October 2021
For a long time, we had thought the combination of our kids heading off to their respective colleges and our 25th wedding anniversary would lead to a bucket list type of trip in October of 2021. Then Covid hit and all sorts of possibilities went out the window.
On the positive side, we waited until the last minute to decide on a drivable destination based on the weather forecast, which led to the same area as we experienced for our tenth anniversary. After some searching for a vacation rental with kitchen, we ended up with a nice condo and spectacular Table Rock Lake sunset view!!!
Three nights of Sunsets!
Although only a short drive to the famous Branson shows, our interest was definitely more in the outdoors. On Day 1, we ventured to the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area. We hiked what is known as the Henning Conservation Area Loop, which combines four trails. The Streamside Trail, Glade Trail, Homesteaders Trail, and Shane’s Shortcut Trail create a rolling 5.7 mile loop through forests and open glades.
Day 2 was a much simpler hike in Table Rock State Park. Well, it was really more of a walk on the paved Lakeshore Trail. Starting from the State Park Marina, we strolled along Table Rock Lake to the Visitor Center and the dam that created Table Rock Lake. The 4.6 mile out-and-back is very easy with benches and picnic tables for a rest, lunch, or snacks while enjoying nice water views.
On Day 3, we faced a decision to rent kayaks or a pontoon boat. Even though the famous Buffalo National River was about an hour away and there were multiple local options, we opted for the simpler and less strenuous pontoon.
After renting from the State Park Marina, we cruised the lake admiring fall colors and spotting a nice shoreline campground that we later identified as “Old Highway 84 Campground” (no photos; but, is a prime candidate for a future trip). We also swung through the bay that contains the Stormy Point Village Resort. On the aforementioned tenth anniversary trip, we ended up in Branson because of a promotional package selling Stormy Point timeshares. We resisted the temptation back then and discovered the property has been greatly built up over the intervening fifteen years. After giving thanks that we didn’t buy in, we found quiet cove and threw out the anchor. Loren read some magazine articles, Becky decided to test out a new triathlon wetsuit with an open water swim.
Below: Left is Stormy Point. Right is our quiet cove.
On our final full day, we finally had some rain in the forecast. We dodged the showers and returned to the Lakeshore Trail. We parked in the middle and managed to get one half of the trail walked before the rain rolled in. The change of season from Halloween to Christmas was a little confusing! Quick trip to the outlet mall and back to the condo for dinner, laundry, and packing for the morning departure.
