of salt in Ralphie’s previous Pony since we would be on the road for the next 10 days.

If you don't care about speed records or the history of Bonneville Salt Flats, just take it with a grain of salt!

GOODLAND, KANSAS

Saturday, June 29^th – It was a sunny morning in Salina, Kansas.  Any seasonal traveler knows that when hotel advertise “hot breakfast” included, it has various interpretations.  One look of what was offered in the hotel’s fine dining room, we decided to get coffee and fruit for the road.  We stopped for breakfast in Hays, KS.

We could not resist seeing the “Big Easel”, the 80 foot tall painting of Vincent van Gosh’s “Three Sunflowers in a Vase”.

We always make time to stop and see roadside attractions in small towns.  It is what makes our road trips fun, interesting and memorable.  Each little town has its own charm.  I especially like the homemade pies!

Could you see the “tiny” people in front of the “Big Easel”?

ROAD CLOSED (REALLY? ARE YOU SURE?)

Here is my question of the week - When a normal person saw the gates down, that person would know that the highway was closed (dangerous road condition or in anticipation of a major snowstorm), then why would there be a need to add the sign that reads, "Road Closed"?

Could it be because some "highly intelligent" motorists would still try to get around the gates, then had to be rescued when their vehicle got stuck on the closed highway?  I bet even with the gate down and the sign "Road Closed" with flashing lights, someone would still ignore the obvious warnings.  Call me heartless, but I don't want emergency personnel to risk their life to save those who don't obey the rules.  Don't bother saving these people; I bet they won't ignore the warning signs next time!  Comments, anyone?