South to Branson, MO

It was so nice to wake up to another day of sunshine! :) Two in a row - YAY! We wanted to get on the road as early as possible because we were traveling to Branson, MO to another Escapees park, Turkey Creek. With so many folks leaving Escapade, we were a bit concerned about getting a site at Turkey Creek (Escapees parks don't take reservations.) So, after getting a cup of coffee in us, we started breaking camp.

About 8:10 we pulled out of the fairgrounds - and I do mean PULLED out. At least that's how it felt as the truck drug the RV out of the muck. The ground had dried up considerably compared to what it was like earlier in the week, but Randy & I were still a tad concerned that we'd be stuck. Over the past couple of days we saw way too many rigs stuck and needing to be towed out of their sites. We didn't want to be one of them. Thankfully, we weren't. I really think waiting an extra day made a huge difference.

We had a short drive today; just three hours. It was a scenic drive down US 65 with no complications. We pulled into Turkey Creek a few minutes past 11:00 and got a site with no problem.

We'll be here until Dick & Pat arrive at their campground in West Branson in a few days. We'll move over there then. While the two campgrounds are fairly close to one another, it's a lot more fun to be together.

As for Escapade 2009, it was okay. Everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves in spite of the rain. Randy went to five or six seminars and felt he gained something from each. A couple of vendors gained from his going as well - we bought a few things because of what he learned! :) I have come to the conclusion that I'm just not a rally person. Can't put my finger on the exact reason, but there it is. I volunteered in Customer Service under Bob & Molly whose blog I've followed for quite awhile and we met at last year's Gypsy Journal Gathering in Ohio. My job was to drive a golf cart around for three hours giving folks rides wherever they wanted to go on the grounds. Tough, huh? It was fun talking to all the different people.

There was also entertainment each night. On Monday and Tuesday there were performances by musical groups. Randy & I didn't stay for those. Yeah, we're boring. On Wednesday, there was the annual "Ham O Rama;" a show comprised of talented Escapees. We did stay for some of that. The last night, Thursday, was a dance. And no, we didn't go.

We also finally met Greg & Lynette and Keith & Donna whose blogs I follow as well! We went out to dinner a couple of times with a big group. Bob & Molly belong to the Class of 2007 which means that's when they started full-time RVing. They graciously included us and others in their group, making us feel very welcome. Thanks, guys!

I didn't take a lot of pictures because the weather was so nasty, but here's a few. Lynette is sending me a picture of several of us at dinner one night. When I get that, I'll share it with you.

Joe & Kay Peterson, Founders of Escapees

Just a few of the almost 800 rigs in attendance

Did somebody say it was raining?

That's it for now. Hope you're having a good weekend. Until the next time . . .