From Hannibal, we headed south to Branson. We stayed 3 weeks in the Escapee Park in Hollister, just over the bridge from Branson. Branson is the Bible Belt’s answer to Las Vegas. Probably well over 100 shows in town, all family oriented, with a little Gospel and always a tribute to the Veterans. There may be a few bars in town, but you would have to look real hard to find them. Eateries offer beer or maybe wine, but they don’t remind you of it. The first offering is sweet tea. Bus loads of old folks come there, to attend shows and eat. Every where you look someone has a deal for you, cheap show tickets, but there is always small print. Listen to our presentation, look at our condos or lots, or special travel deals. We checked around and found the least offensive and least time consuming “deal” and agreed to a sales pitch at a real estate development south of Hollister. 1 hour max!!!!! And for that we got tickets to 4 shows for $59 instead of $180, plus a few extra things added in.
So we went. The real estate development was beautiful, and the area growing with lots of money in evidence. The salesman was from Colorado, the company history checked out, and the long and short of it: we bit. It appears as if our business building in Golden will sell in the next few months, so a reinvestment makes sense. Branson and the Ozarks are beautiful, and perfect for retired rich people who want a new first or second home. We shall see how it plays out.
Who’s law is it that says if it can go wrong, it will???? I actually prefer to think of it as lessons to be learned will be learned. Soon as we signed on the dotted line for the property, the Jeep started rebelling. We towed it behind the coach on a winding beautiful drive on Sunday. Upon unhitching, there was no power in the power steering. The ranger gave us a good reference, and the Jeep made it there, but no further. No of course nothing simple as the power steering fluid, the whole rack and pinion shot. Not sure what that is, but I sure see the results. So we rented a car from the nearby airport, and came home to the coach, parked in the Ouachita State park and a beautiful sunset, gorgeous lake front setting, and no hot water. So David has worked the last 2 days figuring it out, to conclude the fuel pump on the furnace/hot water heater was faulty. We learned how efficient and effective the heat pumps are. What a relief,!!!!!!!!!!! as it is cold here, at night especially. We were able to buy a new fuel pump today at an auto parts store (3 tries) and he will install it tomorrow. So we are still learning, spending and supporting the economy. Hot Springs looks to be a nice place, one of everything you could want, but the state park is spectacular. We will be here till Fri, if all goes well, then head out to Texarkana Texas, or just beyond, to a “pickin park”, listed as a music park, pickers welcome. Looking forward to seeing just what that means, and what it looks like. We are gradually getting to warmer clime, and are fortunately warm and cozy here. We are about a week behind our plan, but who needs a plan.
The Arkansas park we are in is just south of Booger Holler, and Coon Nob Hill. We are definitely in the state of Arkansas, folks are friendly, kind, and helpful. The names of places and businesses often make us smile – Billie Bobs BBQ, LuAnns coffee shop etc. Lots of hills, trees, lakes, narrow roads, and folks seem happy and mostly poor, at least along the back roads. Somebody's making money around here from the number of pricey looking hotels and condo establishments, but lots of closed businesses too, so they have been through hard times here. Maybe they don’t notice. Life seems a little slower here, centered around being good and doing good, even making the local news with the projects.
Till next time.
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