The Dale's Trails: The Royal Treatment

Dave and Jackie made us breakfast this morning and it was a breakfast fit for a King. Cheesey eggs, hash browns, sausage, cantaloupe, and toast. We never take the time to make breakfasts like that so it was extra delish. The kids sure did love the cheesey eggs. After breakfast the kids were anxious for us to string beads to make beautiful jewelry. Aly’s bracelet was so pretty, I wanted one just like hers. Time was passing by so quickly, we had to pack up the jewelry making because Dave had made arrangements with his work to use one of the resorts pontoon boats to take us out on Table Rock Lake for the afternoon. Do you think Aly likes the camera? Does this face say ornery or what?

Today was a really nice day outside with a break from the recent heat. Tommy and I love the water and even though we are on our trip of our lifetime, we did miss being out on our boats in the water this summer. So this was an extra special treat and surprise for us. What a gorgeous lake. This lake was created by the building of the Table Rock Dam and blocking the White River. When the dam was built it was anticipated that it would take 10 years for the lake to reach its engineered water level but it only took two. While we were riding, Dave would tell us the depths of the water. At times we were in 160 – 200 feet of water. Incredible. Dave and Jackie has a dear friend named Todd who lives on the lake. We drove over to pick him up and bring him out on the water with us for awhile. He showed us a rock ridge that had Tarzan ropes hanging from trees and Cameron was chomping at the bit to swing. Aly was a bit more timid at first but that quickly faded when she saw her brother swing and splash down into the water. Todd and Dave got into the action too. Oh how Jackie, Tommy, and I wished we had our swim suits on. It was fun watching the kids, big and little, swing like monkeys! The showboat, the Branson Belle, a gorgeous stern wheeler that travels the lake throughout the summer was an elegant touch on the water to this already wonderful day. We rode around the lake for a couple of hours and I can tell you that the breeze, the sun, and the rocking of the water well, ahhh it felt sooo good to be out on that boat. This is a sure sign that a good time was had by all. Dinner time was fast approaching. We dropped the boat off at the dock and walked up the hill to the resorts restaurant. We all stuffed ourselves with great food and was introduced to several of Dave's co-workers. I guess you have ascertained by now that my brother works for a resort here in Branson. This resort was first built to house the cast and crew of the old TV show the Beverly Hillbilly’s. This part of the hotel is the original section that housed the cast and crew. The resort has grown to include restaurants, condos, a marina, and time shares. After dinner it was off to a show and a beautiful sunset was in the making over Branson. I loved the line on the billboard to the right of center. “You have a great past ahead of you”, a reminder to live it up and make great memories. We are all going to the Dick Clark Theater to see the show Legends in Concert. We saw the Temptations, Marilyn Monroe, George Straight, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis. Fun show!