This morning, my parents had to go to a talk about timeshares here in Branson (it was a deal -- you had to listen to a two-hour spiel to get a major discount on our room at the hotel). Matthew and I had breakfast in the room, then we went to swim in the cool indoor/outdoor pool. When you wanted to head out into the sunshine, just slide under the divider and you're outside! We had a good time.
After my parents got back, we headed to Missouri State University's Ralph Foster Museum. Three levels of musical instruments, military artifacts, animals, plants, and more made for a nice time. We didn't have that much time, but we did enjoy the breeze-through (especially the real Beverly Hillbillies car). After that (and a quick lunch), we headed to Dogwood Canyon State Park. We enjoyed a one-hour trail ride with a nice young wrangler, seeing beautiful hills all around. The sun shone, a cool breeze blew, and the temperature was perfect as we wound through forests, up and down steep rocky hills, and across pastures. It was just my family and the guide, but he rode beside us, allowing me to lead. I rode a gentle brown Quarter Horse gelding, Hershey.
After our ride, we went to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, a first for all of us. Over creamy vegetable soup, a rotisserie chicken, a pork loin, corn on the cob, an herb-basted potato, a biscuit, and an apple turnover (take-home bags provided!), we enjoyed watching the "North" (that's what we were) compete against the "South" in various fun competitions. From pig and ostrich racing to a Saddlebred performing beautiful dressage, it was an exciting event for an hour-and-a-half. No photography of any form is allowed...just put the beautiful show in your mind. For the grand finale, many participants (dressed in sparkly red-and-white costumes) galloped in intricate, gorgeous patterns while Dolly Parton sang patriotic songs (on a video). Everyone stood and was reminded of the true American spirit. It was especially fun to meet the equine stars in their stalls before the show began. Quarter horses, Paints, a Saddlebred, and Belgians peeked out at everyone taking pictures.
After the show, we drove to (and across) the Table Rock Dam. Pretty sunset!!
Today was such a nice time. Tomorrow we'll be heading toward Silver Dollar City...check in to see how it goes! Meanwhile, enjoy the pics!
Beverly Hillbillies car at the Ralph Foster Museum (at MSU)
Pretty views during our trail ride in Dogwood Canyon State Park
The Saddlebred, one of the Dixie Stampede equine stars
A gorgeous sunset on Table Rock Dam
~Anna~
Hey Anna , enjoyed your blog! I've been to some of those places and you brought back some memories. Thanks! Hugs, Pam
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it!! It was such a fun weekend and I hope everyone had fun reading about it. :)
ReplyDelete