RUN THE ROCK EXPEDITION!

Just making it to the area where the race was to begin, was enough of an accomplishment for me to cause me to raise my hands in gratitude!  I live about three hours away from where the race was held, so that meant traveling to the area the night before, and staying in a motel.  (The event has to start very early in the morning, so that the course can be cleared in time for the regularly scheduled Lost Canyon Cave Tours, via golf carts, to proceed.)  I had driven to Top of the Rock about one month prior, in order to scope out the gated entrance to the expansive property.  I knew there was a normally a  fee for non-hotel guests to go through the gates, so I had contacted the race officials (fitness@basspro.com) in advance to ask if I still paid the gate fee, since I was a race participant.  I was told there would not be a fee for me to enter, and that volunteers would be at the entrance, to assure my admission onto the campus.  When I turned into the entrance area, it was completely dark, and instead of me going through the gated entrance, there was a person holding a flashlight, directing me to turn right, BEFORE the entrance gate.  So I followed several other cars down a dark road into, what seemed like a black hole, and kept going in the direction of people waving flashlights, until there were no cars in front of me, as they had all pulled off to park.  So, I too, pulled off to park, in what appeared to be an unpaved field, and got out of my car.  Still with no clue as to where I was, I followed a couple in front of me farther into the darkness, and asked if they knew where the registration packet pick up was supposed to be.  They said they did not know either, so I started walking in the darkness with them, in a direction where we heard voices. 

After walking a long ways in the darkness, we saw a line of people and joined in their line.  I asked one of them if this was the late packet pickup line, and they said, they did not know, but hoped that it was! This pre-dawn experience was referred to "late packet pick up", because registrants were told to pick up their packets on Thursday, before the Saturday race.  However, that would have involved a two-night motel stay for me, so that is why I opted to pick up my packet on the morning of the race. 

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When it was my turn to be at the computer checkin, I was delighted that they actually had my name on their list, and they gave me my race "bib", which had my number on it and the size teeshirt I had requested.  The race director, who I was introduced to later as Melissa Bondy, pointed me to farther down the table to receive my tee shirt, vinyl Bass Pro bag, and safety pins to affix my race number to my teeshirt. 

The gals giving out the bags and teeshirts assured me safety pins were inside the bags, but having once been in a 5K that ran out of safety pins, I did not leave the area, until I was sure I had what I needed.  The shirts for the three mile were lilac, and the shirts for the six mile event were blue.  The photo also shows the Bass Pro bags each registrant was given.  With it still being dark, and still being completely disoriented as to where I was, I followed a group of people who said they were going in the direction of the starting line. ( I did not want to use up my energy walking the long way back into "GOK"-where to try to find where I had parked my car, to put my bag into my car, so I had assumed I would be carrying that bag all during the 3-mile event.)

So, when I found the starting line, I took a few photos, then proceeded to find a rock to sit on to wait for the event to begin.  (That is the photo you see that introduces this blog)  After it got to be daylight, I spotted Brooke, who had been introduced as the social media guru for the Bass Pro Fitness Series, and I asked if I could get her photo. 

She proceeded to take my photo, and told me to be sure my race  number was showing for the photo.  I did not realize it at the time, but the computer timing chip was affixed to the back of the race bib.  For the 5K events I have participated in before this time, we were given the computer timing chips in our race packet, which we then affixed by tying them onto our shoes.  Then we were asked to remove the chips from our shoes after the event, and turn them back into the race officials.  

The runners in the 6 mile part of the event were scheduled to start at 7 am, whereas the runners in the 3 mile part were scheduled for 7:15 am.  The photo below shows the 6 milers lining up, with the sun just barely peeping over the mountain tops.  All of the pre-race information had alerted the participants that the course was VERY hilly, steep, and wet in parts, so they should not be expecting any outstanding "speed" times.  Rather, the emphasis was on enjoying the beautiful scenery. 

