Breezin' Through Kansas: Boondocking USA

My first visit to Kansas was one of butterflies, bison, cow flatulance and Flying Monkeys. Join me to find how diverse and friendly small towns in the Sunflower State really are.
For a list of all my videos, please use this link: / @slimpotatohead
My Equipment (Amazon Affiliate Links*):
Main Camera: Sony A7Sii: amzn.to/2J9voXk
Camcorder: Sony FRD-AX33: amzn.to/2khCRMT
Sports Camera: HD 1080P: amzn.to/2xhPzws
Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/2kOJqqY
Editing: Powerdirector 16: amzn.to/2InANdX
NEW!: Powerdirector 17: amzn.to/2KqY8gC
How I get around:
Trailer: 2004 Aliner with around 70,000 miles of hard use. Includes propane stove, hot shower, toilet, refrigerator, 200W solar, two 12V batteries (one AGM)
Tow Vehicle: 2007 Jeep Liberty, 6 cyl 3.7L gas engine, 4WD, over 200,000 km
Amazon Affiliate Links provide me with a very small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support Slim Potatohead by using them for any Amazon purchase. Thanks!
Music Credits:
Lucid Dreamer by Spazz Cardigan
Atmospheria by Frances Preve
Float by Emily A. Sprague
The Curious Kitten by Aaron Kenny
All music courtesy the KZbin Audio Library

[@jfreeham]

Our almost four year old granddaughter pays close attention to the wild life segments in your videos. "Play it again, Granddad."

[@snooks73]

Your channel is a cross between National Geographic and Popular Mechanics.

[@coolworx]

5:53 One of the most amazing things about the monarch migration is that it's not the same generation going back as flew north to begin with. It's like 5 or 6 generations down the line.

[@louisewoodcock3763]

It amazes me how many thousands of miles delicate butterflies fly

[@lesliefranklin1870]

Even more amazing, it's a multi-generation migration. As a group, they fly from Mexico to Canada and back. However, no individual makes the whole journey. They propagate and die along the way and their descendants complete the trip they started.

[@louisewoodcock3763]

Yea they fly through Europe too i think in a similar way to get to Africa

[@wanmustaffa4633]

I lived in Wichita from 96 - 99. Loved every minute of WSU life n missing it dearly. Thank u for this video.

[@BrassLock]

I'm glad Narrowboating David from *Cruising The Cut* recommended your channel. He's right that your images are beautifully composed, the sound is easy to hear and that you tell a great story. So of course I've subscribed, and look forward to enjoying your past and future productions.

[@autumnskyes5633]

When I go to suggest to people video channels about camping and RVing I always recommend Slim and Russ from RverTv (he covers all things Quartzsite) because of the information and the quality videos. They aren't the "talking head" type videos and they have a National Geographic type feel to them. Why Slim isn't on PBS is beyond me.

[@ObamaoZedong]

I've been a long time follower of Cruising the Cut as well!

[@autumnskyes5633]

@@ObamaoZedong I'm going to have to check that one out!

[@spijkerpoes]

Same here, totally agreed! Nice channel I'd never have found by myself

[@veronikabartram2092]

I think David from cruising the cut is great as well been following him for about six months 😀🇬🇧

[@quahog5518]

Thank you for being kind. I am from Rhode Island, but married a Kansan. I have been here since 1970. Kansas can be beautiful, as you have shown. “Happy Trails to you!” 🌻

[@LonskiBig]

...........RV videos are very helpful.....they pave the way for us that are new to the "sport"......helps keep mistakes to a minimum....

[@sleeksilver]

Slim, your videos just keep on getting better and better. I really appreciate all the hard work that you put into them. Happy New year!

[@MyDenali-pv5nh]

Spider diaries: ".....but I finally convinced him to vacate."....whips the bottle like a bullwhip. That was more like an eviction, Slim. 😂🤣😅😆

[@SlimPotatohead]

True, but I did give advanced notice! SP

[@junglistpostman]

My thought as well Susan LOL but I hope he landed on one of his 8 legs.

[@MyDenali-pv5nh]

@@junglistpostman me too!! 😃

[@maxst2]

hedgeapples are awesome on keeping pests away btw... toss one or two in your camper to keep bugs like spiders and other creepy crawlies away.

