Camping Trip, Day One

Wednesday, Nov. 3:

We meant to leave home a little earlier, but on this misty-rainy morning, there was a two-car accident near our house. Apparently, one woman stopped to turn left, and another woman, with a child in her car, rear-ended the first woman, sending both vehicles into the ditch across the road. No one was seriously injured, but by the time the wreckage was cleared away, it was 9:30. We set out as soon as we could.

The trees are past their peak, but there are still some muted autumn colors in the hills, which was lovely as we traveled. On the way, we also enjoyed seeing a flock of geese in V-formation fly overhead.

Mother's cat was better behaved on this trip, probably because we boarded the three kittens at the veterinarian's office this time. The cats had comfortable accommodations in a very large cage in a building separate from where the dogs are kept. The building had previously been used by the resident groomer, who has since quit the business, so the kittens had the building all to themselves.

We arrived at the campground, after a brief stop for lunch, around 2 p.m. The rain had stopped, and it was sunny for setting up at the campsite. We were pleasantly surprised to see lots of flaming red maple trees around the campground, so once we were finished setting up, I grabbed my camera and shot lots of images.

Then I called our friend, who lives in Springfield, to try to schedule a lunch date with her and her husband. Unfortunately, she and her husband had been in an accident on Monday. Fortunately, though, neither was seriously injured, but both were very stiff and sore. The car was totaled, and they were issued a loaner car until they can get one of their own, but neither felt like driving. We were disappointed not to get to see them, but glad they are okay.

After I'd talked with our friend, I left my cell phone with Mother, and Hubbie and I went to the Branson Tourism Center to pick up reserved tickets for several shows.

Later, after supper, we all dressed in warm clothes, coats, hats, and gloves to go to Branson Landing. It was windy cold at this time of the night, and we were glad to be snugly warm in our winter gear.

We got to the Landing just in time to enjoy the water show that features colorful 120 foot water geysers, and booming fire cannons, dancing to light and music. We spent a couple of hours at the mall, where Hubbie bought me a very pretty multi-colored and fringed shawl scarf. We also visited a hunting/fishing store and enjoyed the large aquarium and mounted animal displays.

By the time we got back to camp, we were plenty ready to go to bed.