Even though this was not a "qualifier race" for something like the Boston Marathon, the professional timers were there with their specialized equipment that records each participants time as they cross the activated equipment at the beginning and the end of the race.  We were told in advance that everyone had to be off the course in ninety minutes, so the afore-mentioned tourist golf cart tours could begin. 

The photo below was on Facebook page of the Bass Pro Fitness Series.  I found myself in the photo---the one in the yellow, long sleeved jacket.  (I had realized that I could flatten the Bass Pro bag I had been given at the start of the race, and stick it in the back of my tights, so I could have a "hands free" walk along the course.)  

Notice this gentleman carrying a youngster in a backpack, had also flattened his Bass Pro bag, and put it away, behind his 33 race number.  I was huffing and puffing going up this long hill, so I had great admiration for this man carrying so much additional poundage on his back, as he also walked up the hill!

When you go up a hill in the Ozarks, you can be sure that you will eventually be going down, and this hill was so steep, it needed a warning sign!

The race director told us when she was greeting the crowd before the event started, that heavy rains had washed out the paved golf cart road along part of the course, so we would be crossing gravel terrain for a bit, so I was not surprised when the pavement ended. 

However, what DID surprise me, was making my way down an improvised path in the woods, to reach the lower level of the gravel road.  I am guessing that this mother, who had been pushing a child in a stroller for the 3 mile event, did not know an off-trail passage was part of the deal!  Fortunately, several volunteers and other walkers, assisted her in carrying the stroller down to the next level. 

Top of the Rock started a "Nature at Night" golf cart tour last year, that expands the operating hours of the golf cart tour through the Lost Cave Canyon.   To enhance the experience, they have added some sculptures to the course, that are quite dramatic, when lighted at night.  The bird in flight (shown below) is one of those features. 

The space across the canyon is made accessible, first by a trail that leads down to a switchback, that will take one to the entrance of the bridge over the canyon.

Photo below shows runners exiting the Amish-built covered bridge.  (If you visit www.BigCedar.com , you can learn about additional Amish-built structures within their nature preserve)

Below a walker is approaching the entrance to the cave, that sits at the bottom of Lost Canyon.  The volunteer standing at the door is alerting the man to slow down to let his eyes adjust to the darkness, and let his feet get prepared for the slick, wet surface he will be going over. 

This is the photo of the four-story tall waterfall inside the cave.   The entire acreage is a part of the Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve.  It is a privately-owned operation by Johnny Morris, that is open to the public, and has an entrance fee. 

The blue lighting makes for a romantic moment for this couple to enjoy, as they pause for a selfie photo at the waterfall. 

I was told one cannot get lost inside this cave, so I kept putting one foot carefully in front of the other, in the dimly lit space, until I could see the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel"!

When folks exited the cave, there were volunteers there to provide some water for hydration.  I had not been carrying a water bottle, so I was ready to take them up on their offer!

One of the incredibly scenic areas along the course is called Horseshoe Falls, and it has two different steel bridges spanning its sides, above some gushing waterfalls. 

Bass Pro retail shops are famous for having dozens of deer mounts scattered throughout their retail space, so possibly it is a Johnny Morris requirement, that there is a tribute to this antlered creature.  The one at Lost Canyon Cave Trail is humongous, and abides in front of the waterfall, with its legs hiked up, as though it has just landed from a steep jump.  I have seen photos of what it looks like when it is fully lighted at night, and it presents a very stunning scene! ( see www.explorebranson.com for more information)

There is a constant flow of water onto the pavement at this point, so a portable metal bridge provides a safer alternative to those who do not want to wade through the water. 

The photo below of a girl inside the covered bridge, gives you a good look at the carefully-engineered beams that make up the structure.  As you can see there are lights that line its trusses, so this must look like a tunnel of "X" lights on the nighttime tour.  (By the way, if you search on You Tube, there are videos that visitors have taken of the night tour, as they rode through on their golf carts, enabling you to have a preview of the experience.) 

