Branson - Day 5

Friday April 25, Day 5

Today is considered a "free" day until our evening dinner and show.
So Norma, Sherry, and I head west toward Joplin, Mo.

In Joplin, the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center showcases a chert glade, a globally unique habitat.  Nearby Shoal Creek is used by migratory birds and a variety of wildlife, while wild flowers add to the beauty of the area.  To the west of Wildcat Glades, a section of Shoal Creek produces Grand Falls, which is the largest, always-flowing waterfall in Missouri.  The falls plunge about 25 feet and offer a breathtaking opportunity for photography and exploration.

Norma and I navigated over a few hundred feet of the chert (a compact rock consisting essentially of microcrystalline quartz) hillside to get as close to the gorgeous falls as possible for a photo-op.

                            Breathtaking views of Grand Falls! 

As usual, Norma found her way down to put her feet into the water.

                       
                            Fascinating colorful chert....

 

 

Just too pretty!

 

Sherry, who said her "bad knee" would not let her climb down the hill, enjoyed the views from the top.

 

 

Grand Falls is reached by travelling on Hwy. 86, a mile south of I-44 (Joplin), then turn (just after you cross over the bridge over Shoal Creek) onto an unmarked country road, drive about three miles on this nondescript narrow blacktop road, then suddenly there are these spectacular falls.  There is no signing anywhere, on the highway or at the falls.  There is a tiny gravel/dirt parking area.  But what a grand sight it is!  So totally worth it!  The three hour drive through the rolling hilly landscape of western Missouri between Branson and Joplin was truly an enjoyable journey.  It is Springtime in the hills of Missouri!  Blooming white (and pink) dogwood trees everywhere we looked.  Here are just a few of the photos I took as we drove west toward Grand Falls. 

These photos do not do justice to what we were seeing.  Everywhere we looked there were hundreds of blooming dogwood trees dotting the forest.

..and such beautiful scenery along a winding road.

We took a faster, shorter route back in the afternoon, arriving back to the Radisson in plenty of time to freshen up before we went to Landry's Seafood House for dinner.  Good service and good food!

After dinner, we went right next door to the Presley's Jubilee Theatre where we will enjoy the Presley's Country Jubilee music show on the now world-famous 76 Country Blvd.  The Presley's family show was filled with good-natured humor and the pure sounds of country and gospel music.

The "pre-show", held in the small balcony area above the lobby, was as good as the "regular" show!  Just one guy on the piano, singing and asking his small audience to sing along sometimes.  A very small, intimate setting with great piano playing and vocals and a little humor thrown in!  Loved it!

And like I said before, the restrooms in Branson's theatres are just awesome! 

                                 
                                  The Presleys regular show.

The end of another great day in Branson!

Tomorrow we head home.