THE BRANSON REPORT

October 18^th -20^th 2002

 

Becky and I started out from home early due to the weather that was moving in. Fortunately we had a very nice tail wind that got us at some times a ground speed of 222kts along our trip. At the time of our arrival we had light rain. Jim & Joan Gryder had arrived early to set up a very nice lunch at the airport for all to enjoy as the other arrivals would come in.

 

Once we had all arrived, Jim & I set out for the pickup of the two 15 passenger vans that we had rented. The traffic in Branson is like no other in the US. I think we could have walked faster.

 

Upon arriving at the Clarion Hotel, we all checked in and decided that a meeting at the bar would be just the right thing for all to do. After several refreshments, discussions, and then more refreshments it was determined that if we were to make it to the dinner show on the Branson Belle River Boat that we must leave now! Once I had everyone loaded in my van I was informed that we must drive first to the liquor store for a quick stop before we would be allowed to board the boat. This of course took more time than expected and with all the traffic in Branson we just knew we would miss the boat. Al Pick suggested that since no one was using the middle lane in the road that they must have known that we were late for the boat and I should use it. It worked out great because we beat the other group to the boat.

 

The show and dinner were great. When we arrived back at the dock, we had not noticed how much it was raining until we went for the vans.

 

Saturday some went to the veteran’s museum and some decide to go shopping while others did their own thing. We then all met for lunch and decided that we would meet once again at the Hotel Bar to get ready for our evening that was planed.

 

At 5:30 we were all off to the Texas Steak House for another great meal and then on to the show and what a show it was. The Shoji Tabuchi Show at The Shoji Tabuchi Theatre features the incredible showmanship and fiddle/violin playing of Shoji Tabuchi. This is a Branson premiere musical “production” show and features one of the best supporting cast of musicians, singers and dancers in Branson.

 

Sunday morning we all had breakfast together and then it was off to the airport to all depart. Once again Becky and I enjoyed a nice tail wind all the way home.

 

ATTENDES

Fred Olson …………………in his Bellanca                                              Tova & Mark from Amarillo….in their Bellanca

Al & Sheryl Pick from Dallas……..in their Bellanca                             Ron & Peggy Bianchi from Leesville…in their Bellanca

Jim & Joan Gryder from Kansas……in their Bellanca                          Chuck & Shirley Lawson from Dallas...in their Bellanca

Jim & Edna Elder…….with the Gryder’s                                                   Dusty & Joni Booth from Kansas…in their Tri-Pacer

Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Schweitzer from Iowa…in their Bellanca              Don & Mary Hide from Arlington…in their Bellanca

Rand Smith & Lori from Dallas……in their Bellanca                            Mark & Jere McMullen from Kansas…in their car

Victor & Becky Catalanotto from Mansfield…in their Bellanca