Can you see the figure below of a lady passing in front of the waterfall?  That provides some dimension/scale to how gigantic this canine is, depicted howling at the moon (represented by globe on the hillside).  Again, this would be much more dramatic when it is lit up at night, and the globe does indeed, look like the moon. 

There was an official race photographer stationed near the last waterfall; and, since most of the other participants had passed this point much earlier, he had time to take a photo of my happy heart gesture with my cell phone. 

At the beginning of the race, the director encouraged the runners to take the time to walk out onto the overlook, although it was not a requirement for getting in the required mileage.   Of course, I was curious to see what I could view at the end of the overlook, and wanted to get a photo of the "bird" that guarded its entrance.  The poles in front of the walkway overlook, indicate one is NOT supposed to drive their golf cart onto the overlook. 

The Top of the Rock Nature Preserve is located adjacent to Table Rock Lake, near Ridgedale, Missouri.  Seeing this feature of stones along the trail, that looked liked table tops stacked on top of each other, it is easy to see where the name "Table Rock" originates!

This is a photo of me, holding the sign, indicating I had finished the event.  It was a photo I saw in September of 2023 on social media, of a runner holding the same sign, that first alerted me to a fitness event that takes place within a few miles of Branson, Missouri, and just a few hours of where I live; and, it motivated me to strive toward getting in better shape physically.    Perhaps this photo will also motivate someone, to start a training regime that will enable them to participate in the 2025 Run the Rock!  (More details of my training regime the last year is provided in blog dated, September 7, 2024, entitled "Grace for the Race Expedition")

The entrance sign at Top of the Rock is beside a bronze statue of a Native American lifting up a buffalo skull.  It can symbolize many things, one of them being an offering of thanksgiving for the resources the  buffalo provided to the Native American tribes.  It can also represent the resilience and survival of the Native American tribes.  Leviticus 7:30 also talks about holding one's sacrifice in your hands and lifting it up as a special gift to the LORD.  The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is another example.  Romans 12:1 says in part, "....in view of God's mercy, offer your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God---this is your true and proper worship."  When one sacrifices their own comfort and desires, so they can make their body more fit to serve God, it is an act of worship.  When that is the motivation for my commitment to keep active, it gives me "MILES OF SMILES"!  Tricia

THUNDER RIDGE NATURE ARENA EXPEDITION!

When I learned that the Bass Pro Shops founder, Johnny Morris, had developed a massive piece of real estate in Ridgedale, Missouri, into an outdoor performance arena, I was intrigued and wanted to see what it looked like.  Since I was more interested in the organizational concept used in the planning, than in the actual performers, I bought a $37 ticket to a performance, with the headliner being country music artist Luke Bryan.  The price seemed reasonable, considering the week before, tickets to a Rolling Stones performance in the arena were $600 and up, according to their website.  The photo below shows the underpass one would drive beneath as they enter the campus.   

Since I am very parsimonious, and I  like to walk enough to get in 10,000 steps a day on my pedometer, I chose to park in the "drop off lot" across the 86 Highway from the campus, as there was no fee for parking in that lot.  I parked under a light, so that it would be easy to spot my car when it was time for me to drive home.

 

Another reason I parked where I did, was because the least expensive parking was $40, and to me it was confusing on the website which parking lot I was supposed to go to, if I purchased the forty dollar parking option.  In addition, the comments on social media by persons who had paid the parking fee, but still had problems parking, made me reluctant to purchase parking on line.  By walking from the entrance gate past the various parking lots, I gained a better understanding, of the parking situation.  The collage below shows the signs that designate the various areas. 

 

 

There is a shuttle available near the handicap parking lot.  A friend who went to the Rolling Stones concert said the line waiting on shuttles to drive them to their vehicles after the event was over, was extremely long, so they opted to walk back to their vehicle, rather than wait on a shuttle.  

