Upon arrival, we met out hosts and new workamper friends at Branson Lakeside RV Park.What fun people! They got us settled into a nice site with a view of the river, full hookups, wi-fi and cable tv. The campground is wonderful. There are 5 or 6 floating docks with benches. doggie walk areas complete with little pick up bags, 2 pavilions, and it's clean and quiet.
It's tucked in to a nice spot just down (walking distance) from The Landing, which is a huge shopping mall right along the White River, with great restaurants, and free entertainment on Friday nights. Our first "job" was to get to know Branson. So next morning after a walk to Sarbucks, which is just across the railroad tracks from The Landing, we went for a ride. OH My! It's like Wisconsin Dells, but about 4x bigger and the hills!! #1 is learn the back roads - The red route, yellow route and blue route keep you off the traffic infested green route! #2: remember #1. Traffic is not fun. There is a free guide called "Best Read Guide" that has a great fold out map with all the theaters, shops, etc. marked on it. That is the key to navigating Branson! Everything is here though, nestled in the hills between the theaters. There are 2 super walmarts and one normal one, Staples, Target, Kohls, Walgreens of course, Kmart... Subway, McDonalds, Culvers... then there are some really wonderful restaurants. The food here is incredible. So far we have enjoyed great Mexican food at Little Hacienda (the one in Hollister), The Golden Corral buffet was great, Famous Daves has a special on Tuesday nights served on a garbage can lid that's quite incredible. There are some inexpensive little cafe's in old town, and they are within walking distance from the campground. There is also a back way out of the park under the railroad tressel to avoid traffic. The sales tax here is high - 14.5% - tourism tax. For groceries and what not, go across the bridge to Hollister, it's more reasonable.
So far we've gone to see "The Legend of Kung-fu", "Top Hits of the 60's", "The Cat's Pajama's", "The Duttons"and the Rankin Brothers. They were all very good. I would go see Legends of Kung-fu again. The storyline was wonderful - they emphasized that kung-fu is not about fighting, but about peace - I don't think too many people understand this. The costuming was beautiful, everything was precise yet flowing. We both really enjoyed it. Top Hits of the 60's was so full of energy! The singing was great, and they really kept the audience pumped up. The Cat's Pajama's reminded us of "The Nylons" who we used to listen to all the time when our girls were young. Acapella and really incredible. If you get a chance to see them - DO! The Duttons - what can I say - wow! The whole family lives and breathes music. I especially enjoyed their 2 little treks away from bluegrass/folk into classical guitar and Pachabel Cannon in D. Brought tears to my eyes. The Rankin Brothers were good. I'd love to see them develop their own style instead of doing impersonations of others, but they are incredibly talented!
Last Sunday I needed solitude, so we went for a ride.3.5 hours SE is Mountain View, Ark. Be sure to eat breakfast before you go. There wasn't a restaurant open between here and there on hwy 14 on a Sunday morning! we found a little grocery store, but that was it! We crossed the Buffalo River and stopped for a walk. What a beautiful place! Canoe and Kayak rental businesses all over the place, and walking along the river it was no wonder! Shallow, warm water, beautiful scenery, a great place to stop and take a breather, or a whole day! When we got to Mountain View, Mellon's General Store was open and looked inviting, so we stopped. I no more than stepped in, and JC Bonds asked if I was a picker - (they were playing bluegrass) - so I pulled my guitar pick out of my bag, he handed me a beautiful Washburn guitar, and I played along, and soloed a couple of my own pieces. Don Mellon hollered over - "who's over there? Judy Collins??" It was a great time. They said they'd put me up on stage if we'd stay for the evening concert. Thanks for making me smile guys!! Don Played a gourd violin that had great sound! JC played mandolin and guitar. They're both a couple great musicians, and great people. Mountain View is a delight. I'd like to stay there some time and get to know the folks there better, and of course, play more music!
We've been here about a month now. It's been really HOT! Has been that way everywhere, but we haven't had the humidity they've had back home, so I have no complaints at all. I'm really enjoying working in the office and helping people with reservations, check in, and what ever else is needed. We're helping with watering now as there's been no rain.
So how do I feel about living in a 22' 5th Wheelafter 8 weeks? I love it. We have everything we need. It's cozy, it's easy to clean, it's simplicity. We found a Doggy Park over in Hollister (on Evergreen Dr. by the old school- first left after you cross the bridge and get through the turn around) and Sam is enjoying playing frisbee early in the morning. Kayle and Karma Cat are enjoying the air conditioning and watching everything going on out the windows, and snacking on rainbow trout! I've had time to read a couple books, play music everyday, do a few singalongs, play for a few campers, do a little cooking, and I'm socializing - I think that is the best of all!
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