[@v.eatonhart8146]

That's great to know! Thanks!

[@delstanley1349]

As a kid growing up in Texas we call them horse apples. In some Texas cities there were city ordinances about cutting down trees without city approval. An exception was the horse apple tree, you could cut em down any place, anytime without prior approval and no one gave a damn! It seems the ordinance called the tree "Bois d' Arc." Hey Slim, put it on the French, huh! Ha, ha.

[@sailgoal]

Hedge apples also exode in fire. We had to clean them from our yard before mowing. We used to toss them in the trash bin while burning the trash and laugh when they popped and my Dad would yell...dont put any more in there! 😆 I've been in Kansas my whole life. It's very nice. However most people from out of state hate the wind. Our motto is if you don't like the weather just wait a day.

[@wyattholliday1]

You are...”The Bob Ross of the Road.” I have watched almost all of your videos now. I am just amazed by your work! The Travel Channel, PBS, or Outdoor Network should be hitting you up. Your editing, writing, narration, and calming charisma has no doubt sparked the spirit of the road and outdoors in thousands of viewers.

[@minenot4753]

Love your story telling.

[@plantman60]

Hi Slim, love the video, those are also called Osage Oranges (botanist here). I taught in KS for 12 years at a local university, and those osage oranges are spread by mastodons/mammoths originally, but when they died out, the fruits are no longer dispersed. This means the trees that grow from those seeds are location-bound, and have probably been there, generation after generation, for thousands of years.

[@junglistpostman]

Now that is a really cool fact I didn't know about my local fauna Plantman. Thank you for sharing. My family has land with huge trees in remote locations by themselves. To think that the stout hedges that i see today stand in the area where their direct ancestors spread their roots is pretty deep when you consider age.

[@patshankle3281]

WOW I'm from Kansas and lived in Dallas for 20plus years and moved back here. Definitely enjoying watching this one. I lived in Wamego a long time ago and yes them wind turbines are in real life fascinating. 💜 Love from Kansas ❤️💜

[@ianmccluskey2293]

I'm an Australian /American retired 72 year old vet. I live in Dallas TX now and have done for 13 years. And as anyone who lives in Texas, I haven't traveled past my adjoining States and then not much. But having said that, I've seen very little of Texas. I have just converted my SUV into a one-man and his dog camper. The weather is to cold at night for the age-ed dog (13) so I'm waiting for spring to go for a few 2 days/1 night trips. So I'm watching all your videos and thoroughly enjoying them, this one on Kansas especially. Keep up the good work. I don't know you stuck that moniker on ya but it's easy to look for when searching KZbin. All the best for 2019, mate!

[@betweentwopoints6287]

Could not stop laughing at those zombie brains!! Now I have to see Kansas. In love with your spirit and attitude!

[@drqhyflyer4365]

Hi Slim, The hedge apple tree was used as a wind brake during the dust bowl days. It is very hardy. grows in poor soil and can withstand drought. The wood is hard and a favorite for making bows for archer fans. Fence posts made of hedge will last a long long time. When trimed into a hedge cattle wont go through it. Thanks for taking us through kansas. once upon a time home for us.

[@VanInhalin]

A couple months later and you would have been in tumbleweed season. It's pretty surreal seeing a non-stop deluge tumbleweeds crossing the highway sticking on the fences and cars and piling up everywhere.

[@Metaphysics-for-life]

The thumbnail for this video really should have been the Monarch Butterflies ... AMAZING! What LUCK you have 🙂

[@robertmray]

Nice positive peek at Kansas..thanks for sharing.

[@lindam7518]

Thankyou for touring Kansas. For viewing some of its nooks and crannies. For you're wonderful way with words as you tell you're story. Please come again and view other areas of our wonderful state. The western side isnt quit as humid as the eastern side. But the winds the same. :)

[@kaydoubrava2017]

Thank you for high-lighting a few of the great areas of our great state. At mushroom park, you weren’t far from Coronado Heights. There are many rock formations in Kansas. Rock city is in north central Kansas by Minneapolis. Kansas also has a rich history. You create such wonderfully informative videos. I love watching them. Thank you for sharing your travels with us.

[@nadinescott2509]

I wonder of the butterflies used that wind to help them get to mexico. Just beautiful!

