[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
10/3/98 Pensacola – Little Rock
Left home about 8:30 am + arrived at the LaQuinta South about 6:00 pm. It was a pleasant drive with showers from Jackson – Vicksburg. Our routes were: I-10 to Mobile, then Rt. 98 to Hattiesburg + 49 to Jackson where we stopped at a Wendy’s for lunch. All through La. there were fields of cotton + acres of pecans. In Ark. we stopped at the beautiful Tourist Information Center which is located on Lake Chicote in Lake Village. It was a 2-1/2 drive from there to Little Rock + although we adhered to the 55 mph speed limit most of the way, it was scenic – small towns + lots of agriculture. Why be in a hurry! From Pine Bluff to Little Rock we picked up speed because of a divided highway. Dinner was very good at a nearby Denny’s. We got back in time to watch the Cubs-Braves game. Score: 6-2 Braves
Mileage – 505 miles
10/4/98 Little Rock – Branson
The day began at 7:30 with breakfast at the motel, then departed around 9 o’clock. Had lunch just south of Branson at a Dairy Queen for a delicious barbecue + split a small blizzard. Flea markets + yard sales with wet clothes hanging on the line were everywhere. The Ozark National Forest with all the rolling, winding hills was impressive. When we arrived at the Best Western Music Capital Inn, our tickets we’d ordered for the shows were here + that was a pleasant sight as we’d ordered them before we left home + weren’t sure they’d be delivered. The indoor pool, sauna + whirlpool were very clean + we were practically the only ones using them. Dinner was at BT Bones – country theme with guitarist. The Bobby Vinton show was spectacular + we’re looking forward to the others Mon. + Tues.
Mileage 690. Drove 185 miles.
10/5/98 Branson
Even though it was raining cats + dogs, it didn’t dampen our spirits.
We had a nice healthy breakfast in the lounge, then a swim in the indoor pool.
After lunch we rode around town before catching the afternoon show. Dino Kartsonakis, a concert pianist gave a spectacular performance. The use of 22 marvelous dancers in addition to all the fabulous props made for an excellent show.
After a quick supper at Starvin Marvin’s we dodged the rain puddles for the Andy Williams show. What a guy. He’s #10 in our book! Wonderful show!
The buildings where these two shows were held – the Grand Palace + Andy Williams are very impressive. The Palace has 4,000 seats – wow!!
10/6/98 Branson
Today we had a nice swim + exercise in the pool, then went out to the Outlet Mall for a walk around the 90 stores. The performances were at 3:00 + 8:00. Country Tonite was colorful + fun – lots of activity – dancing + fiddle playing in addition to some mean cowboy guitarists.
Wendy’s was the fare for the meal this evening as we were short on time + besides we’d eaten a large meal at noon at the Cracker Barrel.
Jim Stafford was more than we expected for tonight’s show – was great – lots of laughs – a real comedian. He included his 5 yr old son + introduced his wife + 2 yr old daughter. We used glasses + had fun catching all the floating objects as they floated through the room. The theatre, although pretty, had smaller, lower seats + we were a little cramped for space.
10/7/98 Branson – Vicksburg
Left on a crispy 45 degree morning around 8 am. Pleasant drive through the Ozarks winding roads + although we didn’t make good time due to construction, we enjoyed the ride – very relaxing.
As we approached Eurdora + the Welcome Center, we thought we were continuing on Rt. 65 but we missed a turn so took an alternate route on 61 E, then turned south + continued on this well paved one lane highway making good time + maintaining 65 mph. About 30 mi. north of Vicksburg Bert dozed off + I continued driving, looking forward to getting into Vicksburg around 5 pm. About that time I hit an obstruction in the road which tore a hole in the gas tank + transmission. Big trouble. A good Samaritan, Terrell P, a sales rep for Abbott Lab. let us use his phone to call AAA + he brought me to Rainbow Casino motel + Bert arrived an hr. later in the wrecker. What a night. We await the outcome!
10/8/98 Vicksburg – Pensacola
We spent a restless night awaiting the outcome of damage to the van. We agonized over the possibilities on getting home. Bert accompanied the van + wrecker to the garage where a wonderful mechanic put it back together + we were on the road about 3:30. How lucky we were. God really had a hand in this voyage!
It was a pleasant drive through this part of Miss. from Vicksburg – Jackson – Hattiesburg on to Mobile where we stopped for a quick meal at Wendy’s.
The drive from Mobile to Pensacola took a little over an hour, not too much traffic. We arrived home about 9:00 pm, so grateful for a wonderful vacation except for the Vicksburg mishap. It was 300 miles today from Vicksburg.