The website said tailgating in the parking lots was allowed, and I saw a few people doing this, as well as playing cornhole, as they waited for the gates to the arena to open.  It is helpful to know in advance that portapotties are available in the parking lot, even before you enter the performance venue. 

 

The website emphasizes one MUST have their ticket available on their phone, and that a screen shot of the ticket is not sufficient.  Being an elderly member of the "Baby Boomer" generation, this caused me great concern.  And sure enough, the first person to try to scan my ticket could not get it to work, nor could the second person who tried to scan my ticket get it to show up on her device.  They told me to go over to the tent especially set up for people having "ticket issues".  Thankfully, however, two supervisors saw what was happening, and did something that only a supervisor can do, and "found me" on the Ticketmaster site to show I had indeed purchased a ticket.  Although I did not need to show it, I had brought my credit card bill with me, that proved I had actually purchased a ticket.    

Once past security (where they look inside your purse) to see if you have brought in any forbidden items, I was able to look around the waiting area, to see what was going to occupy my time, until the gates to the actual performance area were opened up.  The collage below shows there were hats, and leather goods, official Luke Bryan merchandise, jewelry, etc. for sale.  Considering the times we live in, I was not surprised to see that one could also buy the type of souvenir that you wear for the rest of your life, i.e., a tattoo.  I passed on that option. 

Several types of inflatable games were available, as well as tables and chairs under a tent--for those not into axe throwing, golf, or firearms. 

Bass Pro Shop had some of their wares on display, including kayaks and metal fishing boats.  Toyota had their fancy truck on display, complete with an elevated tent attached.  A rig like that would come in handy if the parking lots allowed overnight parking!  If you want overnight lodging in something besides a tent, check their website because combination hotel/arena ticket packages are available   The Bass Pro race car was also on display, and is shown below.

There were several types of food trucks in the "holding area", and a disc jockey kept the party music going to keep everyone is good spirits.  (Drinks with "spirits" were also available)

 

The photo below is a side view of the Veterans Tower, that I took when I was still in the holding area. According to their website, the facility rises 12 stories from its limestone and dolomite base.  Four of its floors will contain VIP suites with bedrooms.  

 

 

The stated goal of building Thunder Ridge, was to create America's most beautiful outdoor amphitheater, and the process is on-going (as shown by photo below, that I took on the day I visited).  Although I have not visited all the outdoor arenas in America, this is certainly the most beautiful one I have seen in the Ozarks.  It is hardly fair to compare Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado (see my blog in the archives dated June 1, 2011, for Red Rocks info), to Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, since they are completely different biomes. Also, the seating capacity of Red Rocks Amphitheater is 9,525,, which is approximately one half the capacity of Thunder Ridge.  (My blog dated June 26, 2009, tells about Palo Duro Canyon amphitheater in Texas; blog dated August 14, 2010, tells about Little House on the Prairie amphitheater in Mansfield, Missouri; blog dated September 4, 2017, tells about Eureka Springs, Arkansas amphitheater)

 

At a certain time, the announcer told people they could start lining up to "make a run for it" whenever the gates to the concert seating area were opened up.  People could buy general admission tickets to sit on the grassy hillside, or a ticket to sit in a folding chair on the concrete in front of the stage.  As I mentioned at the beginning, I was more interested in touring the venue, than in where I sat, so I waited until the line had completely cleared out before I started for the entrance.  By the way, I did not have to go through the hassle of once again trying to find the Ticketmaster info to get to the seating area.  I was very thankful for that!  There is a long concrete entrance way leading to the multistory entrance, and the building is made of field-stone, which is typical of many Johnny Morris properties.  By sitting at the top of the hill, guests can listen to live musicians and take in the view of 1200 acres of forested hillsides, Table Rock Lake, valleys, and inlets

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They had announced there would be an air show that afternoon, and the photo below shows one of the parachute performers, who is flying the Stars and Stripes as they soar over the arena.  If you have a physical handicap, (and don't want to be dropped by parachute!), check the website for arrangements that can be made to accommodate your special needs.

