Armadillo Population Down- Summer of 2019

After a winter of many days in, to get to take a road trip and celebrate 35 years of marriage is a full circle adventure. Now that our lives with business, family, caregivers adds to our time much more than anticipated, the hubby talked me into getting away for a couple days to celebrate 35 years (technically together 37 years) of not killing each other after all these years.

So for a couple days we headed south to the what many around the Midwest call the southern Las Vegas; Branson, MO (population 10,000 +/- normally, in the summer more than you care to count but enough to help the economy). It had been some time since we had been to Branson. The last time was with kids and in-laws so this time we were in the minority because we didn't have double digit numbers of an entourage. A good thing because you can get into restaurants and other venues a lot quicker with two than more than two people.

The approximate three hour drive down single and double lane roads, green pasture after green pasture was a welcome diversion.

Our first stop was in Springfield for some much needed Hurt's Donuts. We bought enough for a couple days and for sure one or two day old Hurt's are worth the wait. After checking into the quaint and quiet Branson Hotel in Downtown Branson, we took a wonderful tour with Lori the Manager and couldn't have asked for someone more welcoming to make us feel comfortable. After presenting us with a delicious California wine we relaxed and plotted our couple of days.

Our first evening dinner was a little disappointing, but more on that later. We got up the next morning, had breakfast at a local cafe within walking distance and set off for The Butterfly Palace. I have visited several around the country over the years and always excited to see the butterflies in any habitat. Although, the butterfly containment did not have a lot of butterflies to view flying around, (they do release them consistently after they emerge but I guess we just were not at the right time). The 3D video on Monarch's was very good and the gift shop was well stocked with variety of items.

A side note, back at our hotel the manager mentioned that any shows or venues we wanted to visit we could have the tickets emailed to her. We had decided to go to a show (SIX) that same day. Along with the coupons she gave us I averted a real disaster. I accidentally gave the tickets to SIX to the Butterfly Palace cashier! I didn't realize until after we finished watching the video what I had done but we were able to get them back without incident. Off to the SIX show we went. I will say I had many suggestions of shows by many people. In all honesty some of the shows have been there for years and if you have seen them once you sometimes prefer something different. Honestly, ended up choosing this one because it was a Saturday Special Price. But, let me tell you they didn't disappoint. The six brothers (Knudsen) do all singing without music and provide the "instruments" from their voices. The two hour show was well worth it and they did music from the 40s to current day.

Branson Hotel Sculpture

Branson Hotel Garden

 After the show we drove to the Big Cedar Lodge/Top of the Rock for dinner. What a difference a day makes! The meal, view and sunset was summer perfect.  I enjoy a good grilled steak and unfortunately, M. Mike's didn't hit the mark for either David or myself. But, I guess an entire weekend of perfection is a lot to ask for. It was recommended but not a good Friday night for M. Mike's.

On our back home we stopped in Springfield at the Fantastic Caverns. I had heard about this place for years and to further delay our trip back home we decided to stop and check it out. First discovered by John Knox and his dog in 1865, the cave was held in secret during the Civil War so that they wouldn't be used for military hiding places. In 1867, 12 brave women from the Springfield Women's Athletic Club ventured into the caverns and left, there signatures in stone. Many of the names are still visible (except one) to commemorate these women's entry of the caves.  Always enjoy a good women victory story. The comfortable 60 degrees every day was a welcome change for the warm days previously.

As our trip came to an end one observation for the summer season was obvious; the roadkill totals were definitely different this year I noticed. Pretty sure with all the rain we have had this spring and summer it definitely brought out the armadillo population out on the roads, unfortunately many did not make it across the road to the other side.

Other pics and stories on my Instagram.