Saturday, September 15, 2007

Coronado's Castle

On top of a rocky hill, resting in the middle of the Kansas prairie lies a stone castle: Coronado's Castle. It's a beautiful place where travelers can stop for a bird's eye view of its rich rural heritage and undisturbed acres of grassland.

Tucked away in my archives, buried in the year 2005, lives a post I wrote about the castle at Coronado Heights. It's a place that has always been dear to me; a place to go where I can find beauty, peace and an abundance of memories.

It is truly a breathtaking journey, this road that leads to the top of Coronado, and the stay is one that lingers in the mind long after the trip has ended. Along the winding road that leads to the top of the hill lies a marker that reads: "A Place to Share", and through that sharing comes moments which are never shaken, nor ever very far away.

My favorite time to visit Coronado is when no one else is there. It then becomes a treasured secret, a hidden escape that leaves no admittance to the outside world. Cares drift away on the Kansas wind and the soul finds a resting place of contentment among the rustling grasses and wildflowers.

There are trails to explore and something new to see each time. Remnants of past loves and memories are left in stones scattered around the hill, yet enhance instead of distract from the setting, as if they have always been a part of its history.

Inside the castle, one can make his way up the steep, spiraled staircase to the top of the world that can rival any city skyscraper in its view.
Fields lay like patchwork quilts along the landscape and small farms dot the top like colorful buttons, tying it all together. The busyness of the city lies far in a distant dream upon the canvas, and there is no room for ill thoughts in the vast loveliness.

Stone picnic tables are scattered on the edge of the hill, inviting intimate meals and quiet conversation. And if one is fortunate to be there at twilight he is treated to a private view of a spectacular display of colors, courtesy of God Himself.

The Rockies of Colorado are beautiful in their awesome height and glory, and it's hard to beat the brilliance of an Ozark mountain lit by Autumn. But give me the quiet hilltop off a lonely Kansas road for a place of peace and reflection. I will choose it every time.

10 comments:

shoeaddict said...

Thank you so much for your comments. I'm so glad you are better. I am also glad that you came and visited me. It was very sweet.

I have had migraines for 13 years. I have had lots of MRIs. I've got endocrine problems and the like. Lately, I've had more dizziness, balance problems, memory problems, etc... I went to my neurologist and did poorly on my neurology testing suggesting to her that there may be something on my cerebellum. I will find out soon enough.

Thanks again for your kind words.

Mike said...

Wow! What a cool place, I would love a getaway like that!

I will get to adding to my blog soon! ;-)

TT

Michael Lehet said...

Amazing....thank you for sharing!

Networkchic said...

You know what? I've missed this place. I could always count on coming here and feeling better, more beautiful, more at peace then when I arrived. Such a knack you have my dear. :-)

Mrs. J said...

I like the photos you put here. So beautufil! all of em!

Chad Oneil Myers said...

Definitely looks like a cool place.

Martie said...

Holy smokes! A treasure right there in Kansas.....well, besides you of course!

So what is the history behind this "Coronado's Castle"? Who was it built by and why? Now I'm curious and need to find the answers! It is a beautiful place........a fairy tale place where one's imagination can run wild!

Hugs ♥

Coy Hill said...

Lovely post! I wonder just how many castles there are scattered across the new world?

Ps. Great job on you header! I knew you could do it.

Lori said...

Martie - I have a link in the second paragraph ('castle') where I tell a little about the history behind Coronado's castle. It isn't that thrilling, but then...it really doesn't need to be!

Chad Oneil Myers said...

...my castle was created to look "Magical" ;)