We ended our weekend in Branson by touring Talking Rocks Cavern. Following our underground exploration, we went to the Amish Country Store where we bought a few homemade food items like jam, macaroons, and vanilla beans. Our Branson trip ended with a BBQ lunch from, and a stroll through, the Autumn Daze Arts and Crafts Festival. We were very tempted by a few things but managed to keep our money in our pockets. It was nice for just the two of us to get away for a weekend and spend some time together. Plus, I can cross it off the list I've been making of things I have the chance and would like to do while living in Missouri. Now in addition to remembering this trip with fondness, we can look forward to another weekend (perhaps somewhere else) sometime in the not-too-distant future!
This is flowstone, but it is also known as bacon. It does look similar to the food (especially when back lit), but from this underneath perspective, I think it resembles tentacles too! The formations are quite unique.
In a narrow corridor of the cave, we paused for a Patalie picture!
Beautiful, natural wonders. What's sad about these particular stalactites is they were broken off (in part during the first exploration of the cave, and possibly more so by tour participants when the cave was under other management) and will never grow back since they are no longer in the path of water that slowly helps create them.
In some of the pictures, the texture of the rock is not captured. But here, you can see the glisten indicating the cave was wet and drippy. This area will continue to grow, but again- very slowly. About 1 inch per 100 years, the tour guide had speculated, and that's not even the slow ones either. She said that shows how caves are one of the most non-replenishable natural resources. Makes you appreciate the concept of conservation and respecting the beauty and complexity of the planet God created and gave us!
The hangboard mounted above spare bedroom door.
Doris with the kayak strapped on top. She looks so hot!
This is flowstone, but it is also known as bacon. It does look similar to the food (especially when back lit), but from this underneath perspective, I think it resembles tentacles too! The formations are quite unique.
In a narrow corridor of the cave, we paused for a Patalie picture!
Beautiful, natural wonders. What's sad about these particular stalactites is they were broken off (in part during the first exploration of the cave, and possibly more so by tour participants when the cave was under other management) and will never grow back since they are no longer in the path of water that slowly helps create them.
The chocolates we bought from Chocolat.
Atalie and a kingsnake.
After placing parts of small fish between your fingers, you let the stingray suck them out of your hand.
At Cirque Montage.
Cheers to a good night!
In front of the Landing Queen, just before boarding.
Giving the captain a short break! :)
The light show was really cool, and beautiful for sure! Our moonlight cruise made a special stop for the fountain's finale.
Patrick the Star Fish. My family ought to appreciate the meaning of that!
The front of the house
The living room (with Atalie still putting stuff away!)
Hallway around the corner looking toward the bedroom, full bath and utility room located on right and the second bedroom directly behind
Hallway coming out of the living room with the 1/2 bath first on the right, the second bedroom beyond that and the utility room directly ahead.
View of the kitchen/living room area