[@eleven903]

I'm from the Midwest orginally, I grew up on the Loess Hills of Western Iowa. Now live near the Mountains of CO. But, my home will always be along the bluffs of Iowa by the wide Missouri River to the West. People in the heartland are the best! I miss them. No matter what people say about folks from the Midwest, you get a smile and help if you need it. :) I've been to that area of Kansas many times, especially during my storm photography days back then. Yep hedge apples, you put them by your foundation and they keep pests /spiders out of your house!! They are cool looking.

[@HikingTheSonora]

Get *soooooooo* excited when I see you've uploaded! LOVE YOU DAD!!!

[@twinpines2]

I love that you are including the birds in your conversations and footage.

[@wazoowazoorbs1833]

Slim I'm glad you got a chance to enjoy our state, you welcome to come back, when the humidity isn't quite so high.lol..

[@junglistpostman]

My thoughts too Wazoo, maybe April or May would be perfect in my opinion.

[@doowael]

The hedge apple comes from the Osage Orange tree. Place them around the exterior of your house and it will keep the crickets out. The plains Indians used the very hard and dense wood from the Osage Orange to make their bows.

[@walterblackledge1137]

The Hedge Apples are Osage Oranges. Traditional bowhunters/Native Americans make bows from the wood.

[@rcatman2]

A great bow wood

[@janehope9730]

My daughter showed me how to make buttons with a Dremel and sandpaper. The wood has honey lines throughout.

[@mrinternet5562]

the wood is hard as rock...good firewood.

[@jmpattillo]

Biologists think the fruits were eaten by the extinct giant mammals of North America. They were likely on their way to extinction before humans started planting them

[@walterblackledge1137]

I know giant ground sloths at Joshua tree seeds, Squirrels eat the hedge apples here in the midwest.

[@Hollym59]

I'm a fairly new subscriber and the first half dozen videos I watched were all in BC/Canada the Yukon, etc. I enjoyed every minute, but now that you're touring the U.S. I am so excited! I'm in Virginia and my goal is to take an extended cross-country trip across the country. Your videos have further peaked my wanderlust! Absolutely adore your perspective on animals, the environment, small towns, your sense of humor etc. Ok, so maybe I have a crush -sue me! (Sure I'm not alone among your followers).

[@williamguildner7988]

I agree with you on the humidity. It is like hitting a wall of spit as you travel east.

[@LycandersAim]

Dude, I was just looking for a place to camp. I didn't know I was getting a travel documentary. This is great!

[@shelleyclarke9325]

Hedge apples are Osage Orange. Inedible , but traditionally used for their straight sturdy wood for archery bows.

[@samholt5591]

Power poles Slim, power poles. Love your videos.

[@horticultureandhomes]

Find the area closest to where you are and find the point where 3 states meet. That would be where your tri state station was broadcasting from. Glad to see someone put up content outside of Arizona, Nevada and California!

[@cynthiakleist9513]

great video thanks for visiting Kansas-miss it and love it so.

[@Matt-FOr]

Come down to east Texas sometime and experience the humidity. It's a wonder to behold.

[@disco07]

Very nice video. Like watching wild kingdom with technology. You have a very soothing style and we like it.

[@keysonthego3663]

Love your videos Slim, even your old ones w/ the A frame are fun. Thank you

[@ThisWomansBrain]

Thanks for respecting Kansas. Your channel showed up recommended for me, I will watch more to see what else you have to offer.

[@kermitzforg]

I live a few miles from Leavenworth County park and it was cool to see you went through there we camp there now and then. It's a scenic park but you are right about the trash...people just don't keep it as clean as they should although in recent years it's gotten better.

[@kbird529]

thanks, enjoy all your vlogs

[@gawdzillah6992]

Hey Slim, I usually dont comment on videos or content creators. Out of all of the DIYers/Bushcrafter/Sailers, i have to say you are the best. I'm not quite sure why your channel doesn't have more subs but I hope you continue to document your journey and share it with the world. I found your story compelling and your travels interesting. I also really enjoy your cinematography and think you do a great job. Keep up the great work. Jordan

[@SlimPotatohead]

Thanks Jordan! SP

[@tomrobinson2919]

Thanks for the fun video; we are from Las Vegas and we thoroughly enjoy driving through Kansas Nebraska Iowa Missouri and parts Midwest it has wonderful for Boondocking and the multitude of free town camping; it's very relaxed.

