Ten Heartland Winnie’s units journeyed to St. John, KS August 10th -12th braving the 100 + degree temperatures.  We arrived at Pine Haven Retreat RV Park, thrilled to find a large air conditioned shelter house!  Thursday evening we drove to Stafford for an evening meal at Joan’s Café.  After our return, we enjoyed an evening of cards and visiting. 

Friday morning, we were off to Hudson, KS to visit the Stafford County Flour Mill, home of Hudson Cream Flour. President, Al Brensing, took us on a very interesting tour of the plant.  We learned some of the best biscuit making flour in the U.S. is milled right here in Kansas.  Upon departure each of us were given a bag of Hudson Cream Flour. 

Following lunch at a pizza parlor in Ellinwood, KS, we visited the underground tunnels that were active in Ellinwood in the late 1880s and early 1900s.  George Martin, a self proclaimed story teller, provided the history of the creation and operation of the tunnels.  He guided us through a livery stable, barber shop and bath house existing much as they were in their heyday.  As much as we enjoyed our day, we were all happy to arrive back at camp and a much needed reprieve from the heat. 

Our hosts, Wellers, Conns and Vehs, treated us to a delicious evening meal of grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, garden tomatoes and more.  Afterward, we enjoyed playing Nickel Bingo.  

Saturday morning our Pine Haven Retreat hosts, Larry and Jan Olson, served breakfast, juice and coffee. We were then off to Larned, KS for a tour of Ft. Larned, “Guardian of the Santa Fe Trail from 1821 to 1880”. We enjoyed the narrated tour of the well preserved fort with many original furnishings.  Despite a 103 degree temperature, a brisk Kansas breeze saved us from the stifling heat and we were able to enjoy the tour. 

We enjoyed lunch at a Larned deli and while most headed back to camp, a few toured the Santa Fe Trail Museum while others visited small surrounding towns. 

Saturday night we enjoyed a delicious pot luck dinner, followed by the Heartland Winnie’s chapter monthly meeting.  Members then played Hand and Foot and Pinochle, while others visited. 

We invited Winnebago owners, Frank and Lucille Drabek, to join us for our potluck dinner and visiting.  They were staying overnight at Pine Haven Retreat on their way back home to Texas. It’s always nice to meet new Winnebago friends during our travels. 

Randall and Phyllis Weller provided church services and music following a finger food breakfast.  Everyone then departed for home and other destinations.  This was a great campout.  A special thanks go to hosts Wellers, Conns and Vehs

Pictures can be seen HERE