A day trip to Topeka Kansas and Perry Lake

Another nice day in spring, we decided for a longer day trip.  We always wanted to visit the Rainbow House across the street from the Fred Phelp's clan's "church".  Picked out a route that would keep us off the highway, just south of I70 to Topeka, then up and around Perry lake and back on I70 in Lawrence.  The road out was a bit more fun than most, and we ended up stopping to look at a couple of historic buildings in Lecompton, KS.

This is the old territorial capital

and constitutional hall

     After a short stop (swinging by here was a whim), we headed out to the Rainbow House.  These folks do a bunch of charity work besides gay/lesbian rights and being anti bullying, but they wanted a base in the area that was a "middle finger" to the Westboro Baptist Church, and got a house that was for sale right across the street.

The people who reside there take turns every day greeting people and explaining their mission (and taking pictures for the "tourists").  What surprised me is when the guy said the people who go to the church (and mainly reside in the houses near the church), are actually fairly friendly and neighborly (when they're not spewing their politics and beliefs).

     After our visit, we headed for Perry Lake.  Choosing a road that took us up the west side of the lake, we stumbled upon a historic "village" up on the NW side.  The buildings were closed (looks like they hold flea markets and events there), but you could still pull in and walk around.  Lori and I spent an hour or so just peering in the windows, and looking at the various buildings.

After this, we decided to head to the other side of the lake.  Going east on the north side of the lake, we passed a house where a couple of people were talking, and there was a Fiat parked in the drive.  They looked at us and we at them, and we waved at each other.  We're noticing Fiat drivers are a friendly little "clique", and when ever we see each other, we wave..like bikers do, but in a hearty, friendlier wave.  Like we've discovered the car of perpetual happiness and fun (yeah, we're a strange cult).  Stopped in a convenience store for drinks, where an older lady, came in the store and hollered (this is the country after all) "who owns the Fiat?".  Being a bit sheepish to reply, I said we do.  Expecting a response of "can't haul much hay in that thing", or can't fit anyone in it...etc, this is the land of big ole pick up trucks and/or suv's, also if it's not American Muscle, it's not a car.  Surprisingly she said she liked it, and was glad to see they were coming back.  She remembered them from the 70's and how much fun they looked.  Chatted for a bit with her, then left for the east side of Perry Lake.  Sadly...the Dam Store is no longer there, having been bought out by a chain convenience store. but we stopped off at the lake to stretch our legs a bit.

We really are starting to enjoy our day trips.