[@veevee111]

It kind of looked like the butterflies grew on trees, a butterfly tree! 😂

[@cindyvanhouse9960]

Tri-state area usually includes Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska...depending on where you are respectfully. It's a term we use to cover the 3 states closest to where you are.

[@fredprobst199]

Great video Slim. Traveling like you do I would look at getting a NOAA Weather Radio. They're inexpensive, portable, and run off of batteries or 220 volts. They have 7 dedicated frequencies that broadcast 24 hours a day and can be set to go off automatically for tornado, flood, and freeze warnings. And they cover Canadian weather also. The trouble with relying on an AM radio for weather information is that you can be in Kansas and pick up a station in Texas that sounds like it is right next to you. And there are numerous states that lay claim to the "Tri-State" area. I'm getting windy so won't go into the info on Hedge trees "Osage Orange" but they have the hardest wood going, can last a hundred years when used for fence posts, and I'm getting windy again. Thanks for sharing, even though you passed within 20 miles of my place and didn't even stop for coffee.

[@fredprobst199]

@@carolleenkelmann3829 I'm actually in Kansas, just referenced Texas as an example of AM reception. Hedge apples (Osage Oranges) aren't used for much. Once they fall from the tree they become very sticky in a hurry and would gum up anything they touch. The hedge tree is what is used. They're planted in rows to form a hedge called a "Hedgerow", that is strong enough to keep livestock where they belong and will last for years after a regular fence gives up the ghost. My east property line is made up of a hedgerow and was planted 60 plus years ago. Still working and needs no maintenance. I better get out of here before Slim gets after me for tying up his channel. :-) Cheers.

[@herblapp]

The osage tree is a treeline kind of tree. It grows out of the way. It's timber is hard and was once used to make fences. It holds up to the weather very well...kinda resists rotting. For a while it was used for boxing lumber too. Today woodturners make beautiful bowls with it as its grain is beautiful.

[@azclaimjumper]

An NOAA Weather Radio is as much a part of any trip I make as my Personal Locator Beacon.

[@rhondalyn100]

Very much enjoyed this video. I was born in Kansas but never lived there--how's that for a riddle? As an "army brat" I was born in Ft. Leavenworth but our family is from Missouri. Thanks for this look at Kansas...so many travelers moan about the boring landscape of the state but you found a way to dig deeper and show a more pleasant side. I have a question for you, Mr. Slim. How about a video on your *philosophy of travel*? I believe you would share some interesting thoughts. Thanks for all you do to promote happiness and well being on the road. :-)

[@Eijianthony]

Same, born in Wichita - pops was stationed at McConnell AFB then was stationed in California a year later. It's great to see this.

[@justaroundthebend6679]

Thanks Slim will have to check some of those places out.... The Butterfly's were out of this world.... Just Beautiful!.....

[@sheilabundren2037]

Great video. We have very high humidity in East Tennessee. Not sure I ever get used to it and I've lived here all my life. Thanks for sharing.

[@kingthranduil8807]

Very calming video. I hope one day I can get to live like this

[@chrisr6157]

I lived in Rose Hill, Kansas as a child back in the 60's. Thank you for such a thoughtful video of Kansas!

[@nate649]

I used to live in Andover, so I'm familiar with Rose Hill. My brother used to have a house out there. It's a tiny town now, so I can only imagine how small it was back then!

[@stewmiller778]

Hedge trees, aka Osage Orange, have more btu's than any other available firewood. The wood is so tough the military planted them around missile silos. No wheeled vehicle can get through them. You would need a tank to get through a hedge made of Osage Orange.

[@skybluepink998]

they call those hedge balls too and a lot of people put them in the corner of basement and stuff to deter spiders. I live in MN and they will even sell those at the health food stores.

[@1967BlackRose]

You are correct! Until you ate close to those blades you can't begin to fathom how large they really are.

