We had a nice three day stay in the Springfield KOA which was right off Route 66. I appreciate that they had a really great laundry room. Even though it was a large campground and the sites were mostly full, the laundry was empty both times I went. Six big and clean washers and plenty of dryers, including the giant industrial ones that dry two loads in 30 minutes and they were all mine. Another added benefit was a long counter top to fold my clothes while I was watching the continually running video on Route 66. I’ve seen parts of this video before but it was fun to watch the guy travel from Chicago to the Pacific Coast on the “Mother Road.” My fascination with Route 66 goes back to reading the Grapes of Wrath and then traveling through Arizona around Flagstaff and through New Mexico, I have seen many parts of the road. We saw the end of it on the Santa Monica Pier. And this part through Missouri is the farthest east I’ve seen of it. So the video captures the little towns and strange attractions I’ve missed.
On Saturday, October 8, we started the day at a Farmer’s Market in Springfield. It was one of the best we’ve seen with tons of beautiful produce. We bought greens, apples, cucumbers and our favorite roasted chili peppers.
We spent the afternoon at the Wilson’s Creek Battlefield. Civil War sites are now occupying our curiosity. We long ago left the Lewis and Clark sites so it is interesting for us to turn our attention to learning about the Civil War. In all the reading I’ve done on this war and all the sites we saw along the East Coast, I never read or heard anything about the struggles and battles in this part of the country. Missouri saw some of the first and bloodiest battles. Missouri’s population was divided with some slave holders and some anti-slavery residents. This particular battlefield was preserved as a National Battlefield and the volunteers and rangers staffing the fields, the buildings and the visitor center knew the battle well. We learned the specifics of the battle while sitting on the porch of a farmer who watched the battle. His large family hid in the basement during the morning of the bloody battle and then emerged to find their house turned into a hospital. We walked through the woods and drove along the road reading the guide and reliving the battle. This was an eye-opening experience.
Ray House at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Bloody Hill at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
At Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
We left Springfield on Sunday. We are now seeing a small part of the Ozark Mountains. The trees are just starting to change colors. These are very different mountains from the West – softly rounded and completely covered by trees. It was undeniable that we were in Christian country along the drive towards Branson. We passed the Creation Museum and in Christian County it was no surprise to see many huge churches. We read that in this county was the smallest cathedral in the world – I looked for it but maybe it was too small to see it. After reading a sign, I spent some time wondering what you do at a weekly Poultry Swap. Do you get rid of chickens you don’t like? Do you try to pan off to your neighbors the nasty chicken causing all the trouble in your coop? And how can you and your neighbors sustain this stuff on a weekly basis?
On Sunday afternoon we arrived at Table Rock State Park. It’s beautiful here – large level spaces within a short walking distance of Table Rock Lake. We checked it all out yesterday morning and wandered through the enormous marina here.
Before we pulled into this campground we killed some time parked near a Branson Visitor Center. We went in to find out about the shows in Branson. There are hundreds of them and many we want to see. We talked to a salesperson at the Visitor Center desk who showed us the ropes. She worked for Wyndham Resorts and explained to us how we could get a really (really, really) good price on tickets. So we picked out two shows and then she suggested that if we went to a time-share presentation we could pay $20 for both of us to see two shows. We weighed this – 3 hours of sales pressure for something we have no interest in versus saving $130. (We know we wouldn’t ever have to pay the full $78 per ticket price – there are other ways to get discounts but this was the deal in front of us.) So we agreed. The presentation yesterday was pleasant and professional with no hard arm-twisting. We toured their local properties, spoke to a couple of sales people, and then left with cash in hand and tickets to our shows. It wasn’t our favorite 3 hours but seeing these shows for $5 was a good deal. And you never know – a time-share like this might someday (10 to 15 years from now) be the right thing for us.
Last night we thoroughly enjoyed Liverpool Legends – a tribute Beatles band. They nailed the sound perfectly, changed sets and costumes that matched the era of the songs. It was a great show – all my favorite songs. The audience was invited to sing along and even rush the stage. Couples slow-danced and we waved peace signs. Lots of fun (and only cost us $10!). We spent the afternoon along Branson Landing – a shopping area with a light and water show. We ate a quick dinner at Qdoba. It was a perfect day – lovely weather!
Liverpool Legend’s show at the Caravelle Theater, Branson, MO
Branson Landing
Branson Landing
Tonight we see Jersey Nights – a Four Seasons tribute. I’m hoping it’s as good as last night’s show. We’re having a rainy day so we may just stay at our site until it’s time to leave.
