Traveling

My scenic road trip from Kansas to Arizona is in motion. The rental is gassed up, the vehicle is packed up, and we are on the road.

Challenging Winter Driving Conditions

Our first stop is the Kansas City International Airport, where my wife (Dawn) and child (Benson) are scheduled to fly from Kansas City to Arizona. After dropping them off and bidding them farewell, my scenic road trip from Kansas to Arizona will truly begin.

Not long after leaving the airport, the weather conditions worsened as I drove west on I-70. The snowflakes begin to get bigger and heavier as the temperatures continue to drop below freezing. Even though I-70 is heavily traveled, I didn’t see many snowplows or salt trucks.

Another challenge to driving in this wintery mix was other vehicles. The weather conditions left a lot of moisture on the road. As a result, when passing vehicles, spray from tires made it hard to see and limited my visibility. At times, the windshield wipers couldn’t keep up, especially when passing semitrucks.

Things took a turn for the better near the exit for Manhattan, Kansas, as the sky cleared up and conditions improved.

Exploring Abilene’s World’s Largest Attractions

My first stop is in Abaline, Kansas, to visit the “Former World’s Largest Spur.” The impressive “Big Spur” reaches a towering height of 28 feet as it stands on its ends, forming an arch. Weighing a ton, this giant attraction was skillfully constructed by Larry Houston back in 2002. It proudly held the esteemed title of the World’s Largest Spur, officially recognized by Guinness World Records until 2017. Unfortunately, I could not get a quality photograph.

Next on my list is the newly installed “World’s Largest Belt Buckle.” This new roadside attraction was created to entice travelers to stop and explore Abilene, Kansas. It measures in at an impressive width of 19 feet 10 ½ inches and a height of 13 feet 11 ¼ inches (excluding the frame). On the face of the buckle are historical figures and images associated with Abilene. The World’s Largest Belt Buckle was designed by local artist Jason Lahr, Fluter’s Creek Metal Works.

A Bygone Era: The Midland Railroad Hotel & Restaurant

By 9:15 PM, I reach my destination in Wilson, Kansas, where I have reserved a room at the Midland Railroad Hotel & Restaurant.

This hotel exhibits the charm of a bygone era. It features beautiful oak furnishings and moldings throughout the establishment. Staying at the Midland Railroad Hotel & Restaurant proved to be a highlight of my scenic road trip from Kansas to Arizona.