Branson, MO

The scenery of the area around Branson and southern Missouri is alone worth the trip. This is the dam that holds back Table Rock Lake. Bull Shoals Lake is also located here. We stayed at the SKP campground, Turkey Creek RV Village, in Hollister. We were glad we went in mid May before the summer traffic jams began.


The Oak Ridge Boys put on a really fine show and we had gotten excellent seats. We liked to start the morning with a hike. After the first show we would find ourselves at the Outback Pub waiting for the next show of the day!


We enjoyed several shows in the four days we were in Branson. One of our favorites was Jim Stafford. We also saw Charro, Glen Campbell, Shoji Tubuchi, and the Oak Ridge Boys. The opulence of the bathrooms at Shoji Tubuchi was quite a surprise.


We hiked several of the trails located in Branson. The Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area was just blocks from the hustle and bustle of the center of town and yet quiet and secluded. There we hiked down 315 steps to the river and then made the steep climb back up the hill (315 more steps).
Another enjoyable hike is this one alongside the stream below Table Rock Dam.
More Photos: Branson

Fayetteville, AR

On May 12 we traveled to Fayetteville in the northwest corner of Arkansas to share in the celebration as Susan's daughter was receiving her master's degree from the University of Arkansas. It seemed that John had also earned his through his patience and help.


As Leon would learn later, Razorback fans love their hogs and this was just his first introduction to hog heaven. He was lucky enough to be back in Arkansas for the majority of football season, at least after USC pounded the hogs in their first football game.


We stayed at nephew Will's house. Here Susan, Kay and Will get in a little visiting time on the square.


This was a fine opportunity for Gracie and Breck to throw a party for Kay and friends in their Fayetteville home.

Memphis, Tn

On the way back to Arkansas from Alabama seemed the opportune time to stop in Memphis, Tennessee and visit Graceland.


This turned out to be an excellent tour and well worth the price. This is the music room just inside the front door. The interior of the house made you feel like you had stepped back into the 50s.


From Graceland a visit to Beale Steet, the street of B.B.King fame, was in order. Musicians strolled the streets with their instruments heading to work .. or play. We also took the trolley ride that runs through the old part of town.


Then it was time to wander over to the Peabody Hotel and check on the ducks. We just missed their parade across the red carpet that runs between the fountain and elevator that takes them to their penthouse home.

What a way to end the day while I reminisced about old times spent in Memphis. We drove back down to Tunica, Mississippi where we spent several nights at the various casinos and took advantage of their "free campgrounds."