Searching for Le Petite Roche

Have you ever wondered where Little Rock, Arkansas got its name? We hadn't either but since we're driving through here today we thought we'd solve the mystery. In our search, Google mapping erroneously took us to the Naval Museum on the Arkansas River. The people there kindly pointed us in the right direction...walk over the river on the Junction Bridge, turn left and...voila, there was the "little" rock monument. It was the first rock seen by the French Explorer, Bernard de la Harpe, in 1722 who was on a voyage from the mouth of the Mississippi up the Arkansas River. Now we know!

The submarine "Razorback" at the Naval Museum

It's hard to tell from the pics but we were actually melting outside in the humid 104 degree weather. We took a quick look around, played a strum with a local, and right before Tom's eyes popped out, we found food and drink at the World Famous Juanita's. Their tacos and beer saved the day!

From Lake Time to Show Time

Today we started with a bike ride in the cool of the morning alongside the peaceful lake. When the day got warmer we splashed in and relaxed alongside it. We could be liking this lake life a little bit too much but...nah!!

            

It was hard to leave the lake but we finally ventured over the mountain into downtown Branson to see what we could see. We saw chicken restaurants, duck vehicles and a "dumb and dumber" dog car but we chose to settle on a whale of a tale instead. That turned out to be a great decision!

This building is the impressive Sight and Sound Thearter where we saw the fun-filled, adventurous production of Jonah. It had a very large, talented cast of characters and live animals played a big part, too. Donkeys, horses, llamas, wild turkeys, cows, a hairy ox ? and a sheepdog that reminded us of our old dog Cola. Then picture a 50 foot wooden sailboat on stage and a huge whale that floated over the whole audience. It was an epic production that did a great job of sharing the gospel of God's mercy toward mankind. 

Sadly, this is the last year Jonah will be showing but the new upcoming production of Moses looks promising so Tom is auditioning for the part.

One of the sea creatures from Jonah's underwater adventure hitched a ride with us. Looks like "Squirt" is here to stay because he's very friendly, loves to give hugs and doesn't have a nasty personality like that monkey from years ago. 

The end of a great day, bbq back at camp and a serene view of the lake. Thank you Lord for giving us this restful and romantic mini vacation inside our road trip. 

Table Rock Lake Photo Potpourri

You've probably figured out by now I like to take random photos so here are a few things that caught my eye around Table Rock Lake.

Paddles Big and Small

Our day on the water started off with a paddle on the lake in a kayak built for two. We paddled out to a small deserted island where we enjoyed sunning, swimming and relaxing on our private little oasis. Air temp 85, water temp 75, time alone...priceless!

 In the late afternoon we boarded a huge paddle wheel boat called the "Showboat Branson Belle". At dinner time we had seating in the Captain's Private Dining room which overlooked the big red paddle wheels. After our meal we had a self guided tour of the showboat and enjoyed the lovely view and weather from the deck. Then it was show time! From our balcony seats in the large theater room we were entertained with a really fun variety show: Motown, Beatles, Disney, dancing, comedy and magic. We loved the whole experience, it's the closest we've come to being on a cruise ship, mini style.