"Spring"ing Back to Branson - Regular Updates every 2-3 Days! - COMPLETE 10/15 About This Page:

[christiejay]

On the way back to the truck, I was trying to talk Jay into walking the nature trail down to the river, but the rain was still hanging around and we didn't think it would be a good idea. So instead we loaded up and drove back toward Branson. Jay was wanting to gas up in Springfield, and I was trying to talk him into visiting the Boy Scout Museum that had a sign up at the exit we took this morning on the way into town. So we combined those two items in one stop.

The Boy Scout "Museum" turned out to be just their local district office and store, although the building did contain a few exhibits. A little disappointing, but at least it wasn't the only thing we were doing at this stop! Jay (an Eagle Scout) looked around their store and decided on a couple of items: a hiking stick medallion with the Eagle Scout logo, and a pin from whatever BSA anniversary is coming up soon, or either just recently passed. It states "Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow." I enjoyed browsing the shelves, seeing all the things Joshua would be getting into when he starts Cub Scouts next year. After our purchase, Jay took a few pictures:




The main display


Jerry with a portrait of Lord Baden Powell, BSA founder

We gassed up at a station around the corner and drove back to Branson. Because we had missed eating at McDonald's for lunch, I suggested (or was it Jay) that we stop at the one in Hollister to pick up supper to take back to the resort. I have no idea what everybody got. Of course Joshua got a Happy Meal, and Jay and Jerry got a burger of some sort. I was still pretty stuffed from lunch, so I asked Jay just to get me some fries. Back at the room we ate and rested. This was probably another evening that we walked around after eating. Also, we finally finished the puzzle we had brought with us, so Jay took some pictures. It was a double-sided Star War puzzle:


The dark side - Joshua suggested we work the puzzle from this side.


The Jedi side - Jay and I very carefully flipped it over to get this shot.

And that brought day four to a close.

Next up: Day 5 - A wet hike

[chezp]

Oh my goodness, those caverns are amazing. What beautiful photos.

[lauren-roxy]

What an interesting day Christie and great photos!!

[christiejay]

Day 5 - Friday, May 25

It's so hard to remember details without PassPockets ... I believe Jay cooked breakfast for us again this morning - nothing fancy, just bacon and eggs. Today has no pictures - sorry! Perhaps one day I'll get a scanner and if I had one now I could show you the pics I took. But Jay didn't get the digital camera out today. After breakfast we just hung out in the room for a while. We knew we were going to get out in the evening today instead of first thing like we'd been doing, but we really didn't have any plans for this morning.

There was one thing at this resort that we had wanted to do, but never gotten around to it - walk their nature trail. We knew it was about two miles long, and we knew it started behind the horse stables, so we headed that way. It was a little warm to be hiking today but we still enjoyed the outing. The trail started out just going through a wooded area where we saw a few chipmunks while resting on a bench. Not too long after this we passed under the large power lines, which required all the trees and underbrush to be cleared. Because of this wide clearing, we were able to see quite a ways in the distance toward Table Rock Lake, and could make out another resort on the other side.

Shortly after the power lines the trail turned and headed back toward the stables. I was dragging up the rear when I heard something in the woods to my left. I stopped and looked closely and finally spotted a turkey. I got my camera ready to snap a picture but it only turned out as a vague brownish blob amongst the leaves. I believe it was a mother turkey because there were a couple of times when I was pretty sure I saw a small something run towards it, like she was calling her chicks. Once I was pretty sure they were all gone I got back on the trail and caught up with everybody else.

Right about this time was when we got our daily rain shower. We were in a heavily wooded portion of the trail, but the rain still managed to come through all the leaves and onto us! It wasn't too heavy and didn't last too long, plus there was nothing for us to do except keep our heads down and keep on moving, so that's exactly what we did. Lucky for us the rain stopped before we reached the next clearing. The rain even brought out a turtle and rabbit that I tried to take pictures of, although neither one turned out well. The turtle kept crawling too fast, and the rabbit was skittish of course, so I couldn't get very close.

Finally we reached the end of the trail. I'm sure we looked pretty strange to the people at the stables as we emerged from the woods wet from the rain! On the way back to our building I took a few pictures of the wildflowers growing along the pathway to remember them by. I thought they were pretty, in different shades of red, white and blue. And one that was orange in the middle with yellow along the edges of the petals. Once back at the room, I got a shower to freshen up from our hike, then we all ate more of our leftovers for lunch.

After lunch I washed a couple of loads of clothes, as I had a day or two ago as well. I was folding clothes in the bedroom, when I happened to look up and glance out the window - something had caught my eye in the distance behind our building. I looked closer, and discovered that it was three deer! They had come out of the woods at the edge of the property, and were making their way down the gravel access road. I zoomed in and took a picture of them, but you can imagine what brown deer look like against a brownish gravel road - not much!

