Nestled in the Ozarks – Branson, Missouri

On Monday, we gratefully headed back onto 44 West towards Branson, Missouri. We were so happy to arrive to the sounds of birds and crickets. The green sludge lake at the end of our last RV park was really getting depressing! I wish I had taken pictures for you. But I didn’t really want to keep that memory, know what I mean? I have gained a new appreciation of our state parks after seeing some of the alternatives. I would much rather give up full hook-ups for these protected lands.

We started to see signs of the old Route 66. We even got tugged into one of the diners based on pure nostalgia. It was okay, nothing to write home about. We made it to Table Rock State Park around 4ish.

Tuesday we took a hike around Table Rock Lake. It’s a fairly large man-made lake that was created by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). The trail we took was awesome. It goes around the lake and is paved. So much different from the trails we hiked in Kentucky.

We veered off the trail for a bit to check out the water. The shore is rocky and you have to maneuver with care. Brought back memories of Maine. Just itty bitty ones because nothing can match that amazing place but memories none the less.

The girls rode their bikes. I want a bike but it’s too much of an investment right now. I’d have to buy a bike rack or buy a fold up bike. Right now I’m sticking one of the girls bikes in the CR-V and one bungee corded to the ladder hook. I don’t want to spend the extra money right now.

The fall colors are starting to show their vibrant selves here in Branson. Beautiful hues of yellow, crimson and orange are lighting up the forest. Leaves are crunching beneath our feet as we walk around outside.

But you wouldn’t know it by the weather! Today (Wednesday), the temperature reached the mid-80’s and my youngest was crying for a pool.

“I want to find the beach momma”, she moans.

So I called the rangers station and ask where we can swim along the lake.

“You can swim anywhere as long as you’re away from the marina and boat launching areas”, the nice lady at the visitor center tells me.

I ask her about Moonshine Beach and she tells me that it’s closed after Labor Day. Bummer. So we meander over to the location she recommended, the picnic pavilion. We go down by the water. I put my feet in, the water is nice and refreshing. So refreshing that Loki hops on in and starts doing the doggy paddle! I wish I’d had my camera ready to go so you could see his cute self taking his first lake swim.

This lake swimming is awesome mom!

We managed to get in a sunset and even headed into town tonight. Country Music Boulevard, the main strip in Branson, was hopping. It’s quite an interesting place. There are some grand and whimsical signs all around.

Pasghetti’s Restaurant, care for a meatball?!

Hey, this is show town after all so the showier the better, right? Well, maybe not. The restaurant above doesn’t get that great of reviews. The night views are even more hilarious. Check out King Kong!

Oh no, King Kong!

But to be truthful, the next picture is my favorite nighttime view, any old day of the week.

Not sure what our plans are tomorrow except typical chores, a.k.a., laundry. The pile is getting high folks. But hey, if I can do laundry in such a beautiful setting, I’ll take it any day of the week. Birds singing, crickets chirping and the sparkle off the lake. Ahhh. Good night my dear blog friends.

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{HUGS} from the Crew!