Branson Trip, Day One

Monday, October 27: Sis arrived at 7 a.m., and we were ready to leave on our trip to Branson by 9 a.m. on this shivery cold morning. As we traveled, we listened to a Mary Higgins Clark audio book of short stories, titled, "The Lottery Winner." The drive north was pleasant, though we were disappointed that the trees of the rolling Ozark hills were mainly drab brown, rather than the brilliant oranges, reds and yellows that we expected.

We made two stops along the way, including one at a roadside rest stop for lunch, and arrived at Table Rock State Park at Branson around 2 p.m. Our campsite was located near the bank of Table Rock Lake, though we could barely see the water beyond the trees. Here, maple trees glowed red, helping to satisfy our need for autumn color.

After camp set-up, Hubbie, Sis, and I toured the Branson area, stopping first at the tourism center to pick up our tickets to "Noah, the Musical." After that, we visited a winery, intending to take a tour. But since the tour was an hour long, and it was already late afternoon, we opted out. We did pick up a couple of bottles of wine, though, including a golden spumanti that we'll enjoy on New Year's Eve.

From the winery, we drove by the Branson Belle Showboat, but the area was closed. In fact, it remained closed all week. We supposed it was getting ready for the Christmas holiday season, which begins the first week of November.

Table Rock Visitor Center was open, however, and we enjoyed the exhibits there, particularly a large map covering most of one wall that illustrated how enormous this man-made reservoir is...43,100 acres, with 857 miles of shoreline, spreading into large pools with branching multiple fingers. Table Rock Dam impounds the White River to form the enormous lake.

Mother chose to stay at camp while we were out, and had a spaghetti supper ready when we returned around 4:30 p.m.

After supper, we donned sweaters, coats, scarves, hats, and gloves to go to Branson Landing. This is a 1.5 mile boardwalk mall along Lake Taneycomo that features a spectacular fire and water feature...lighted geysers that dance to music, accompanied by intermittent booms from fire cannons.

We parked in a handicapped slot near the Bass Pro Shop, and continued down the brick and paved path, stopping at various shops along the way, until we reached the Belk's store that anchors the opposite end of the complex, where Hubbie picked us up.

We were wintry cold by that time, and plenty ready for a choice of hot coffee, hot chocolate, and Mother's homemade cookies when we got back to the camper.

Balmy Sunday

It's a gorgeous sunny day, with temps in the high 70s. We'd better enjoy it, because predictions are for sharply cooler weather next week. We've made sure to pack coats, hats, and gloves, for chilly evenings that could dip into the 30s at Branson.



After a session on the treadmill, I dressed for a trip to the WDCS for last-minute grocery items for the trip...fresh milk, bread, deli meats and cheeses, fruits, etc. Usually, I have to stand in line a long time at the deli counter, but this morning, I was the first customer served.



We were done shopping and back home by noon. Shortly after that, we enjoyed a lunch of pork roast with carrots and onions, and mashed potatoes and gravy, and a side of applesauce. Mother had prepared a large meatloaf, too, that cooked in the oven while a generous-sized pork roast was in the slow-cooker.



Otherwise, we had an ordinary Sunday. We chose show tunes as our dinner music today. After lunch, we read the Sunday newspaper, and I programmed the DVR for our favorite shows for the week. Mother went home shortly after lunch, taking with her the kitten she has chosen to keep. She has been letting the kitten visit, so it can begin to get accustomed to Mother's house.

The mama cat and kittens are on their own for a few days, now, though, while we're away. But the neighbor boys will come over from time-to-time to make sure they have food and water. We have good neighbors on all sides, who are watchful of our house whenever we are gone.

Sis is to arrive early in the morning, and we will hope to leave by around 9 a.m.