Mid-afternoon, I'd had enough of just sitting around, so we rode back into town. I had always wanted to stop and check out The Shoppes at Branson Meadows. It's on one of the traffic-saver routes we usually take, and the shopping center looked nice. So today we checked it out, and determined that it just wasn't worth it. This originally was an outlet mall, but I'm not sure what you could call it now. The only "real" outlet store that I thought was worth anything was the Vanity Fair store and its clearance store a couple of doors down. I tried on a few tops that were only a few dollars each, but they fit really strangely so I didn't buy them.

We enjoyed looking in the quilt store and the tool store, but didn't get anything there. In the book store, Jay got Joshua a couple of Disney books - the kind you subscribe to from Grolier (?). We looked in the game store - old Sega and Nintendo games, as well as a few more recent releases. Nothing there. There were a lot of vacant storefronts, and the entire back portion was now a community college. Lots of the stores were just locally-owned gift shops, not even outlet stores. And there was a music theater on one side. Like I said, I'm not really sure what you would call this place as it is currently set up. So there is now one place in Branson that we will definitely not return to.

After that experience, I thought we should go somewhere we would actually like, so I suggested the Grande Village shops. We started in Kringles Christmas store, and Joshua got a business card directly from Santa Claus himself, who apparently hangs out here in Branson during the off-season and helps operate this store. In other words, he was wearing tourist clothing (maybe even a Hawaiian shirt), not posing for photographs, and yes, actually working in the store. He just happened to emerge from the back storeroom as we were coming into that part of the store. At Alice in Toyland Joshua got another Thomas train (I think it was Max and Monty, the trucks) and the rock quarry for (yikes) $41.00!!! But I had been promising him something Thomas-related the whole trip as a way to keep him moving through the gift shops. At T. Charleston Books I bought a Muppets puzzle for my sister as an additional thank-you gift for watching things at our house while we were gone.

We were getting a little tired of shopping by this point so we finally headed over to our destination for the evening, the IMAX mall. Once inside we were harrassed by a quilt salesman who tried to get us to hurry!!! and take advantage of their special!!! limited-time-only!!! pricing!!! I really wish these people could be confined to their own storefront, instead of jumping on you as soon as you enter the building. Anyway, we made our way to the ticket counter and decided which movie to see. It worked out great, with the movie we wanted, we would have just enough time to eat supper first. So we turned around and walked across the building to McFarlain's. This place is one of those that very heavily advertises on the local TV and in all the tourist brochures, so I had heard about it and wanted to try it. I know we all enjoyed our food, but unfortunately the receipt is not itemized so I don't remember what we had. I'm pretty sure Joshua had a grilled cheese sandwich, though, since that's about all he ate on this trip. And I do remember that I forced myself to eat something chocolate for dessert. I think Joshua had ordered it, but it was huge and so we all had some. Seems like it was cake with extremely rich icing.

Having stuffed ourselves yet again we waddled over to get in line for the IMAX movie. We had decided on Deep Sea, narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. Hmmm ... a pirate and a Titanic survivor, narrating a movie about the ocean ... did they plan that? This was Joshua's first IMAX film, and as soon as we sat down, I wondered how he would handle the noise level. It seemed pretty loud at first, but I guess you just get used to it, because it didn't seem that bad after a while, and we all enjoyed the movie. After the movie we looked around in a couple of the gift shops in the building, but didn't buy anything tonight. All that was left was to drive back to the resort and fall asleep, so that's what we did!

Up next: Day 6 - Jerry Bails Out!

[chezp]

The nature trail sounds like a lot of fun. I couldn't agree more with you about the salespeople - that is one of my pet hates.

[lauren-roxy]

Great update Christie!!

[Colexis Mom]

More great updates and pictures

[christiejay]

Day 6 - Saturday, May 26

Today we did our own thing for breakfast and then decided what we would do today. There were some outlet shops we wanted to visit yesterday that we didn't have time for, plus I wanted to let Joshua ride some things at The Track that has the kiddie rides. We got ready to go, but Jerry said he didn't feel like getting out today. I was a little nervous about letting him stay by himself, but Jay told me he found out his dad had been leaving his room at night and walking around. So if he's been doing that, and being able to keep up with his key and not get lost, I guess he's okay. So the rest of us went into town by ourselves.

We started at the Tanger Outlet Center since it has the best selection of name-brand stores. Jay now sings in an ensemble at church every week, so he was looking for some new clothes for that, as well as new shoes for work. We looked through American Eagle Outfitters and Aeropostale, but they were too trendy for us - we're more traditional than trendy. In Polo Jay found several things he liked, but the prices were still so expensive that he only got two shirts. We soon found out he should have headed to Haggar first, as that's where he racked up. He ended up with four pairs of pants and three shirts, plus he was able to use a coupon that saved him $15.00. And their prices were excellent, too! Next time we will know to come here first.

Jay took his bags of clothes to the truck while Joshua and I slowly made our way around the shops. We went in a few other stores like Eddie Bauer, Old Navy and Sunglass Hut but didn't buy anything. Jay got excited about the Black & Decker store because he needed a new rechargeable battery for one of his gadgets. But wouldn't you know it, the size he needed was the one size they were out of. I tried on some jeans in Levi's but was disappointed that they wouldn't fit right. Jay found some shoes for work at Rack Room Shoes - because he works in an automotive plant his shoes can't have any exposed metal where they lace up because that might scratch the paint. So sometimes it takes him a while to find all-leather shoes with no metal eyelets or lace hooks of any type.

Our next stop was just for fun: Music for a Song. Jay picked out the George Lucas Cinema coffee table book and Superman 2 Richard Donner edition. I got a Nintendo DS golf game for my brother-in-law's upcoming birthday. Then we had a coupon for a free budget movie, so we looked over all the ones on that display rack. Of course I couldn't find anything I particularly liked, so Jay picked out Problem Child Tantrum Pack, which had Problem Child 1 and 2. By this time we were getting tired, but we pressed on as we were almost finished. We looked in the Coleman store for quite a while. I don't remember now exactly what Jay was looking for, but they didn't have it. I tried the Disney store again, but still nothing that I wanted. At Bath & Body Works Jay picked up a couple of their men's items in his favorite scent, and that was it for our shopping spree!

We were very hungry by now, and rather than try to decide where to go to eat, I convinced Jay to get us some lunch at the A&W here at the mall. We walked over there after dropping off our packages and since this was our first time here it took us a few minutes to read the menu and decide what we wanted. Joshua got chicken strips and root beer, I had the same, and Jay got a bacon cheeseburger combo. The food was good although the atmosphere left a little to be desired. However, we were now feeling much better and ready to go somewhere else.

All morning I had been telling Joshua we would do something for him soon, if he would just be a big boy and help Daddy find some new clothes. Well, finally, it was his turn as our next stop was at The Track that has Kids Country. We walked around to give Joshua a chance to decide what he wanted to ride, so we would have an idea of how many credits to reload his card with. That done, Joshua then rode the train, ferris wheel and teacups (with me). Their teacups don't have a wheel in the center to make yourself spin, but the girl who was working that ride would grab the handle of each cup as it came around and spin you. She asked beforehand if you wanted to spin, just in case a child wasn't sure about it. I don't remember what Joshua had originally picked to ride last, but he changed his mind and chose the swings, which was cheaper, so we left that day with either 1/4 or ½ a credit on his card for next time. Here's pictures of the fun:













Continued in next post ...

[christiejay]

After Joshua's rides we had thought we would visit the Factory Merchants Mall also, but we didn't really feel like more shopping, especially since Jay had gotten so many new things already. So that's something we can try on another trip. Instead we headed back toward our resort, but stopped along the way at the Coffelt Craft Village. It looked kind of neat all these times we had been driving by, so we decided we'd finally check it out. I was surprised when Jay told me that he and my dad had come here during our Thanksgiving weekend trip. They only looked in a couple of shops and were not impressed. Well, I wasn't that impressed either, at least not overall. In fact, it was kind of depressing, seeing all these people trying to make a living off whatever us tourists would snap up from them. And sadly, most of the merchandise was the cheap trinket type of souvenirs, so I really didn't see anything that interested me.

For the good parts of the craft village - the woodcarving place up front. They had lots of nice designs to choose from that could be personalized, but we don't really have a place to put anything like that so we didn't buy. The quilt shop had a lot of nice designs, but the prices were a little too much for me. There was a T-shirt shop at the back that I felt had the best deals, and I picked out a pre-made shirt with Branson Missouri embroidered on the front - brown shirt with green and orange lettering. Joshua picked a screen-printed eagle T-shirt. Jay inquired about them making him a cap, but there was a 3-4 day waiting list and he didn't want to have it shipped. Most of this place's business is their custom embroidery, but they had a rack of various designs already made up, and tons of racks of screen-print shirts. There was a nice basket shop, but I couldn't think of anything to use a basket for, so we didn't purchase. They also had nice Christmas decorations, but I have tons already so again I didn't buy any.

