As I have mentioned in previous postings the reason I am here in Branson, Missouri is to attend a Navy Reunion.  Specifically, the Site 1 Holy Loch, Scotland Association. Which is for those of us who served, or lived in the vicinity of Holy Loch, Scotland. This includes active duty service members, their dependents, submarine crews and local citizens who shared there wonderful community with us.

Anyway, we are having a reunion next week from 17 to 20 May at The Grand Plaza Hotel and my postings have started to generate questions from some of the attendees. This posting will hopefully address some of those questions.

The most frequent question is, should you rent a car. The answer is yes. Unless you drive here as I did, then you will be better off renting a car. For several reasons. One, the most likely airport you will arrive in is Springfield. I am sure there are busses etc. that can shuttle you here but the best way is to rent a car.

What makes this the best way is that Branson is not a compact tourist destination. The various attractions are scattered all over the area. Yes, there is a strip with a lot of the show houses on it but by no means are they all there. Besides that the strip is about 5 miles long and even though The Grand Plaza Hotel is about in the center of the strip most of the best show houses are more than a mile away.  Either further along the strip or one of several that are not on the strip at all.

One other factor that has become very important to me is the weather. It has rained most days since I have been here. I don't know about you but when it is raining I tend to not go out. Granted most of the show houses and attractions are indoor venues you have to get there. And if you are on foot you may be deterred and not leave the hotel at all. In either case bring your rain coat and an umbrella.

You are probably reading or hearing in the news about all the flooding in Missouri and that the Governor has declared a state of emergency. Well, yes, it is raining a lot here but I don't see any indication of flooding in the Branson area so that should not concern you now during the reunion.

Once you get here I am sure you will see all the brochures available for all the attractions and shows. Take the time to pick out the ones you are most likely to go to but keep in mind that you are here for the reunion and plan around the major events such as Friday night's dinner, show and cruise aboard The Showboat Branson Belle where we will Cruise the beautiful Table Rock Lake and the Site 1 Submarine Ball scheduled for Saturday night.

Actually, I suggest you schedule to either arrive a couple of days early or leave a few days after the reunion. Believe me you will regret it if you don't set some time aside to explore Branson.

After your arrival you can get a free driving map that is layed out in a very easy to read and follow layout. It has been pruned to only list the main attractions, show houses and restaurants. I use it all the time.

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