SOME MORE ON SILVER DOLLAR CITY

Silver Dollar City is a theme park in the state of Missouri. Opened in 1960, the park is located between Branson and Branson West, Missouri on Highway 76.
Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. Travel back in time to the simplicity of 1880s America, and enjoy the best in Branson entertainment plus a host of festivals and events:

The Culinary and Craft School featuring cooking and craft classes.
30 thrilling attractions and rides.
60 unique craft shops.
Live entertainment featuring more than 40 shows daily.






The rides were awesome and the girls and cousins rode them over and over...not for me though. Sanddra, her baby grandson and Rob went for the tamer ones in the kiddie area...Rob did well in quite a fast little train rollercoaster which was more his speed.
The big kids enjoyed things like

WildFire ®
WildFire®--a high-flying, multi-looping, cobra-rolling coaster that will leave you breathless. Speeds up to 66 miles per hour! Get ready to fly!

PowderKeg ®
This explosive roller coaster sends riders into a thrill zone within seconds of climbing aboard, launching from 0 to 53 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds. A thrill ride unlike any other at the theme park, PowderKeg® combines the shocking speed of the compressed air-launch with spiraling turns, negative gravitational or "G" forces, and "floater" hills at speeds up to 64 miles per hour for a truly wild ride experience.


Fire-In-The-Hole
Watch out below! There's Fire-in-the-Hole! The Baldknobbers set the town ablaze! This indoor coaster offers high-speed drops and thrilling surprises around every corner.

Thunderation
Rumble through the treetops on a runaway mine train! Thunderation is an 80-foot tall, high-speed, smooth-riding coaster with a scenic view of the Ozarks!

One thing that was really awesome was the glass blowing craftsmen. may stood there for along time watching. Awesome!

VISIT TO SILVER DOLLAR CITY

Hi all,
The highlight to this visit was definitely descending down into MARVEL CAVE, which is a part of the theme park. Only Annie, Rob and myself were able to get in, there were so many people waiting...here is a small excerpt:

Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City
Located inside Silver Dollar City, 399 Indian Point Road, Branson, Missouri (actually, it's located under Silver Dollar City)




What a sight to behold! Marvel Cave is a wet limestone cave, with formations that are still alive and growing, located under the Ozark Mountains inside Silver Dollar City. The entryway is the largest in the United States, and once inside you can take a one-hour walking tour of the cave's passageways and rooms. Here is a diagram, hope u can enlarge it, of the descent.
When visiting Silver Dollar City, a tour of Marvel Cave is always included with your ticket. Marvel Cave is a wet limestone cave, complete with formations that are still alive and growing! To begin, you will travel 300 feet below the surface and enter the Cathedral Room. The breathtakingly beautiful Cathedral Room is the largest cave entrance room in the United States. The visitors' trail consists of stairs and ramps. The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes, with most of that time spent climbing nearly 600 stairs. The strenuous nature of the tour requires us to not recommend the tour for visitors with heart or lung conditions, bad backs, weak knees or ankles. A trained cave guide will host your journey and provide you with interesting and entertaining anecdotes of historical or geographical importance.

After descending nearly 500 feet below the surface, how do you get back up to daylight? In 1957, cave operators installed a unique cable train designed to take cave visitors up the half mile, 1070 foot climb back to the surface!



Silver Dollar City theme park evolved around the entrance to one of nature's greatest wonders, Marvel Cave. In 1894, Canadian entrepreneur William Henry Lynch and his two daughters, Miriam and Genevieve, opened the cave as an Ozarks tourist attraction. For more than 50 years, Marvel Cave operated as a tourist show cave. In 1950, Hugo Herschend, a Danish immigrant from Chicago, his wife Mary and sons Jack and Peter, leased the cave. By 1960, the Herschends introduced their 1880s Ozark Mountain Village, Silver Dollar City theme park. The theme park was literally built around the entrance to Marvel Cave, upon the foundations of a genuine 1800s mining town - Marmaros.



The Early Days of "The Devil's Den"
Around 1500 AD, the Osage Indians were the first to discover Marvel Cave. Hearing strange noises arising from deep within the entrance, the Indians feared the cave, never entered it, and named it "The Devil's Den." In 1541, Spanish explorers entered the cave hoping to uncover riches and possibly the fountain of youth. Then, in 1869 explorers descended into the cave looking for priceless mineral deposits. Led by Henry T. Blow, a St. Louis lead industry leader, the party traveled by horseback to the entrance of Devil's Den. One by one, the miners lowered themselves over 200 feet down into the vast unknown blackness. They carried lanterns for light and spent hours studying the cave walls carefully searching for signs of mineral deposits. The miners returned to the surface late that evening having failed to discover the lead ore they sought, but convinced that marble could be found inside the cave. Their report sparked the interest of area locals who decided to rename the cave, Marble Cave. It was not until after Mr. Lynch's death in 1927, that the cave's name was changed from Marble to Marvel Cave. In fact, no marble was ever mined from Marble Cave, only bat guano.

A few things to know right off the bat (and, yes, there are bats in the cave): it is a walking tour (not ride-thru), there are quite a few steps (up and down), some entryways are low (so watch your head), the cave is cool and the steps are slippery.



The guided tours are educational, informative and entertaining. One learns about the history of the cave, which dates back to the 1500's. The first tours were opened to the public in 1894, and the entrance to Silver Dollar City was literally built around the cave in 1960. The "Cathedral Room" is one of the first rooms you enter. Be prepared to be amazed. You stand on a railing looking down into hundreds of feet of "nothing." Wow!



You can also take the NEW Lantern Light Tours. You tour the cave just like the early explorers with a lantern to light your way. Your guides are in period costumes and tell you historical facts and little-known stories during the 1 1/2-hour trek. These tours leave at 5:30 daily, so make reservations for it as soon as you know you'll be at Silver Dollar City. With the electricity off, and lanterns lighting the way, it's a fabulous new way to explore the cave. Because you can see only about 10 feet in front of you, your sense of hearing really kicks in. You'll likely notice things you've never thought much about...like the flutter of the bats' wings and the sounds of water droplets bouncing off the cave walls and floor. Amazing! We wld have liked to do that but did not have enough time and any way it was another day.



I will say that I was amzed at how well Rob did, he manouvered around the steps and low rock formations with aplomb and courage!!! I was not so successful and hit my head a few times, mainly because I was watching him and his feet making sure that he stepped in the right p;lace. There wee about 60 people all aorund us, some little kids on leashes and all ages in between. I was so glad to have made it, actually we were the two last ones to get in. I heard that May, and her cousins were scratched out because there were no more places, only Annie was able to get in.

I will post separate for other images of the stuff we did at SDCity...

gri

MORE ADVENTURES IN AR

We just got back from a few hours trekking the countryside at a national park called Pinnacle Mt. Park. Lovely place, full of pines and pine cones and needles littering the bed of the forest. We scaled the mountain steps and had a great view of Arkansas river which actually had a large moving barge being pushed down it...we disturbed some red wing hawks who kept squawking at us and diving on us...Rob got tired and wanted to take a break, so Sarita and self stopped on the large rocks in a shady spot and just caught up on years of family noos, etc. Rob went down to the large natural pond of spring water which does not have any fish because the acidity is too high...the chemicals give it a blue green tinge and it looks very pristine. One can rent little catamarans and go out on it...but because the season is not officially open at present we just watched the ducks...Rob got on one of the little boats and pedalled on dry land and also blooped which is his favorite pass time near water. Once or twice he hit the boats so we had to steer him away from that activity...didn't want a park ranger getting on our case.
The gift shop was full of natural rocks, agates, tiger eyes, jaspers, a live beehive with bees in it - this was on the science side of the place - many stuffed animals showing their habitat. May was impressed with the fact that the fauna and flora were so varied: alligators, both types of eagles, deer, raccoon, coyote, mountain lion, Wild turkey, u name it...oh cougar too!
The girls went exploring on their own and had their radio and phones. They spent most of their time catching small lizards which they turned in at the ranger desk much to the park troopers amusement...
For those who are interested the pines were Southern white pines...reminded me of the pine groves in Argentina near the coast of Villa Gessel where we used to vacation with my family when we were kids.
It was en enjoyable time and the girls want to get back there cause they said they did not have enough time. they both came back in high spirits. may has been helping clean and cook much to Sara's amusement and pleasure...she is very impressed with them as well as with Robin.

NOOS FROM SJ AT THE FARM

Mornin' folks, I am pasting some noos from the farm....things keep happening while I am gone....

<<


The day warmed up to 10° with the sunshine, but now the temp is -5° and dropping.

