Westward, Ho! To the Oasis

We took Highway 24 to Colby. Four hours of green grass, calf/cow pairs, and the occasional hay swather holding up traffic.

Colby showed its scars from recent storms: hail-damaged trees, dented roofs, and a battered water tower.

Our home for the night? The brand-new Comfort Inn (opened December 2025), where the water is SOFT, a miracle in western Kansas. Snagged it for $63.13 thanks to VentureX credits (usually $157.98).

Dinner at El Dos De Oros: a strip-mall surprise. Huge space, always packed, and (rare for the Great Plains) fresh spinach and mushrooms on the special dinners. No sad veggies here. Generous meals for $14.99 each.

The only downside at El Dos De Doros was the noise of neighboring tables. After years of embracing a quieter life, the relentless intensity of most American fast-casual restaurants feels exhausting.Read more