The 2005 Reunion, now history, appears to have been a great success. Comments from an overwhelming majority leads one to believe that this one might go down as the best ever. Be that as it may, it was quite apparent that all attendees thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Although the attendance was low due in part to increased airfares, high fuel prices, hurricanes along the gulf coast, sickness and various other reasons those that were here told many, many sea stories, shed many tears of laughter, consumed much great tasting food, and renewed many ole friendships. All in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the activities and free time offered the opportunity to attend other shows and participate in other activities or just tour Branson as a sightseer.
First day check-in and reception went very smooth. Our caterer made sure we had plenty of food and spirits to kick off the beginning of a delightful opening day.
The ice was soon broken and strangers quickly became life long friends. After many hours of general conversation and “sailor sea stories” everyone retired to quarters to prepare for the next day activities.
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This is one of the most musically talented families many had ever seen. The performing family consists of Dad, Mom, 4 daughters and 1 son who each play many different instruments, sing, dance, and present an enjoyable performance for 2 hours. Even tho I only mention 4 girls, there are 2 others who are equally talented. One is away at college pursuing a musical degree, go figure, and the other is in Houston pursuing motherhood. Can you imagine being a guy raised in a home with 6 sisters?
It happened!!!!!
Great Show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Lost and Found
Someone forgot to retrieve the 3 mounted pictures of the RA3B which was displayed on the display table. Send me an email at templej2@cox.net, identify them and I will mail them to you.
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Veterans Memorial Museum
The Veterans Memorial Museum is a powerful and emotional experience for everyone. This national tribute to veterans contains over 18,000 square feet of art and exhibits progressing through the wars of the 20th century.
A full size World War II Mustang Fighter Plane is located in front of the museum.
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Following a great night with Jim Stafford and an informative tour of the Veterans Memorial Museum, a leisurely afternoon was spent at the IMAX shopping complex. This was more for the VAPPERETTES than the VAPPERS. To relieve the exhaustion from a strenuous shopping extravaganza all sat down to a generous lunch at McFarlains Restaurant. They are famous for traditional Ozark recipes such as honey cornbread, fried green tomatoes, pot pies, and “Branson’s Best Country Breakfast”.
Prior to going aboard the “Boat”, a memorial service was conducted by Joe Brewer. This service honored our passed shipmates with a short speech, a prayer and the sounding of Taps.
Going to sea at our age? Of course! Especially since it involves a paddle wheel, 6 knots max speed, beautiful scenery, a splendid dinner and plenty of song, dance and comedy. A talking dog? YUP! It’s a Boston terrier handled by a ventriloquist who leaves you believing(?) the dog is actually doing the talking. During this show a “VAPPER Star” was born. That’s right! A “VAPPER Star”! Horses could not keep our Jim “Indian”Haynes from rushing on stage and performing his rendition of YUP! His CD single should be out soon. Not to be outdone, John Defiore was spotted tooling around the boat on Ron Wood’s motorized scooter camouflaged as a Harley. Not once but twice! Driving a scooter on the boat is much like driving a Fiat in Naples.
An enjoyable boat ride, dinner and show.
