Zipline Video ~

 

Branson Highlights (and a Lowlight!) ~

But first . . . you still have plenty of time to send a 90th birthday card to my friend's hubby.  Hookers and non-hookers!!!  Read about it here.  Thanks to those who have already sent a card.  My friend says they are arriving 💖

Titanic Museum ~

Very interesting.  Many original items from survivors and from underwater recovery.  So sad that most of the lifeboats were not even half filled.

An exact replica of the grand staircase.  The original floor was tiled with linoleum.  At that time it was so new it was more expensive than marble!

Ziplining ~

My second time ziplining through the treetops.  I LOVE IT!!!  There were eight lines, the longest being 1/4 of a mile 150' above the ground.

In our group, there were two young boys with their dad.  The younger of the two was turning four next week and his brother was turning seven this summer.  These little guys had absolutely NO FEAR.  It was so cute to watch them.  On the shorter lines, they went all by themselves.  On the longer ones, they went with an instructor.

DSO all suited up!  (Not the greatest picture but wanted to show our gear.)

Darn!  I can't figure out how to post the video!!!  Just believe me when I say that it is just great fun and really not scary . . . and we were by far the oldest in the group 😁

Love this pic with Uncle Sam.

Butterfly Palace ~

I had no idea what to expect, but WOW!!!  It was a wonderful experience.

Check out the butterfly wings.  Can you believe it?

The butterfly room was absolutely one of the coolest things I have seen.  There are between 1,000 and 1,500 butterflies flitting about.  Upon entering you take a flower with nectar in a little vial.  

They are not the least bit shy.

I just have to share the beauty.

These two guys were a little bit raggedy but their colors were outstanding.

After watching the video about the monarch butterfly and learning of the journey they take, it was sad to hear that these butterfly only live about two days to two weeks.

Shows ~

Branson is noted for their shows, but on a Monday before tourist season has really started, the pickings were pretty slim.  We wanted a late afternoon show since we were leaving early the next morning.  Sadly, nothing interested us, so no show was seen.

Branson Scenic Railway ~

The lowlight of the trip!  It was a two hour train ride through the countryside, but all we saw were trees, trees, and more trees!  I guess everything can't be great.

Thanks so much for stopping by.
Pug hugs 😊
Lauren

The Rest of the Trip ~

 

Day 3 of our trip started in California's Mojave Desert.  Our first stop was the China Ranch date palm farm.  This place is in the middle of nowhere, down a couple miles of a one lane dirt road.  Though my son had been there before, I didn't think anyone else could possibly find it.  Upon entering the store, a guy asked if we were with the other folks from Ohio.  (His clue that we were Buckeyes was the Browns' shirts both the boys were wearing.)  Can you believe there was another couple in the store from Ohio ~ and they live in a town about 15 miles from me???  It really is a small world.

 

 

From the date farm, we headed to an abandoned mine.  My son's passion is exploring mines.  He often will rappel down hundreds of feet to the bottom of a mine shaft.  Thankfully the War Eagle mine in Tecopa, California, has tunnels to explore without having to climb up or down.

 

The darkness of the mine was something I've never experienced before.  And quiet.  Nothing other than the sounds of us walking through.  Eerily quiet.

 

At one point, we did go down to the next level (at Jake's request) but came right back up.  It was a long way down but seemed even longer on the ascent!

 

Based on my Fitbit step count, we walked about 3 miles in the mine.

 

Day 4 took us to Red Rock Canyon, a short drive from Las Vegas.  Got to use my senior national park pass for the first time :)   

 

I was unable to capture the beauty of the rocks.

 

 

Next up was another trip to the Strip.  For an unknown reason, some of my pictures from the Bellagio just vanished.  POOF.  Gone from both my iPhone and iPad.  I just don't get it . . . sigh.  Here is one of the fountains in the lobby.

 

Can you believe?

 

Waiting for the fountain show to begin.  That is the Bellagio in the background.

The show was very disappointing.  We think they did not have the regular show because it was so windy.  The water did not shoot up high at all :(

The stall doors in the ladies' room at Caesar's Palace.

 

The Golden Knights are Las Vegas' new professional hockey team.  The team was just assembled a few months ago and they made it to the finals.  They did not win, but what an accomplishment.  People ~ and statues ~ are crazy for them.

 

Day 5 ~ The last thing we did on vacation, was a zipline down Fremont Street.  You exit the building to start your ride where those four square things are near the top.

 

Hanging around waiting your turn.

And you are off.  It was overpriced but fun.  I'm guessing the ride lasted about a minute.  Not nearly as scary as I thought it would be.  Jake (and my son) loved it and that's all that mattered :)

Thanks so much for letting me share my vacation with you.  My readers are the best and to show my appreciation, I'm having a little give away.  Just in time for the 4th of July, this flag measures only 5" x 6 3/4".  As always . . . the only rule is leave a comment on this post or send me an email with give-away in the subject line.  The winner must contact me within 3 days.  (Please no sharing on any social media.)  I will choose a winner Wednesday eve.

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren