Two stops were on today’s itinerary- Reptile Gardens and Fort Hays (for a chuckwagon dinner and show.)

Reptile Gardens was full of so many animals we were busy for hours. We took in the three shows they offer- the bird, alligator, and snake shows. Each one had engaging presenters who informed and entertained the audiences. In between the shows, we toured the grounds to see the world’s largest collection of reptiles (according to the Guinness Book of World Records a few years ago.)

After leaving Reptile Gardens, we headed up the hill to Fort Hays. 

There we found old town shops including one where they make rope and another where they make tin plates (like the ones we used for dinner.) The Shecklets were able to help make a three-strand rope that is strong enough to hold 2 tons before giving way.

Watching the tin plates being made.

For the second day in a row, we took shelter  from the rain/hail – this time in our suburban. It didn’t last long and thankfully the hail was only pea-sized. When the storm passed, we saw a full rainbow. 

At 6:15 pm the doors to the chuckwagon dinner room opened and we found our seats. 

The 400 in attendance were all served dinner in 22 minutes! The meal was eaten from a tin plate (made in the tin shop.) We each received a baked potato (semi-flattened so it didn’t roll around,) baked beans, meat (chicken or BBQ brisket), applesauce, and then on top of a sheet of wax paper, a biscuit and spice cake. Lemonade was served in a tin cup as well. The food was tasty and the musical entertainment by The Wranglers was great!