Symphony in the Flint Hills

Dale and I attended Symphony in the Flint Hills Saturday. This is the third year for the event, which is moved around to various ranches and pastures in the Flint Hills each year. This year, it was a mile outside Council Grove.

This was our first year, and words almost can't describe what a fabulous experience this is. Words like magical and awesome come to mind, tho. Here's a photo of the crowd and the band shell in the distance, with tallgrass prairie beyond. The music was amplified, and it couldn't have been more beautiful.

We started our day at a pre-party at the lake home of some colleagues of Dale's, next to Council Grove Lake. Here's a view of the party down below.....


The home of our host and hostess, John and Michelle Peterson, is in the background.

The party on the deck. The Peterson's had great food and even better drink.


Dale with former Gov. Mike Hayden. Many people we knew from our years in Topeka were at the party, as well as many people Dale now works with.

Dale with former Rep. David Heinemann, who now lobbies.



We had to hike about a mile and half to the concert site, which is in the distance, here.


Lots of mood-setting scenery on the way.


Dale with Bob Alderson, a Topeka lawyer who we sat with at the concert.



Dale and me.

At the end of the concert, as the symphony played "The Great Western Suite," cowboys in the distance herded cattle to add special effect. It was truly moving to see that sight and hear that sweeping music as the sun began to set.

A parting shot as the moon began to rise.