I have driven through the western part of the state a number of times over the decades. Only ever stopped for gas. This time, because of recommendations from some friends, I decided to make this area a destination. High on the list were Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and Monument Rocks. I saw there were some interesting museums in nearby Oakley. And, a bit east of it, in the town of Victoria, was the St. Fidelas Basilica that was reportedly quite grand and elaborate.

While the exterior of St. Fidelas Basilica is rather ordinary, the inside is absolutely extraordinary. Reminded me of a smaller version of the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal (saw it in June 2019). This place is jaw-dropping, especially for such a small town as Victoria KS.

The roads leading off highway 88 south of Oakley towards Monument Rocks (east side) and Little Jerusalem Badlands (west side) were all unpaved. Monument meant a 14-mile drive on these rocky roads and Little Jerusalem a 9-miles round trip. The road for Little Jerusalem is wider but rougher surfaced.

Monument Rocks -- privately owned -- was very cool to see -- huge stones sticking up out of the otherwise flat ground. They were scattered across maybe a square mile or so. Totally free to see and a person can drive right up to them. I took it all in, including several photos, in under 15 minutes.

Little Jerusalem was quite a different story since it is a state park. Drive into the little parking lot. They want $5.00 to be there, and, no attendant is there to make change or take a credit card. Since I had only $20's, I was out of luck. And, just as well since there were two hiking trails a person had to go on to actually see anything. One trail was a mile and a half long and the other a quarter mile long. I had not planned to stay at this place that long -- an hour to an hour and a half! Between these two things -- $5.00 and hiking -- I left thinking I can spend the saved time driving further this day, and I did.

HOWEVER, IN JUNE, I returned on the way back from Colorado and went on the short trail to see the rock. I was the only person in the park this time.

What was fun was while driving through Lincoln county I saw off to the south a DOUBLE rainbow. I had seen a few of those over the years but the conditions must be just right to get that opportunity. This would be my first of two rainbows to see this day and first of three rainbows on this day and the next day!