March 27th, 2010
We are in Branson Missouri, the absolute ultimate in “if you build it they will come”.
It’s really quite amazing how they built this area on the top , side and bottom of the Ozark Mountains and by the unfinished development you see around it’s obvious that building here has only just begun. There are miles and miles of empty land with finished streets winding up and down all the local hills.
We were first attracted by the billboards 100 miles away on I-44. We had some extra time and have heard about Branson, so why not? The closer you get, the more billboards you see. When you finally reach your destination the entire town is “total billboard pollution”. It’s like they visited Vegas and other US tourist centers and asked themselves “what can we do worse?” They’ve done a fine job.
I need to point out that I don’t like tourist traps, that I look for small unique towns with character. Obviously I am in the minority, this place is busy.
The positive in the whole visit would be our stay at America’s Best Campground. It’s a large, clean, well laid out park close to town.
It is not quite spring in this area. I bet when when spring actually appears the few small natural areas they missed will be gorgeous.
Branson: Been there, done that, didn’t buy the T-shirt.
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March 26th, 2010
This tale takes place in Miami, Oklahoma, home of a dozen casinos and the pupose of our visit, the home of Newell Coach.
Last year on our way home we stopped in Red Bay Alabama to visit Tiffin Motor Homes. Both Tiffin and Newell are in the same business except where Tiffin’s product starts at about $150,000 when you look at Newell you need to add a zero. Yes they really do start at $1,500,000.
And they go up from there. They build up to 45′ long, with 4 slides and they are truly one-of-a-kind travelling luxury homes.
No, we didn’t buy one. They are absolutely gorgeous, but not at all our style, even if we did have have a few million laying around. I just can’t see us sitting at Tres Amigos RV Park in a Newell.
Just to put the money in perspective a new travel trailer starts at about $20,000, a new motorhome starts at about $100,000. The most expensive RV I have ever sold went for $750,000. These are double that, plus more.
Anyway, it was fun looking and I learned a lot. Let me know if you want one, I’ll hook you up.
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March 24th, 2010
As promised, we visit Escapees home RV park called Rainbow’s End. For an American member of Escapees RV Club this could be the final stop, the place you can head to when you can’t travel anymore. You can rent a spot or buy a lot, or buy a stick built home and park your RV right outside. Or you can just stop for a day or two on your way through. For a full time RVer (like us) this park is the answer to the questions like ” what if” or “when”.
I’m guessing some where down the road, maybe sooner than later, we too will be members of the Escapees RV Club. They offer a lot of benefits for some one comitted to the RV lifestyle. And after close to two years of fulltime RV living we are definetly comitted to the lifestyle for the forseeable future.
So then, we are off to Livingston Lake State Park to catch a walk in the sun. We could come back here to enjoy the RV park but we would need more than a couple days.
Here’s a shot of the forest side of this park. As you can see we are into the “Piney Woods” area of Texas
Today, we move North.
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March 27th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Yes the huge tourist trap it is we agree, but we did stay there last spring for a week. At Treasure Lake Resort a large membership campground so it was free. Checked out the gaudy strip but did manage to see 4 great shows at discounted prices in the off season, that part we enjoyed. You guys are almost home now, safe travels.
March 28th, 2010 at 8:15 am
well we accidentally made a reservation many years ago to stay in a hotel just outside of the smokie mountains near Gatlinburg Tennessee… we stayed in pigeon forge and i would put it right up there as the largest tourist trap ever as it is home to “Dollyworld” which i had never heard of till we showed up… avoid this area at all costs…
March 29th, 2010 at 10:25 am
HI Folks:
Just wanted to reply to your interesting reading! Yes, we too, were at Branson twice, the first time years ago when it was actually quite neat and then the second, years later, and it had completely changed, so no more.
All is very quiet here. This morning Roy’s rig is heading out, his sister and brother as well as Kathy, flew in on Friday night. They had the unit moved to the first row for them and they have enjoyed their brief stay. Robin is going to drive the unit out through Maz for them and Don will follow with hs vehicle to get them through the city.
The beach is becoming very busy and we are quite looking forward to this week.
Our time is drawing to a close, we will go out on the 12th of April, Carol, Bill, Robins, Craigs and possibly Ed will travel out together.
I was in ‘town’ yesterday and it was wild! I think we will stick close to home this week.
Safe travels the rest of the way, we have checked the weather at home and it is going to be 22 on Sat.
Take care.
Don and Barb