It’s nice in this crazy year of 2022 to have things we can count on.
Bill Graham
Hurricanes, Ukraine, and politics based on greed for power rather than service for the people can get a thinking person down. But this month, thank goodness for the trees. They don’t let us down. Fall color has arrived along with crisp, pleasant weather and fresh apple cider for sale. Let’s head outside and enjoy the golds and reds.
But first, it is a fact that election day is fast approaching. Those who care about democracy will go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Please don’t step into the voting booth unprepared. Study the candidates and the issues. If questions, call the local Democratic or Republican headquarters and ask for more info or to speak directly to the candidate. Peruse the ballot choices ahead of election day.
Here’s a link to the Platte County Board of Elections web page for this election: plattemovotes.org/.
Remember to sort the wheat from the dung when the campaign flyers arrive in your mailbox. Be suspicious of cheap shots and vague promises. We’re all worn out from divisive politics. But we still need to vote with awareness and care.
Meanwhile, let’s enjoy autumn. Here’s my suggestions for enjoying fall color in Platte County.
Weston Bend State Park is tops on the list. Color available by foot or by car. A simple drive through the park is pleasant and scenic. It’s a short walk from parking to the overlook high above the Missouri River. That overlook is accessible for all and offers a dramatic view of the park bluffs as well as the forest across the river at Fort Leavenworth.
My personal preference is hiking the ridge top trail that starts from the overlook parking lot. Be prepared for hiking up and down hill on uneven dirt trails. But great views of the forest and the river are worth it. That area also has lots of sugar maple trees and the color can be very vibrant. All the trails at the park are worthy of a hike. Completing the three-mile paved trail is a journey through hill and vale.
Platte County’s Prairie Creek Greenway trail off Northwest 130th street is also a personal favorite. You’ll pass by neighborhoods with visible houses. But in most sections, the trail keeps you in natural areas. Prairie Creek adds interest. The trail is mostly level and easily walkable. It’s good for all seasons, but especially vibrant in autumn.
My preferences are for unpaved trails. However, I find the paved Line Creek Trail on the county’s southeast side a worthy destination. This trail is a partnership between Platte County parks, Kansas City parks, and Riverside.
The Line Creek valley used to have some crooked, rough roads and undeveloped lands and was like a piece of the Ozarks in Platte County. But it is within cities and thus destined for development. This trail does preserve a walker’s touch with nature amid the development.
I haven’t been on the Mark L. McHenry Park Trail southwest of the airport. But this Kansas City park is likely a worthy destination and perhaps one more lightly trod than the other trails.
At the Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Preserve just west of Riverside you can walk up the old road and take a hillside trail or go to the top with some restored wetland and grassland features. It’s short, easy, and off the beaten path.
Other options: drive Missouri 45 and enjoy the color on the Missouri River bluffs; make a Sunday drive to Iatan, Ridgely, Camden Point, and Edgerton; walk the old streets of Weston and Parkville. Those towns have the old and lovely feel of autumn, as if they were made for the season.
Bill Graham is a long-time commentator on Platte County and its history. He lives in the Platte City area and can be reached at editor@plattecountycitizen.com.