Tim Samoff // Weblog (old)

Butterflies butterflies everywhere! It was amazing. Butterflies attacking us from every direction. One fraternizing couple actually dropped from a tree into the cup that Luke was drinking out of. When they weren’t flying at us Kamikaze-style, they were inspecting trees, flying high in the sky, and trying to get into my car (as pictured here). What an unexpected surprise.

Here’s our view of the Leavenworth State Fishing Lake. This was so-called primitive camping, but being that there are no pack-in/pack-out campgrounds in Kansas or Missouri, being able to park by our site made for more accommodation than needed. Still, it was beautiful, serene, and we were the only ones there. Yes, there were posted signs that said it was against the rules to swim in the lake, but the evening temperature made it irresistible. And the lake water was very refreshing.

Nighttime held its own sort of fun. Here, Luke amazes all present (me) with his Fire Dance. Fire is neat. Campfire is really neat. Playing with campfire is even neater. Of course, only you can prevent forest fires, but where’s the fun in that? (Eric Hurst just posted a great bunch of a pictures of another kind of nighttime fire display — my wife, brother-in-law, father-in-law, and I were there too and Eric is right.)

And last, the obligatory “group” photo. We were pleased with our find. It is a good, peaceful place to camp. I am going to take my wife there sometime soon. Camping is fun anyway, but when you come across a place that is both close and beautiful (and about 10 degrees cooler that Kansas City), it makes it all the better. (Plus, all of the trees in the area make for a perfect do-it-yourself disc golf course!) What a way to spend a couple of hot and humid summer days. Thanks, Luke. Bug bites, “bean dumplin’s,” and all, I had a blast!.