We had a touching service this morning. Last week, Amanda Nerbonne asked for prayer for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Garth had already been thinking about preaching on the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He went ahead and prepared a sermon and preached that this morning. Afterwards the word, he opened up the meeting for anyone wanting to have hands laid on them for the baptism or for renewal. Several of the children and young people went up. Every time, we’d think we were done, someone else would dash up to the front. And, some who didn’t go up front were touched too.

As soon as service was over, about 8 kids from Whitestone piled in. They came out to go snow machining, sledding, and snowboarding with our kids. They went up Horn Mtn and goofed around up there till they were frozen then they came home. They were pretty cold when they came into supper. Poor kids.

Jeni, Hannah, Ann, and Kathryn made a nice chef salad for supper. After dinner, Emily and Kathryn each had piano pieces to play. I felt like we were dining in a fine restaurant. How much better could life be?

Bro Rus and Sis Millie are safely home from Sapa. They’ll be home a week before taking off for South East Alaska.

Have a nice week. Sarah

The lazy man who goes to borrow a spade says, "I hope I will not find one."

~Proverb, (Madagasy)~

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>>

OK back to me....we are lazing around Sarita Weedman's house while we think of something to do for the day...probably visit some more public places...

no more for now.

bye now

MEANWHILE...BACK AT THE RANCH...

Uh Oh...some noos from Pat back home...

it was 36 below this morning! also patlu came up to me and told me that there was something wrong with the washhouse boiler and that merlin and jarred were working on it during service. well it turns out that the washhouse inverter has gone bad so we must leave the generator on all night. the service was interesting this morning. garth preached a long word about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and afterward of course gave an invitation for anyone that wanted prayer. well, I wasn't very hopeful that anyone would respond and went to the bathroom and when i got back Erica was up front getting prayed for! then a bunch of the kids went up! Pat L went up, the whole geyer family and many more! this went on for 45 min. Pat is gone having caught a ride with camby's helper which was coming through from fairbanks so I won't have to go to Tok tomorrow.>>
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....sure hope they can fix that boiler, am not jealous of the weather, we are enjoying nice cool pre spring weather which is just right for me....light jacket...

WENT TO THE ART AND HISTORICAL MUSEUMS CLOSE BY AND ANNIE SKETCHED AND WALKED AROUND. MAY SPENT TOO MUCH MONEY ON STUFF AT THE GIFT SHOP AND BOUGHT SOME NICE WOODEN SALAD UTENSILS MADE OUT OF ROSEWOOD FOR THE UPCOMING WEDDING COUPLE. ALSO VISITED A SHOW ON WORLD SWORDS AND KNIVES WHICH WAS IMPRESSIVE. ROB SPENT AL OT OF TIME COMPLAINING AND WANTED TO SIT DOWN AND REST!! HE LIKED THE KNIVES THO...SEEMS THE BOWIE KNIFE WAS FIRST SEEN HERE IN AR..A WHOLE LOT OF HISTORY TO IT. QUITE AMAZING...
SUN IS NOT HOT YET AND RATHER COOLISH OUTSIDE IN THE 50'S BUT FINE FOR ME. ROB SPENDS TIME TAKING WALKS WITH ANNIE AROUND NICE NHOOD, MAY TAKES PICS OF LEAVES, TREES, HOUSES AND WILDLIFE...FUNNY GIRL...THEY WERE HUNKERING FOR BURGERS SINCE THE FOLKS ARE IN THEIR LATE 50'S AND DONT HEAT FAT OR JUNK FOOD...SO I GOT THEM SOME, POOR ROB WAS REALLY SUFFERING WITH ALL THE ORGANIC STUFF BEING PLACED BEFORE HIM!!
CLEANED HOUSE FOR HER A LITTLE.
DON BURGESS COMING ON FRIDAY TO TAKE US TO SPRINGFIELD ON SAT. I GUESS THE DRIVE IS TOO MUCH FOR HIM IN ONE DAY.
FULL HOUSE WITH THE TWO COLLEGE STUDENTS BUT NOW THEY ARE GONE BACK TO SCHOOL AFTER SPRING BREAK.

WELL MUST GO OFF TO BED

OUR TRIP

Ok, so May, Annie, Robin and self finally got out of Alaska on Friday 13th.

