One of the few benefits of my red-eye home from Denver after climbing Mount Elbert was the chance to rent a car for the day and head west into the Great Plains. I had decided not to attempt both of the Colorado-border highpoints (Nebraska and Kansas) in one trip, opting for the one that is (arguably) more remote and thus less convenient for a return trip.

Kansas is mostly a drive through Colorado, since only the last half mile or so is across the border. Along the sides of that last track, which is dirt, grow little sunflowers that give cover to snakes that slithering across the road. They also offer respite from the boredom of monoculture and inspire the Kansas highpoint’s name.

Mount Sunflower, privately owned and lovingly tended, must be the only state highpoint with a lending library. As I arrived a family of five was finishing up their visit. The mom took a picture of me, which turned out well, and as I signed the register I learned they were visiting from Richmond, Virginia, my hometown.

I probably could have made the Nebraska highpoint if I had left earlier, but that would have denied me a few hours at the Fiction Beer Company in east Denver. I don’t drink alcohol anymore, but back then I recommend the “Summer People” session IPA. Cheers, in any event, to highpoints in the flattest of places.