PrairieDust visual journal

photographer Dave Leiker

Pollen Gatherer

Pollen Gatherer

The sun is warming the new blossoms in our front yard. It’s too pretty to work through spring break so I’m taking a bit of vacation time, studying the first bee to visit. It’s a miraculous event, this parade of emerging new life before us.
Run-Off

Run-Off

Flint Hills area, Chase County, Kansas – Run-off from a recent rain streams downhill along the Flint Hills road. I drive along it for miles but don’t see another soul. Despite its beauty there is enough wildness to keep casual drivers from venturing through....
Kansas Flint Hills

Kansas Flint Hills

Chase County, Kansas open range – Though browns and golds still dominate the hills, undertones of green are beginning to appear. Cloud shadows are playing light games on the terrain, creating a beautiful afternoon drive on the back roads. A full panorama view is also...
Star Ballroom

Star Ballroom

Chanute, Kansas – Found on the west side of the railroad tracks. I assume the inside is fancy. This is part of complex of buildings that look like a retired roundhouse area, or some other industrial site.
Polar Plunge

Polar Plunge

View Slideshow.Mouse Lake, Emporia, Kansas – I was surprised by how many courageous souls jumped in the frigid waters of Mouse Lake today. It was all in support of a good cause. The 2010 Polar Plunge raised funds for Special Olympics.