Kelly Trips and Tours

Up at 5 am this morning for our 7 am flight to Savannah via Charlotte. No rain, thunder or lightening this morning, just gloomy grey clouds. Although we were up early, we were glad we decided to change flights to insure we got to Hilton Head in time for Vacation, Part II. When we landed in Charlotte there were a dozen AA planes on the taxiway waiting to take off, airplanes landing every few minutes and another 15, or more on the tarmack waiting to get to the terminal, including us. It looked like Interstate 5 in rush hour, all because of the DFW weather yesterday. This is what happens when you have to stage airplanes away from the storms - a major traffic jam. There were airpanes moving all over the place in every direction looking like a square dance on Saturday night, and we were caught in this rodeo for 20-minutes! Thankfully our departure gate was only a couple gates from our arrival gate. After arriving Savannah at noon we proceeded to pick up our rental van and set out for...

Our plans for today/tomorrow have changed. Late last night we got a flight alert from American Airlines stating that due to extreme weather in Dallas, we should consider changing our Saturday flight. We were due to fly from MO to Savannah through Dallas on Saturday at 9:30 am. Then, this morning we woke up to lighting, thunder and rain and had to make some decisions as the storm approaches. Our plan today was to go to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and ride Segway's which was now out of the question. Rather than chance our original flights through Dallas on Saturday, we are now leaving on the 7 am flight Saturday going through Charlotte to Hilton Head. Since Branson is an hour from the airport, we decided to leave the timeshare today and overnight at the Springfield Airport Marriott saving us the morning drive. But first, we had to have lunch at the College of the Ozarks...and as expected, very good. Once at the airport Marriott, off we went to see the Jungle Book. We drov...

Another beautiful day here in Branson. Mike and Bill headed out early this morming to play The Point Golf Course. This course was a little tougher than Tuesdays course, but they still did well. While they played, Carla and Karen got a little extra shut eye! While the guys were gone to the links, Carla and Karen walked to the The Pirate's Cove Mini Golf close by. This course was much harder than the other course we played a couple days ago. Since Carla got a hole-in-one in the morning, she got a free round. In the afternoon, all of use went to the Pirate's Cove to us Carla's free round. We all had a hole-in-one this time, in fact 8 holes in one. On one of the holes, you had to hit the ball over a water hazard. Great afternoon fun. For dinner, we went to Coke-n-Cream Fifties Diner and enjoyed the ambiance, juke box music, patty melt, fries and milkshake of our childhood.

This morning at 2 am we were awakened by a tornado warning siren, a whole new experience. The inclement weather lasted 30-min but thankful no issues or damage here at the resort other than small tree branches, dirt and leaves in the outdoor pool. Good news, our dirty rental car got washed! For today's adventure the guys took us to the Top of the Rock Golf course which is spectacular. The journey began with an unforgettable two-and-a-half mile ride in an electric cart along the Lost Canyon Nature Trail with dramatic features in nature such as stunning rock formations, numerous waterfalls, beautiful views of Table Rock Lake and the Lost Canyon Cave. The centerpiece of this four-story cave is a cascading waterfall and beautiful rock formations. Waterfalls, natural rock formations and covered bridges dot the trek along the trail ride. Hey Colacito's, wait for us...... After our tour, the guys took us to see this spectular golf course. We all w...

Mike and Bill played golf at Thousand Hills GC at 7am this morning and they were back at 10:35am. Mike said he looks forward to telling his golf buddies how he beat his brother-in-law (Bill) who only shot 80 (Mike shot 79)! Guys had a great time and enjoyed the thousand hills (literally). Later they returned to the golf course for a picture. Meanwhile, the girls slept in and enjoyed their morning. After the guys returned, the girls headed out to the Christmas store while the guys got cleaned up. They enjoyed a short rest in this oversize rocker. Check out the bumper sticker on this Missouri car. After lunch we took a hike along Water Fall Trail. Beautiful trail but not much of a water fall, but enjoyed the trail and beauty. Next, Dinosaur Canyon Miniature Golf, where the girls beat the guys. Looks like the guys should use designated putters! These ladies are good.   Tonights dinner was at Dobyns Dining Room at the College of the Ozarks. Dobyns ...

Carla is fantastic at travel research, so this morning after going to the fitness center for a work out, we went to Billy Gails for breakfast, the highest rated breakfast place in the area. Famous for pancakes, Bill and Carla went for it. This is one pancake...wow is right, and yummy too. It doesn't even fit on the plate, but we did our best to eat the whole thing. Mike had french toast and Karen had fruit and toast. After breakfast, off we went to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park to work off some calories. Oh no, not the smokey? As we cruised down the rural highway, we were pulled over by the local sheriff. He said, as we were going downhill, our speed was increasing. It's not hard to speed as there are speed traps all along the way. We commented to each other, that the 40 MPH sign was about 30 ft after the 55 sign, and then a few miles later it changed to 30 then back to 55 and then 50 ft later, it was 40 MPH. Good way to increase revenues and keep everyone off guar...

We arrived in Branson, Missouri Saturday afternoon, April 23rd where we will be spending the week at Marriott's Willow Ridge Lodge. Mike and Carla joined us where we have a very nice, 2-bdrm, 2-bath unit with a living room, dining room, kitchen and balcony over looking the lush gardens and waterfall. On Sunday, Mike and I atteded the PGA, Legends of Golf tournament at the Top of the Rock, a spectacular Nicklaus couse. We followed many legends to include Gary Player (now 80 - waving at me), Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Bob Murphy, Jim Colbert, Tom Watson, etc., plus  many others playing the Champions Tour. No doubt, this was the best deal in town - only $20/person. Below is the 1st tee. What a beautiful day and course - and check out the driving range! Heavenly. Meanwhile, Karen and Carla were enjoying the outlet stores and grocery shopping before picking us up at 2:30 pm. Once back at the condo, time for a light lunch and walk around. Earlier they tried ...