T2 D14-19 May 1-6, 2022 – Branson, MO

Day 14 – Table Rock Lake

Our day on the water was wonderful! “Captain Gordy” guided the pontoon boat over quite a bit of Table Rock Lake. A picnic in a quiet cove, blue skies, warm sunshine, cool water, lush foliage, and good friends made for a GREAT day!

The lake was beautiful, and we saw some very interesting houses along the shores.

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We also saw some interesting wildlife.

Rain is in the forecast for the rest of the week, so we are especially thankful to have had the day outdoors without rain jackets and umbrellas.

We had dinner at Fall Creek Steak & Catfish House. This restaurant was unique because the waiters served hot rolls by tossing them to people at their tables.

Days 15-19 -Shows, Museums and Golf

As predicted, we awoke Monday morning to gray skies and rain. We all attended a time share sales meeting at the resort, but, remained resolute in NOT becoming owners. Our attendance had earned us the 6 hours usage of the pontoon boat for free. Clearly we were the winners on this deal!!

After the sales presentation, we went to lunch at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner, home to very talented singing waiters and waitresses. We also learned the diner is home to HUGE servings of ice cream. Bill ordered a SINGLE scoop of orange sherbet and Joyce, Gordy and Sue ordered single scoop ice cream cones. Were we ever surprised to see scoops of ice cream that were bigger than softballs!! We experessed our amazement, yet, didn’t leave any behind. Furthermore, we liked this restaurant so much we went back later in the week.

Another restaurant that was particularly interesting was Billy Gail’s Restaurant in Branson. Billy Gail’s is famous for its large portions, especially the 14″ homemade pancakes!

We didn’t let the daily rain dampen our spirits or slow us down. Branson has a variety of wonderful shows, museums, and restaurants. Over the week, we enjoyed performances by Grand Shanghai Circus, Dublin’s Irish Tenors and Celtic Ladies, Hits of the 50’s and 60’s, Reza – Edge of Illusion, and Dolly Parton’s Stampede.

Grand Shanghai Circus:

Hits of the 50’s and 60’s:

We learned a lot at the Titanic Museum, and descended deep underground at Talking Rocks Cavern.

Photos from Talking Rock Cavern:

In spite of the generally wet weather, Joyce, Gordy and Bill were able to play two rounds of golf this week. The first was at Branson Hills Golf Course, known as the #1 Best Course to play in Missouri and the 49th Toughest Course in America. Sue gladly served as a cart driver and photographer. The course was very hilly, wet, and windy, and golf carts were restricted to the cart path.

The second golf outing was played on Thursday at Ledgestone Country Club at StoneBridge Village. After several days of rain, the course was extremely soggy! Again, golf carts were restricted to the cart path. It’s a wonder they let anybody on to play. Joyce’s shoes were soaked before she finished the first hole. The determined golfers played on, and by the end of their round, the sun broke through the clouds to provide a beautiful finish on the 18th hole.

What a fun, relaxing week this has been! We are sad it has come to an end.