I went to James A Reed Wildlife Area for a little hike last week.  I was last there in January when everything was frozen and there was about 8 inches of snow on the ground.  Slogging through that snow out in the open fields convinced me to buy some snow shoes.

I also did some more reconnaissance of Blue & Gray Park out by Lone Jack.  A very intriguing place – over 1800 acres and probably as close to wilderness as you’ll find in the KC area.