Walt Linden's Second Trip report

October 23, 2012 - Arrived in Branson, MO. We were surprised to see all the open land along Rte 76 (Main Street) until we remembered that a tornado went through the theater district earlier this year. Lots of cement slabs next to large parking lots. The Jubilee grocery store that was attached to Walmart is gone. Although Walmart received some damage they reopened the day after the tornado passed through. We started securing tickets for the shows right away. Five in all. 

October 24th - In the afternoon we went to the Paul Harris show. He is still as good as ever. Then we drove around and did a little sightseeing. After dinner we went to the Baldknobbers show. We started with the pre-show at 7:15 PM and got out of the regular show around 10:30 PM. The Mabe brothers started the Brandson Music Tradition in 1959. It is a family affair with most family members singing, playing an instrument or telling jokes. Grandpa Mabe plays Droopy Drawers. Now the 3rd generation is taking over. A grandson dressed like grandpa has a part in the show and some day will probably play the part of Droopy Drawers. On the way out of the theater we had a chance to talk to one of the Mabe boys and his wife. They seem to be very nice people. Most people in the Branson area are very family, God and country oriented. The Baldknobber show is free to veterans. All the shows recognize veterans during their show. 

October 25th - Went to two shows today. Todd Oliver and his talking dogs. This is one of those "don't miss" shows. You may have seen him on Leno or Lettermen. He was great. The second show, "Smoke on the Mountain", is a spoof on religion. It was good but I didn't think it was great. I had trouble understanding the actors, especially the women, when they talked fast and screeched. It started out as another beautiful day. 

It stated to cool off around noon and then it started to sprinkle. By evening it was cold. 

October 26th - Went to the Rankin Brothers show last night. Another great show. After the show we talked with the brothers and their father. Another friendly personable ground roots American family that has time to talk to everyone. Typical Branson show performers. 

Tonight it is headed for the low 30s.

 

October 27th - Time to leave Branson. We headed south and at the Arkansas Louisiana state line Millers continued south visiting friends and relatives, working their way to Florida. We headed west to visit Beryls sister-in-law in Houston on our way to Padre Island where we will be campground hosts in the National Park. Another night at Walmart where we filled up with $3.219 gasoline. Eat your heart out NewYorkers. We haven't paid more than $3.25 a gallon since we left New York. 

Walt Linden