We arrived safely in Little Rock Ar, where my friend Sarah Weedman and her husband and son were waiting for us. That is, after flying for almost the whole previous day. The trip was uneventful except for the 2 hr. flight from Chicago to LR...where we almost got bumped off due to overbooking. We were given non existent seats and were sitting in somebody else's when the rightful owners come up and demanded them back. I was rather miffed to say the least, Rob and the girls were tired and we just wanted to reach our destination. Thankfully there were 2 seats left and the couple whose seats we were in, took those instead so we did not have to move...but it is rather upsetting when that happens. The poor sole flight attendant was bending over backwards to make things right when it wasn't her fault, and kept saying that the kids could not travel unattended...anyhoo...we got here in one piece which is what is important.

We have already trekked up a small hill and done some things around the suburbs. Sara's college age son and her husband are both good musicians playing violin and guitar. They put on an impromptu Celtic, bluegrass show for us which had the girls very impressed.

We met with an old piano teacher who graciously let Annie have some piano music for her entertainment while she is here. I think she is waiting for the son to leave because he was so good she might feel intimidated.

Rob is having a blast meeting new faces, especially a black face that belongs to another fellow student staying here at the house.

My sister is picking us up in a weeks time and planning all sorts of things to do.

I'm off to bed...

ttyl

FARM NOOS....

Hello. Tonight it is snowing giant fluffy, beautiful snowflakes! It is 13° and beautiful out.

It’s been a busy week. We’ve been breathing down people’s throats about getting their quilt squares done on time so we can start putting it together next weekend. Calves are being born at a steady rate. Last night, Tommy called us at 3:30 am. He needed Rich and Chris to help him pull a calf out that was stuck. The calf ended up being twins – one breach and one normal. Mom and twins are doing well today. The Loggers are busy in the woods. Thomas has been bringing in the loads of logs as quick as he can. School is going well – all the students are studying furiously between games of freeze tag.

Sis Wenda and Miss Joan have had some grandkids here for the last week. They will take Wenda home with them. Wenda should be having a hysterectomy soon after arriving in Anchorage.

We had a short but good service on Wednesday night. Ben led worship; Bro Steve gave us a word on our hearts. Sis Margaret followed with a very short but exhortation about how the blood (which goes through the heart) not only brings oxygen to all the body’s extremities; it carries away all waste as well.

Rus and Millie are in Sapa for the weekend.

We are going out to Lupos for dinner tomorrow afternoon and evening. We’re bonding.

Have a nice weekend.


When a mouse has fallen into a meal sack,
he thinks he is the miller himself.
~Proverb, (Dutch)~

SOME MORE NOOS FROM THE LAND ALASKA

Things are still going well at “farm-Land”. :) This week we had a couple of -25° nights, then we several inches of snow another night, and last night we had some wind to blow all the beautiful snow everywhere.

Anyhow, my meal last Sunday turned out really well, I think. The Lupos, Hudgins, and Koehlers all came to dinner. It was fun to have so many guests.

While I was cooking breakfast this morning, I had a good email written (in my head), now I can’t think of all the special things I was going to say.

This morning a bunch of guys took off for the Fish Lake thing again. They are working on getting the trail established so they can haul supplies in for the summer and fall.

The Logger guys have been logging frantically all week, like they will for the rest of this month. Thomas is busy hauling nice logs and firewood logs – he hauls about five loads per day.

we’ve had 6 beef calves born and 1 dairy calf born so far. Most of them are boys so I guess we’ll get to eat them sooner or later. Kerri Geyer, one of our 5th. graders got too close to one of the cows and her calf and got butted in the belly...she is no worse for wear but I think she did get rattled...

The young men went up to Fish Lake again (about 2-3 hours) in the snow up the mountain trail with their sno machines...shld be fun but I wish they wld think of the girls and take them along, seems the guys get all the fun around here!!

Getting ready for our trip down south, have been packing and unpcking for weeks, my girls tell me I'm crazy...have to pack special stuff for Rob, meds and things to entertain him on the flights...hope all goes OK...wish Pat cld come with, but he never seems to have the urge.

Lovely outside and sunny...still below zero though. at least we have the sun out now!

Have a nice weekend.

Gri et all

here is a pic of our newest couple, Stacey Lawrence and Peter Casey, getting wed this coming May. Seems ages since we've had a wedding, for the last 10 years we've had nothing it seems.



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visit my website
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