Then, in what is probably the strangest souvenir request I've heard, one of Jay's co-workers had asked him to bring her back a red rock that she could put out in her flowerbed. We had gone the whole trip without seeing a red rock, but finally here, in the tackiest of shopping areas, we found one. It wasn't an actual rock of course, just a big chunk of colored glass, but it was exactly what we had been looking for, so we were awfully excited! With that purchase finalized, we called it quits for shopping and went back to the resort. I have mixed feelings about this shopping area. Overall, it wasn't worth it, but at least I know a few good things that are available here, if I'm looking for something in particular next time I'll know where to find it.

Back at the resort, we found that Jerry had survived the day without us. He basically hung out in the room, but did get out and walk a little bit. That afternoon it came quite a downpour, much harder than it appears in these pictures:





After the rain stopped we decided to get out and eat at one of the restaurants on property, the Truman Smokehouse. I called just to check their operating hours, since they stated they were only open seasonally. Then we drove down and went inside what turned out to be a very tiny place. I guess most of their business is carryout boxes. I was confused by their menu, but next time I will know better. I was hoping for a BBQ sandwich of some type, but their menu stated they were in the dinner hours, and sandwiches weren't listed under the dinner menu. The employees weren't terribly helpful, but I overhead them tell somebody else later that they were also serving from the lunch menu as well. So I could have had the sandwich if I'd only asked. Oh well! Joshua got a hot dog and the rest of us each got the 1/4 chicken plate with a side order. I think we all got the beans, and Jerry and I also got a slice of overpriced pecan pie. The food was good, although it was too much chicken for me. The beans were a little tangy but good, and the pie was delicious even though I didn't think it was worth $4.00 a slice.

I had thought that tonight was the night Jay had cooked burgers on the grill, but after finding the receipt for the above meal it obviously must have been yesterday for lunch. Along with the burgers I fixed baked beans and scalloped potatoes, and that should catch us up on the meals.

While down on this end of the property we decided to wrap up our stay here by checking out the main gift shop. I found an awesome fleece top and wanted it so bad, but it cost $60! I just couldn't see paying that much and I looked through all the other shirts they had (there were some really cool designs this time) but their prices were so high, I very reluctantly decided against a shirt this time. Since it was May, I thought they would have their fall and winter clothes on sale, but no luck. We did get Joshua a new Big Cedar shirt, since he finally grew out of his other one, and I picked out a book that told the history of Big Cedar. Jay got some new sunglasses, and Jerry got a coffee mug. Seems like we all visited the nature tower one more time, then went back to the room to start packing up.

Up next: Day 7 - Heading Home

[Colexis Mom]

Another great update Sorry it's all coming to an end

[chezp]

What a shame your trip is nearly over. I've really enjoyed reading about it.

[christiejay]

Day 7 - Sunday, May 27

We woke up and ate breakfast on this, our last morning in Branson. Then we finished our packing and took everything out to the truck. Since our lodge building was so far from the, we drove down to check out. Checkout was very easy and we headed back out to the truck to leave.

If you've read any of my other Branson trip reports, you'll know that we always stop at the same places during our drives, both coming and going. First we stopped at the visitor center just north of Harrison to use the restroom - it was a very nice place to stop for a few minutes, although we didn't go inside the visitor information area. Before getting back on the road I got each of us a snack and drink to hold us over until lunchtime.

After a while we arrived in Conway and stopped at the McDonald's just before reaching the interstate. Joshua got a hamburger Happy Meal, Jay had a double cheeseburger and medium fries, Jerry got the quarter cheeseburger meal, and I got the chicken select meal. All of us had Coke to drink. After a restroom break we got back in the truck, pulled into the Exxon station next door for gas, then got back on the road.

We made our way down the interstate and back onto the mostly 2-lane highways at Pine Bluff. We stopped at the rest area at Masonville, which is a few miles north of Lake Village, and got one final snack before heading for home.

I can't remember whether Joshua got a nap this afternoon during the drive, but it does seem like he slept for a few minutes. We also watched DVDs for a while. Finally we came back into Clinton, and took the back way to our house to avoid the traffic jams at the main interstate exits. We wearily unloaded the truck and pulled everything back inside. Jerry stayed with us for another day, until Jay's sister was able to come pick him up. And that's our crazy family Spring trip to Branson!

Next up: Concluding Thoughts of Our Trip

[Colexis Mom]

Sorry it's all over Christie Glad you made it home safely Looking forward to your final thoughts

[lauren-roxy]

Sorry your trip is over Christie, I have really enjoyed it!! Looking forward to your final thoughts!

[chezp]

What a shame this report is over. I'm looking forward to your final thoughts.