KASTA Hike 2024

On Sunday - October 27, five adventurous hikers (6 if you count our mascot, Cinnamon) kicked off the newest KASTA event. We hiked about 6 miles of beautiful woodsy terrain near Independence, KS at the Elk City Reservoir State Park. The trail is titled Table Mound Trail, named after a town that is now at the bottom of the lake. We started at the campground end and meandered through the woods with occasional views out over the lake. We eventually climbed to a scenic overlook near the dam, stopped for a picnic lunch, and headed back down through a beautiful rocky escarpment that was only mildly challenging at one point, eventually joining up with the outgoing trail. We left at about 10:00 am and returned around 3:00, tired but pleased with our adventure.

Participants were our fearless leader and guide, Cathy Tummons, me (Martha Barnhill), my husband, Curtis, Topeka West Orchestra director, Kiana Jackson, and Winfield teacher Sarah Jane Naillon. Oh, and of course, Kiana’s dog, Cinnamon, who was an absolute treat to hike with! We had such a great time throughout, chatting about our string teaching joys and sorrows and any other subject that happened to pop up! The weather was absolutely perfect, and the trail was dry – no mud today! See photos below.

The “purpose” of the hike was to further one of our big KASTA goals: to support string teachers in Kansas with opportunities to enjoy each other’s company and share ideas. We plan to continue with some hikes in the future – maybe next spring? Perhaps the Kanza Prairie Trail near Manhattan? Your ideas are welcome – direct them to Cathy Tummons.