Another day in Branson, Missouri. The epicenter of Goodness in the universe. Things are so squeaky clean and wholesome here that if one were to spend a week here and see all the shows, one's sins would be all forgiven and go directly to heaven. Unfortunately for my eternal spirit, we're heading for home tomorrow. Such is the strength of the urge to fly, and to return.
Heavy rainclouds hung low over the Ozarks this morning. There would be no flying today. This would be an opportunity to learn more about this very unusual, yet very middle-American town. The morning began with a breakfast show starring the Lennon Brothers doing 90 minutes of songs from the 30's and 40's. Later, we toured Branson with Jim and Kathy (one of the Lennon Sisters). Normally, a person would be touring Branson looking for stars. We were touring with a star, looking at Branson.
Kathy Lennon moved here about 4 years ago, along with 29 other members of her family, including brothers, sisters, mother, and cousins. The Lennon Sisters and the Lennon Brothers are a major entertainment force in Branson, not only because of talent, but also because of sheer numbers.
The weather tomorrow will be clear. We know that we're going to head west, but we have no idea where we'll land. We probably won't even think about it until just a few moments before we take off. The general idea is that it will take about two days to reach Boulder Colorado, Art's home. We may split up before that around Albuquerque New Mexico, Art will go North to Boulder, and I'll keep on heading west to San Diego. What we do know for sure is that the next few days will be mighty hot. That means that we're going to have to get up early to do low level flying, or else play airline pilot and hit the higher altitudes to keep cool.
Our trip has lasted exactly 7 weeks as of today. I'm looking forward to spending some quiet times at home. It will be good to get back to some of my favorite things: a really good cup of Starbucks coffee, waking up to a view of the Pacific Ocean, good food, seeing my kids and friends again, sleeping in my own bed, using my own towels, catching up on my reading, mail, and taking care of some business (remodeling Mikie's Fun House), and incredible as it sounds, planning my next trip in the biplane (Canada, Alaska, Mexico?). I have found that the primary value which comes from taking a vacation is the great ideas I get when I'm back. I can't wait to see what happens next!