Aug. 19: Indian Point @ Tablerock Lake, MO.

Well, Larry sat at the computer every night at Wappapello and researched a new car. We had decided that the jet ski really wasn't for us old folks. It was jarring our muscles and joints too much to make it fun. Trading in the jet ski for a car that was more reasonable on gas than site seeing in the truck seemed like the thing to do. Larry's research was for a Mazda Miata.

We came to Branson prepared for a Miata. We also came to Branson early. We weren't suppose to be here until Wednesday but our spot was open so we came in early. We dumped the trailer and hooked up the jet ski and headed for the dealership. It was at the west edge of West Branson. They had a little red convertible that Larry had spotted on line. We drove it, looked it over pretty thoroughly. However, with only a 4" clearance, Larry couldn't slide under it and take a look at the under belly. So much for checking for oil leaks and linkages. About the time we had decided we'd take it, we found out that it had no air conditioning. This car came from Florida - HELLO - I'm sure Florida requires a/c in their cars too. If it had come from Montana I could have understood it - but Florida??? Anyway, we said no thanks.

However, sitting not a couple hundred feet away, was a cute little black Chrysler Crossfire (we did not come prepared to look at Crossfire's). Well, long story short, that's what we ended up with. It was a year newer, 2004, and $700 more. As my brother-in-law, Dean, so aptly put it "It's a Mercedes SLK in Chrylser clothing...". Mercedes engine and assembled in Germany. Even better, they did take the jet ski as trade without us loosing an arm and a leg on it. I haven't driven the car yet, but I'm sure I will before the week is over. Just not sure that Branson is the place to learn to drive a 6 speed hot rod which is spec'ed to top out at !!! 149 MPH!!!. Somehow I don't think I will ever see that with me in the driver's seat.

The car does have a/c and power steering (the Miata did not even have power steering but Larry said on a car that size it really would not have been a problem). It also has heated, leather seats which we may have to use someday. We did take it out on a bypass around Branson and Larry got the spoiler on the back to come up - which will happen at 59 MPH which is no big deal. It goes down at 29 MPH.


Back to camping, I'm not real happy with the camp ground. Almost all of the picnic areas are on the back sides of the camper. To use our table, we have to walk out the front door and around to the other side of it. However, we're in Branson - lots of places to eat - but hopefully not too often. We're already resupplied on sweet corn and peaches. There are no sites on the water and few with actually lake view. We haven't even taken time to really set up much - we will - we just haven't been home much. Yesterday and today we messed with the car dealer and getting paperwork completed. Ate at the local BBQ place - again, not Hog Wild. Then did laundry. Went to eat at Wendy's and home for a quick walk and watch the Olympics. Tomorrow we head for Springfield for Lambert's home of Throwed Rolls, Best Buy to buy new walkie talkies to communicate between car and truck when we travel (another reason I need to practice driving the car) and another satellite receiver for XM Radio for the car, and Camping World for a new portable ice maker - ours quit. We'll be visiting Berry Tractor while we're there too. When we have time to set up the flags and make it look like home, I'll get a photo. We do have a double drive-way which is handy for the two cars.