Our last night in Branson with the rally was a barn burner!!! Wow.. what a time we had. Never knew there were so many crazy folks. First off, we were treated to a great dinner... Jim loved that part!! After everyone had eaten about all they could hold, the hillbillies took over. A wonderful group, which had everyone laughing till they were crying treated us to great Ozark music. Everyone was stomping and clapping within a few minutes. The only female in the group tried (was a losing battle), to keep things under control. Surprising talent in
this group. Jim especially loved the concluding religious selection. "On my Father's side".The next thing on the agenda was a hillbilly contest. Wow... there were so seriously strange people walking across that stage... It was a hard decision for us all to make... came down to three contestants... Here is a picture of the group... see? I told you they were strange!! Then they all had to play for us... (spoons, washboard, and jug)... thankfully, the "band" played behind them... but they did pretty well!!
One couple that was one of the group favorites sat behind our table, and we got kind of a kick out of their antics...
Naturally, I have to add a picture of yours truly in my hillbilly outfit. I was not brave enough to join the rest... but I still enjoyed myself.. Could not get Jim to join in... but I at least got him to wear a rope to hold up his trousers, and he had a corn pipe pipe in his shirt pocket (he would not let me take a picture of him)... :-(
Do you remember my telling you about Thor's new found friend, the class A next door?
They became great pals during the week we were in Branson. Who knows what they talked about? Thor begged me to take a picture of his new friend before we pulled out... so I could not say no... (It is his Daddy standing in front)... I convinced them, after much begging (he is shy) to play the song "On the road again" why they were pulling out. I saw a little tear in Thor's eye when he heard them playing the goodbye song on the way out of the park...
They became great pals during the week we were in Branson. Who knows what they talked about? Thor begged me to take a picture of his new friend before we pulled out... so I could not say no... (It is his Daddy standing in front)... I convinced them, after much begging (he is shy) to play the song "On the road again" why they were pulling out. I saw a little tear in Thor's eye when he heard them playing the goodbye song on the way out of the park...
In one of the rare spare moments, between seminars, dinners and such, a group of the ladies got together to learn a way of trimming a tee shirt, which is really neat. Linda, the rally coordinator, taught the class. Some of us a quicker learners, I tend to drag behind the group. That is why Jim came along, to encourage me. I did not do one of the shirts... but I know how, once I get home, it will be one of the first things I do. We all enjoyed talking and laughing while working on the shirts...
Well... our time here at Branson has come to a close. What a great time we have had!! We have met so many great folks, and have promised to all keep in touch... till next year, when we all want to join up again.. ( I don't know it I can stand another time like this or not!!) but.. it sure was hard saying bye to all our new friends. Everyone was breaking down their rigs, hugging ... and yes.. a few tears slipped out.... kind of sad, seeing all the rigs lined up leaving... everyone waving... but, hopefully, we will all see each other next year....
It is back on the road for Lil' Alfie's Travels..... hope you have been enjoying our trip....
Pat, Jim and Thor
