This is a normally colored Marysville Squirrel.
This is the legendary Black Squirrel of Marysville, KS. It is also the town Mascot.
Legend has it that a few black squirrels escaped a traveling circus many moons ago.
The black squirrels bred with the local population.
There is a $25.00 fine involved if you run over, or otherwise harm one.
Sometime back, a number of these squirrels were trapped and transported to Hobbs, New Mexico
(I've actually been to Hobbs). The hope was to have a town full of black squirrels.
Apparently some of the local residents did not agree with the plan, those being resident squirrels or weasels. Either way, the black squirrel did not survive Hobbs, NM.
Alcove Springs
Nearby was another attraction named Alcove Springs, part of the Oregon and California Trails.
Alcove springs is 5-6 miles off the main drag. The road was fine and there were no other visitors.
This is the information center, such that it is.
The spring itself is not far down the path.
It is well marked.
The brochure says that Alcove springs has always had running water. Must have hit it on an off year which is kind of strange, considering all the flooding going on elsewhere.
Lots of pond scum, though.
Names of travelers can be found etched into stone. Some of them are quite old.
I believe this is a juvenile American toad.
Across the way is a memorial garden. Not so much a garden, but lots of open space.
Sarah Handley Keyes was a member of the Donner Party.
Alcove Springs was worth the visit. Would have been nice to have seen some running water, though.
