Ashley Fetner Fine Art Photography

Located in a glacial basin in north-central Colorado is the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge.  The 23,464-acre refuge was established in 1967 and is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.  The main purpose of the refuge is to “provide suitable nesting and brood rearing habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds and also to offset losses of nesting habitat in the prairie wetland region of the Midwest.”  With and elevation of 8,200 feet, it is the highest national wildlife refuge in the continental United States. Due to the abundance of big game prior to 1820, the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge was a favorite summer hunting ground for the Ute and Arapaho tribes along with Crow, Sioux and Cheyenne.  There was enough bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer and pronghorn antelope to share.  The Ute called the refuge “Bull Pen” and “Cow Pen” because the broad valley surrounded by a circle of mountain ranges created and enormous pen. The basin opens north into Wyoming   and is rimmed on the west by Park Range, on the south by Rabbit Ears Range and on the east by Medicine Bow Range.   Evidence of the presence of the Native American tribes can still be found in the park today such as well-worn trails, teepee rings and burial trees.  Looking out over this amazing landscape—I can almost “hear” their presence ~

 

Kay

Traveling through Garden City Kansas late one evening, we needed a place for the night.  We inquired at several hotels and found there were no vacancies throughout the town.  We were just about ready to drive on when  a desk clerk  told us about Sunnyland B&B, she called and they had one room available ,so with directions  in hand, off we went to 501N. 5^th Street.   We arrived at a beautiful three story Queen Ann Style home, circa 1909, with a wonderful wrap-around porch.  We were greeted by the innkeepers and shown to our room on the second floor.  Our room was John15:1, 26 (all rooms are named from scripture) and was decorated in a garden theme. The room was immaculate; cozy with every detail attended to - just what two weary travelers needed! After a great nights rest, we went on a self-guided tour –this house really takes you back in time with its grand staircase, original English Oak woodwork , fireplaces, stained and leaded glass windows and of course the antique furnishings.  In the music room there is even a 1920 player piano and the dining room has the original chandelier.  And speaking of the dining room— the table was elegantly set where we were served a scrumptious breakfast!  The innkeepers, Fred and Kathryn Askren, are the sixth owners of this home that is listed on the Kansas Historical register. The first was David and Maretta Menke, who were very prominent citizens in Garden City.  In fact David not only opened the first store in town but was also the first postmaster, cashier at the First National Bank, county treasurer and also owned a 1700 acre sheep farm.  Maretta also took an active part in the community as the treasure of the Garden City Library. If your travels take you near Garden City Kansas, be sure to stay with Fred and Kathryn at Sunnyland—tell them Kay sent you!

Kay