In Search of Fall Colors

Since Laborday we have been to Door County, Wisconsin, Atlanta, Georgia, Minneapolis, Green Bay and Branson, Missouri. Around here we usually travel to the North Woods for spectacular fall color. In Door County we were a little early, in Minneapolis and Green Bay we were a little late. Of course, September in Atlanta is still summer. So where did we finally meet up with spectacular annual display of Mother Nature at her finest? Branson Missouri and Eureka Arkansas in October.

First day out we hit the Thousand Hills golf course which did me in on our last visit 6 years ago. The best way to describe it is to describe the third hole which is a par four with a stream right in front of a green which is raised about 6 feet up behind the water and weeds. I am happy to say I conquered the course this time with a minimum number of ball casualties and a score of 97. What a great start. The trip would go down as a success no matter what happened the rest of the week.

Branson, land of music, God, and Country, is set deep in the Ozarks.  Nowhere else in this country is God and patriotism lumped together so tightly and unabashedly. Every show honors the veterans, touts clean comedy, and includes a bit of gospel. We saw a few shows, took a couple of hikes, and made a road trip to Eureka, Arkansas for the Passion Play.

The grounds of the Passion Play are akin to a mini attraction park. There is a Living Bible Experience, a dinner show of gospel music and comedy, a few short faith based shows, and, of course, the Passion Play itself. Ensconced on the grounds is a gigantic statue of Christ of the Ozarks, arms outstretched watching over his people with enduring love.

Over all the trip was a great experience, shared with our good friends and frequent travelling companions.