[@georgenicola7848]

Hey Slim. Have enjoyed your vids, even more so now that I am out camping with my aliner! Keep up the good work friend. I'm a drummer who enjoys blues also. George

[@waltdurling1137]

Another good 'un. What with the internet, XM and FM radio, I'm surprised anyone listens to AM any longer, other than perhaps rural bible-thumpers listening to Rev. Whoever promising fire and brimstone. I'm old enough to remember the little D-cell battery operated transistor radio I got for Xmas one year where I could listen to several AM stations, esp. at night. Without cell service, it was smart of Slim trying to get the local weather on an AM signal. Me thinks Slim was in Kansas last summer. It'd be quite on the cold side now.

[@craigbain1645]

Awesome footage of the monarch migration

[@morrislouiseeagle7161]

👏❤️😁Brilliant thanks x I'm in cold UK so pictures of sun and clear skys are lovely x

[@AdventureswithJane]

You actually made Kansas look interesting! Well done. Safe travels. ☺️ -Mark

[@MrMontanaNights]

If you ever find yourself in the Pecatonica, IL area (just west of Rockford) the town has a park like that one. You can park along the river in your trailer for free and do some fishing. Great little park in a nice little town. Right outside the county fairgrounds.

[@timothyhays1817]

Thanks for sharing the diversity of my home state of Kansas. I grew up just few miles west of Leavenworth State lake in the small town of Mclouth. I used to camp at that Little fishing lake as a boy scout. Sorry to see the up keep has diminished. Great video come back next September and see my friends Steam Tractor at work running a Threshing machine at the Mclouth Threshing Bee. Free camping!!!! No fee to see the show. Its all FREE.

[@shadesofidaho]

LOL Bring on the Flying Monkeys. Those wind turbine blades are amazing.

[@shadesofidaho]

Truth there. LOL

[@carolluther1625]

I love your narration on your videos. The nature you capture, and the sounds are mesmerizing! Thanks Slim!

[@09danielortiz]

I live in Ulysses ks, it awesome you visited Kansas she may be flat but she has the sky.

[@ghost_in_the_city5015]

Belated greetings from Kansas City, MO. Hopefully you’ll come back and visit the area again.

[@kwanyeecheng]

Kansas is a beautiful state. I lived there for a little over 10 years and I miss it very much.

[@lindap689]

Another gem!!!

[@janina8559]

Wow I always made Jokes about Kansas because driving thru i was fighting to stay awake. U changed my mind. Im headin back there as soon as I can. Well done production !

[@naknaksdadn572]

As always, a pleasant video.

[@shelbyarmit6027]

Good videos! Always like them. For being a Canadian, you sure know a lot about the United States. Always been intrigued by wind turbines. Have a good day. Happy travels, safely.

[@susancronk8512]

Some folks bag hedge apples and place them in garages or basements to keep away spiders, or mice. Other types can be burnt, but can burn so hot they can warp or melt wood stoves. Pioneers used to collect them and store them for fuel. Because they are so dense and burn so hot, you don't want to put more than one in a large wood stove. Might be best used on outdoor fire. Tri-State - Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

[@jaxinco]

Those wind sails are made near our home in Brighton, CO

[@caroletomlinson5480]

My kids called them baby brains🙀 but they are more widely called hedge apples. Settlers in Texas first planted the trees for fence posts, since they grow so fast.

[@carolkoniecki]

In Pennsylvania, we call the big green fruit a "horse apple", but it is really an Osage Orange - not edible. In the fall I fill a big bowl with them to scent the house for a week!

[@adriandelvalle8278]

We recently subscribed because we like the easy manner and camera skills Slim has. Currently we are full-timing in a 5th wheel, but would like someday to home base somewhere in the Southwest and have a small trailer to go unhampered to these wonderful out of the way places.

[@boutthere3374]

Slim you keep making me realize that I just play with a camera and you actually use it.Splendid stuff indeed.

[@whiterabbit2786]

I'm from eastern South Dakota. Our lakeside camping spots look just like those featured here. Ten years ago, I traded the rain and humidity for the southern Utah desert. Thanks for taking me back home again.

[@margaretashlock2531]

Slim, I loved.loved,loved this video!!! Watched it with happy tears in my eyes. I live in KY but from Kansas. You spoke of the people and peacefulness so eloquently. This is the way I think of Kansas. Thank you.

[@kennyc388]

I would rather live in KANSAS!

[@margaretashlock2531]

Me too

[@beverlystewart5518]

I am from North Carolina but I do love the middle part of the country as well. The plains and hills of Kansas are beautiful. Love all of our beautiful country. Very thankful!