 

 

 

The Bible talks about how crowds of people gathered on a hillside, to listen to the teachings of Jesus.  Then the crowds got hungry, but there was no food.  This is how the passage reads in Matthew 14:15-16.  {"As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late.  Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."  Jesus  replied, "They do not need to go away.  You give them something to eat."  }  Since Ridgedale, Missouri, is also a remote place, the planners of Thunder Ridge, anticipated the challenges of feeding thousands of people (and probably wanted an additional revenue stream), so they  included the Marketplace, where there is a plentiful supply of food, suitable for feeding the masses, that have gathered on the hillside.  .

The Marketplace has an assortment of food, being kept warm inside heated display areas.  The prices are shown in collage below.  There are no humans taking your money to pay for the items you choose.  Rather, you sat the item you want under the "photo robot", who tells the credit card reader what to charge you.  I had the chicken strips, and since I was very hungry, they tasted great.  I had read on the website, that one can take in an empty water bottle, so I had brought one with me, and filled it up at the special fountain designed specifically for water bottle refills (thank you Johnny Morris!  This helps cut down on plastic usage!)

 

Because of the GIGANTIC screens on both sides of the stage, you can see the faces of the performers, even if you are a long way off.  The actual performer with a microphone, is the tiny dot in the midst of all the blackness!

One can purchase seats to watch a performance in the air conditioned comfort of the Veterans Tower. Plus, according to the website, the cuisine offered in the Veterans Tower is much more upscale, than what can be purchased at the Marketplace below.  The restrooms inside the arena were clean, with flush toilets, and running water. 

 

The glass pyramid on top of the stage has the Bass Pro logo, and supports a giant USA flag.  The concrete area to the left of the stage in this photo, is by special ticketing only.  Depending on the popularity of the performer, that concrete area can have folding chairs placed on it for additional seating 

The area at the base of the grassy hill also has tents selling merchandise and food, with portapotties adjacent to them.  Notice Table Rock Lake can be seen in the distance. 

There was also a foodservice area on the far side of the venue, and they were adequately staffed for lots of customers, when I was there.  Speaking of staffing, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena is managed by ASM Global ( www.asmglobal.com).  Their website says they are the world's leading venue management company and producer of live event experiences.  

 

The deck beside their service bar would be a beautiful place to observe an Ozark sunset!  The Thunder Ridge website says the arena has a seating capacity of 20,000, which leads me to think that more tables and chairs could be added to this deck, if needed.  The staff told me this seating deck did not have any restrictions--anyone could sit there, regardless of the type of ticket they purchased. 

Seeing the sun sink behind the stage is a good clue that the stage is on the west end of the arena, and the Veterans Tower (which the website calls "The Nature Tower"), directly on a hill in front of the stage, is on the east side of the arena. 

The photo below shows me at the top of the hillside seating, with the stage, and thousands of concert goers, behind me.  The hillside has been landscaped, so that circular terraces provide seating, without having to fear rolling down the mountain!

If you would like to plan a trip to see this remarkable venue, visit www.thunderridgenaturearena.com .  Their address is 1901 State Highway 86, Ridgedale, Missouri  65739.
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena property's land, and all buildings/infrastructure, have been donated and permanently set aside as part of a not-for-profit foundation, committed to the cause of conservation. It is called the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation.  Recently, at a Missouri tourism conference, someone referred to Johnny Morris, as "the Walt Disney of the Ozarks", and after seeing a documentary on Walt Disney, I can see definite similarities!  Johnny Morris, himself,  likes to call this amphitheater a  "musical postcard from Mother Nature", saying " it is a gift to the people and heritage of the Ozarks."  I say, "THANK YOU"!  Getting to see this new performance venue in the Ozarks gave me "MILES OF SMILES"! Tricia