Hot Spots!!

It's been interesting this week watching a weird weather pattern set up across the nation. Why is it weird, you ask? Well, take a look at this map (click on it to see a larger version). There has been a strong low pressure system hanging around the Ohio area this past week and it's actually been moving to the north and slightly northwest. It's helping to keep the northern states under a strong area of high pressure, which is where we've been seeing the scorching heat lately. Places like Minot, North Dakota and Rapid City, South Dakota have been seeing air temperatures (not heat index values) in the low to mid 100s. Typically, you would find low to mid 80s across these areas and to make it even worse, it's also been rather humid.

The hottest temperature for Wichita this summer has been 93 degrees, which is also very unusual for us. Normally by this point in the summer, we've had at least one 100 degree day, but keep in mind, there have been summers where the mercury has not made it above 100. Will that happen this year? Let me get my crystal ball (just kidding)

It's too early to speculate on how hot August might be, but we still have several weeks of hot weather ahead. It looks like the 90 degree weather will continue into the first part of August with no major heat waves expected soon. Even 100 degree heat is not expected anytime soon across Kansas. Our weather pattern should bring some rain to Kansas in the next 8-10 days, which is great news for some areas that missed the heavy rain earlier in the month. Even southcentral Kansas could use a shower. (I didn't think I would say that for a long time)

My Summer Vacation

Maybe you figured it out from my last entry that camping is something I enjoy very much, but I haven't been able to go for a long time. I finally had the opportunity to go Friday night and ended up at El Dorado lake in the Shady Creek campground. I don't have a boat or jet ski, but that's okay because I have this huge fear of water (gives me another idea for another blog entry) and to me, the best part of camping is just being outside and cooking over a camp fire. The bugs are a huge annoyance, but it's just part of it I guess.

A group of Veterans were getting together this weekend at the lake and they had a great fireworks display and the live band was pretty good too. The loud noise from the fireworks had my dog nervous, but she is used to it since the 4th of July was just a few weeks ago.

One other interesting thing from Friday night. I hardly ever have cash with me and apparently thats all they take at some of the park entrances. We were racing against the setting sun to get the tent set up and I didn't have time to go back into El Dorado for cash. The park ranger did notice that I didn't have a permit, but she was kind enough to let me get cash the next day and pay before leaving the area. In the 1% chance that she reads this blog, thank you very kindly for the leeway and yes, I did pay Saturday morning before leaving. The weather was perfect with a slight breeze and temperatures that weren't too unbearable.

My dog spent some time snorkeling and looking for zebra mussels Saturday morning. All she came home with was a tick and some tired legs. At the risk of posting too many pictures of my dog, I'll do it anyway. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Summer Vacations

I heard someone say the other day "I can't believe summer is almost over". Well, it depends on how you define summer. According to the calendar, we have about 2 months of summer left. However, if you are referring to summer as the time that kids are away from school, well then yes, summer is on the wane.

How are you spending your summer? Although I haven't been out of school for that long, these warm days and warm nights remind me of summer trips that I participated in during my college days. One of the most memorable trips I had was one that led us to Lebanon, Missouri to float down the Niangua River. We rented canoes and spent almost two full days floating down the river. It was very relaxing and one of the best parts was using gigantic water guns to soak others in their canoes. We spent two nights camping and surprisingly fixed some great meals over an open fire (yes, camping is a favorite of mine, as long as the bugs don't get out of control) Those days have passed but the great memories live on forever. In an effort to keep my job, I'll avoid writing about the REALLY good stories from that trip.

The weather is slowing down this week, which is good news for those that have been trying to dry out and get caught up on their outdoor work. I hope you'll take time to share a story or two on how you are spending your summer. Have a great week.