[@veganlayabout6859]

I love to watch your trip across America and I enjoy your narration. Peace and Love.

[@kimprocarione5473]

Oh! The Monarchs! And that part isn't what I would have expected! Very nice place. Thanks for sharing. Kimothy 💚

[@bettybrigance6784]

Caught this one late...but enjoyed it..

[@plove523]

The butterflies in the cedar trees were awesome!

[@outbackwack368]

Good stuff! I can relate to all of it, from the winds to cow dung to Bison to the humidity to the OZ Museum. I hit many of these places on my 7000 mile motorcycle journey from Massachusetts to Yellowstone to Tetons to Rocky Mountain to Kentucky. Loved it! Thanks for sharing!

[@RossEphgrave]

Thanks Slim, better than watching a nature show. Thanks for showing beautiful parts of the US that many of us Canadians have never seen before. Take care and stay safe.

[@Albertwildhorseshoer]

Tri state could have meant Ok, New Mexico, and Kansas as you were near the joining corners of all when you were in the panhandle. I'm a Kansan. The next time you are passing through Kansas check out the Flint Hills, and city of Cottonwood Falls. They are in the east central section from Manhattan then south to Cottonwood Falls and south beyond. The Flint Hills are very beautiful and Cottonwood Falls is on the Cottonwood River. It's main street is picture perfect. Unusual varieties of Artist work is amazing and they have a music jam in the building where the art is displayed. They have camping in town, and by their lake at the edge of town. There is a Rodeo about 3 miles away. One can ride bike trails through the prairie as well. If you want to miss the tornadoes and heat - the fall month of October is the best time and tree colorful. I'm a Kansan. The next time you are passing through Kansas check out the Flint Hills, and city of Cottonwood Falls. The Flint Hills are very beautiful and the town main street is picture perfect. Unusual varieties of Artist work in wood, paint, and carving is amazing . Cottonwood is famous for music jams. They have a music jam in the building where the art is displayed. They have camping in town, and by their lake at the edge of town. There is a Rodeo in the Fall about August time, about 3 miles away. One can ride bike trails through the prairie as well. If you want to miss the tornadoes and heat the fall month of October is the best time and tree colorful.

[@robertfredericks3587]

Hi Slim love your videos you don't seem to have a lot of money but boy do you have a vast knowledge on a number of subjects would love to hear your story ,would make a great episode and thank you for the videos.

[@kevinadams1848]

I just discovered your channel - new subscriber. I’m enjoying your videos.

[@cyndifoore7743]

Hey Slim, of you had put one of those zombie brains, better known as osage orange, in your camper, the spider might not have come in. These are known to keep them away. Happy trails!

[@jodyseaman1885]

Another good video, I never thought much about traveling to Kansas, but looks like a interesting place.

[@BLUECREEK333]

Take it from someone who has lived all my life in the southeast, we NEVER get used to humidity.

[@junglistpostman]

My thoughts too as a Kansan! You just hate it.

[@frankgyomoryjr6167]

In Michigan we call those osage oranges and people put them in their houses to keep the spiders away.

[@box420]

Glad ya stopped Through here I live in Wichita and yes the weather is crazy we can get 14" of rain in a few days or over night. And we have tornadoes lots of them. If your ever on the is turnpike there tornado shelter at every and off ticket booth

[@junglistpostman]

Heya Slim, love watching your videos and dreaming about life on the road. As a Kansas native I can say we get used to the humidity but not fond of it. Summer evening can be uncomfortable to say the very least. Make me want to go explore my state again. Glad you paid us a visit...cheers.

[@dalekundtz4603]

Zombie brains are better known as hedge apples. They are good for keeping cockroaches out of houses. The wood of the tree is rot resistant and good for fence posts. Hope you did not mind.

[@langlebl]

Your videos are so high quality and informative, they should be on a PBS special! Thanks so much for all the hard work you put into your content!

[@robertburnett8009]

Great video. God Bless You

[@mjarchambeau]

Very clever and very entertaining!

[@mrcaptain9333]

Awesome video yet again! Love watching them! Have you ever had any scary or sketchy situations while boondocking?

[@SlimPotatohead]

Most scary situations are on the highway getting to the campsite! SP