Branson, MO

Parked in a big KOA for the night after I drove around Branson. Seems like a make believe place. Maybe it was the large ape on the building? The place is spread out and some areas affected by the economy. Got a little bicycle ride in and found out about a trail area not to far away. Will check it out in the morning. The 102 is from the RV and parked at the camp ground. I set up my hanging chair in the nearby tree and eat my pizza that was made and delivered by the campground. Not so bad a way to end the day.

Red Ryder and Red Wine

The time has come to start the journey again. It's been four weeks since I left Seattle and three weeks in Missouri. Mike and Alicia are back in China to return in thirteen weeks (not that they are counting. Much.). I've got my stuff store and put away. The RV packed and ready as best I can. Never really know how much or what to bring or what to leave but eventually I'll run out of room. I'm looking forward to getting back on the road and exploring. Myself and the country. More to follow.

Here at Camp Engelwood two of the favorite activities of the campers are drinking red wine and shooting BB guns. So to be efficient we have combined both activities. As nice cab from Napa, a fully loaded Red Ryder and fresh cans hanging in the trees. Life is Good.

Heat in Missouri!

I kept saying that I wanted to find summer and get warm. At first driving through snow and hail storms I had doubts. Summer is here in Missouri. Below was the temperature today in the shade at 3pm. I'm not sure why I brought all my jackets with me. Not complaining or trying to rub it in for those in Seattle. Just reporting the details.

Missouri Rain Storm

It's been hot and sunny since I got here two weeks ago. 80's-90's every day. Some more humid then others. I was looking forward to being warm after the long Seattle winter but also wasn't sure how I would do after 22 years of Washington with probably 22 weeks of temperatures above 80. I'm glad to say I've adjusted so far. Working outside in the sun and heat was a good forced transition. I think I drank 3 gallons of iced tea.

But today was a different treat: a good ole thunderstorm. It was clear this morning and within 30 minutes the squall line rolled over and it was dark again. You could see, hear and feel it coming. Check out the satellite photo. Thunder, lightening and rain that you actually got wet in if you walked outside.

Miles traveled today:  Zero

Lake of the Ozarks

After 12 days in Missouri we finally made it to the lake! Sunday day of rest. Deck done no work. They have lake access and a dock but with 14 acres we drove down the access road. The lake was WARM. Windy and choppy like Lake Washington in the afternoon.

John Deer

I was working on the deck framing using the nail gun, miter saw and hammering and unbeknownst to me this deer was behind me. It didn't seem to care about what I was doing or any of the noise. It hung around for half hour and walked off.

Dome Deck

Still here in Missouri on vacation from my sabbatical but busy working on building a new deck. It's off the daylight basement and has two access points. I'll add photos as progress continues.

The new deck is FINISHED! I think it turned out well. It's always fun and rewarding to have a vision, make a plan and turn a pile of lumber into form and function. Despite delays with the material delivery it all worked out some how.