Wappapelo

TRAVEL MAP

I have never seen one of these before

 Remnants of Harvey are supposed to bring chance of rain tomorrow. Projected path has moved more to the east so may be a non event. Either way, no problems and no change in our plans

gathering some rosebuds

Cheap or spoiled

 Not sure which term applies to me. Went and checked out the fishing spots available to me here on Wappapello. Eh...not too sure. You see it cost $42 for an out of state license. Cost about that for Arkansas but I got to use it multiple places. Plus the fishing and catching was so good on the White river. May have spoiled me.

 May just keep my money in my pocket...

 Nice little COE park here and our spot is private and not close to anyone. Like meeting new folks, just want decent spacing between campsites.

 Photos and video soon come



Sieze the day

Day 32

Family and friends in flooded Houston are safe and sound, if a little wet. We are high and dry


TRAVEL MAP



We are here for two weeks, leaving on September 11th for Land between the lakes area in Kentucky. Today was travel day so not much exciting news from here in Lake Wobegone...




carpe diem

So sad

 We began this little journey by spending 5 days in the Rockport/Aransas Pass area. In that time we came to know several of the retailers and merchants. Many of our neighbors during that stay were full time residents. While we do not yet know the full extent of the damage we do know it was hit hard. The continued heavy rain will add additional flooding to their misery.

Why we like traveling

 It is the little surprises along the way. Something unexpected, something new

  Millions of people come to the Branson area to see the many shows, maybe they come to the lake, maybe to visit Silver Dollar City. Maybe they should come to go to a university. Yes, I said a university.


 Check out the College of the Ozarks HERE. And more HERE


 Better yet visit Hard Work U and enjoy a great meal, perhaps spend the night. A unique way to get an education that we had not heard of before. Know of a lot of young people who have earned a degree, and a staggering debt load to go along with it. Not here. Work in exchange for tuition.

Education of the head, heart and hands. Not too many schools can make that claim





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Playday

 Sometime back in the early 90's we brought the boys up to Silver Dollar city. It is perhaps more arts and crafts than hardcore rides, plus the fact they were having a gospel music special, we took ourselves to the park. Fun remembering the things the boys did as well walked around the park. A few scenes of two, not so young, people enjoying the park.

they make a black walnut brittle that is to die for

have a picture of the boys in this same jail

happy girl

 By chance we learned thru social media that ex schoolmates and long time friends were also in Branson. Compare the photo from 43 years ago with the one today. If Cara had been here it would have been a full team reunion.

  Tomorrow brings shopping and sightseeing, mostly my bride shopping.







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tablerock state park campground

TRAVEL MAP


Today we make a trip to Fayetteville to visit our friend Rhonda. You may recall we made a quick trip to Fayetteville last October for Dan's funeral. This trip is for hugs and conversation. Also thru social media we learned some old friends happen to be in Branson. Will meet up with them Thursday for dinner. Small world sometimes.










seize the day my friends

Tablerock Lake State park marina

A quick tour of the largest, nicest state park marina I have ever seen. The inside is even more overwhelming.

Hope you enjoy!









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Day 26

 We are in Branson Missouri at Table Rock Lake. We were last here eleven years ago. Enjoyed our anniversary dinner last last after a quick trip to Springfield. Today we have our near constant companion since leaving Aransas pass. Good news cooler temps are on the way.

  We did not look at the eclipse but we were in the 90% totality band. Was eerie looking and leaves were making dual shadows on the ground.

 More to come but for now, a good book is in order




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Day 24

  We have really enjoyed our stay at Bull Shoals White River state park. Not near any interstate, down windy twisty roads but worth the effort. We hope to return and stay two weeks next time.

  Of lessons learned while here, most revolve around boats and motors. The style of flat bottom boats they use I had not seen before. Fiberglass hulls based on designs utilized by early settlers. The outboard motors have short lower units in order to reach shallow areas. I have also seen motors where the propeller assembly had been replaced by a jet propulsion units. I am told that they loose a fair percentage of horsepower in this conversion. Of all the many boats I have owned none of them had power tilt and trim, including the 85hp on my last boat. For those unfamiliar power tilt and trim raises and lowers the motor for you.

 Tomorrow we relocate to Lake Tablerock in Missouri, near Branson. We will be there for a week with a very full agenda of things to see and do. After that comes a two week stay with nothing planned.


 More photos of the river and campground.

Trout dock

notice difference in widths?

caught about a dozen trout off of that beach

pretty neat rig

our home for past week

next posting from Tablerock Lake State Park





carpe diem

A little different

 First off my bashful friend captured in data form. This fellow has been around everyday but he is quite camera shy. I don't expect him to pose for a better photo.

  Today we drove to Mountain View to visit another state park. This one is different as it offers no camping. More information can be found HERE . It was a fun day and almost empty doing in part that a lot of people were in town for a motorcycle rally. We decided to have dinner in the restaurant and were glad we did. Good service, good food, low price.

 We also had free entertainment with our meal. Always nice to visitors and entertainment. Three squirrels and a ground hog.

"gather ye rosebuds while ye may"

Day 22

Fear the mighty mockingbird.

 If you have ever observed mockingbirds you know they appear fearless. Have seen them harass crows, a much larger bird. Crows are one thing but birds of prey would seem a different thing altogether. Was getting photos of this one in a oak tree when it flew over to a pine tree. That apparently was without the permission of the local mockingbird. It began squawking and  attacking it. The bird of prey flew away, all hail the mighty mockingbird

 You just never know what you will witness in nature





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Photo Essay

Click on photo to enlarge

VERY NICE VISITOR CENTER

WE ARE ON BEND OF RIVER, LEFT SIDE

STOCKING DAY FOR MORE TROUT

LOADED INTO NET OF PONTOON BOAT

DISPERSES TROUT ALONG RIVER

MY BRIDE GAVE ME AUTOGRAPHED BOOKS BY McMANUS

RETIREMENT IS HARD WORK