Buffalo Point

For the past few days, we've been at Buffalo Point campground along the Buffalo National River (with no phone or internet!) The Buffalo is designated a 'wild and scenic' river which means it has no dams and is perfect for kayaking. People come from all over to play on the river and outfitters abound. We were offered a deal we couldn't refuse and utilized the services of Wild Bills Outfitter instead of doing our own shuttle.


They have quite a setup. It took two of these bus/trailer combos to haul 26 of us to our launching spot about 12 miles up river from the campground.



It appears to be mass confusion when we first start out. Here it looks like we don't know where we're going, but of course that's not true. :-) "It's this way, no, it's this way. Oh what the heck, let's just wave at Ron."



The Buffalo has lots of scenic cliffs and makes for a pretty float. Here you can also see the trees bent over from the high water this spring.



When we stopped for lunch, the guys tried their hand at rock skipping. Here Marvin is demonstrating his technique, while Ron looks for the perfect rock. However, Max was the undisputed champ in the rock skipping department.

It was an easy float with good current and no obstacles. The hard part was after we landed at the campground and had to carry the kayaks up the hill. Whew!


The next day was a hike to the 'Indian Rockhouse', a huge cave used by Native Americans as long as 10,000 years ago. I didn't go, but Ron said it was pretty homey with a natural spring in the rear of the cave.



Ron thought this stalagmite made a good seat. Where's the TV?



Along the returning trail was this natural bathtub. Since it was raining, the group passed it by.



I couldn't resist this shot. It's certainly the smallest city hall I've ever seen, but what it lacks in . . . well, just about everything, it makes up for with that gorgeous rose bush.

Yesterday Ron and I moved to just south of Branson, Missouri. Although the town began as a showcase for country music, it seems to have evolved into Las Vegas without the gambling. In addition to music shows, there are magicians, acrobats, comedians, impersonators, and even Irish dancing. We plan on seeing a couple of the shows - when in Rome . . . (you know the rest.)