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

HALF-CENTURY EXPEDITION!

Fifty years ago, I embarked on an expedition, unlike any I had ever been on before, or would be again.  It was called childbirth, and it made me the mother of an 8 pound, 8 ounce little boy.  Although I had taken a course in college called "Child Development", I had no real life experience in infant/child care, as I had NEVER done any baby sitting.  However, a few weeks after my son (I will call him G for this blog post) was born, a Registered Nurse came to our home to visit, and give me some pointers.  She was the director of the nursery where I attended church, and she was also the wife of the physician who had delivered my son.  However, after my son was older, and I introduced him to this man as the physician who delivered him, the doctor humbly said, "All I did was catch him!"  I felt comfortable taking my son to the church nursery on Sundays, knowing the Registered Nurse would be there to supervise his care.  Also, there were several ladies in the church nursery who had worked there for decades, and were experts at taking care of babies.  I knew I could learn a lot from them, so I started volunteering in the church nursery on Sunday mornings, and it was very beneficial!  I am very thankful for the opportunity I had to take G to church, and was overjoyed when he made the decision to accept the fact that Jesus had taken the penalty for his sins, by being crucified on the cross.  His decision is assurance that we both will be reunited in heaven, after we die.  

 
I have enjoyed celebrating my son's birthday, from the very first one (shown in circular photo of collage), and on through the years, as he left home, and was living in locations around the country.  Whenever possible, I like to continue the tradition of using the red, tradition-laden,  "YOU ARE SPECIAL TODAY" plate, on such occasions!  These photos bring to mind a favorite verse I like to associate with a photograph of loved ones.  It says, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."  Philippians 1:3

 I remember a "travel birthday celebration", when my husband and I picked G up at college, and we took a flight to Nevada, to celebrate in Las Vegas. We went to see the famous show, Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage, and stopped to have a photo made at the Harley Davidson Cafe. 

I actually have a thank you note from my son,  that I kept and framed, because it was the only time I have a letter from him, written in cursive!

This blog entry, is about a trip I made from Arkansas, to California, to celebrate my son's 50th birthday.  I flew out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, at sunrise, and started "puddle jumping" across the country, with stops in Denver, Colorado, and San Francisco, California. 

My son picked me up at the Redding airport, and we headed to Costco, to purchase the necessary supplies needed for a weekend of hosting several other family members,  who were also coming to celebrate his birthday.  I was quite hungry, so the first thing we did in Costco, was try out their famous bargain of a footlong hot dog, and beverage, for only $1.50!

My son (G), and his wife (S) were eager to show me the gift S had given G for his birthday, a Pelaton treadmill!  They already had the Pelaton bicycle, which I had tried out on a previous visit.

I use an "old fashioned" treadmill regularly, so I was eager to try out the Pelaton, as was my son's mother in law (J):

The four of us went on a day trip to explore northwest California, and stopped in the tiny town of Etna, to have lunch at a popular spot there, called Denny Bar (www.dennybarcompany.com)

G chose this area to explore because he wanted to see what the landscape looked like, in the area where dams across the Klamath River had been dismantled.  The photo below shows the large, empty reservoir, that used to be full of water that was impounded by the dam.  The body of water you can see flowing through the bottom of the photo is the now-free-flowing, Klamath River. 

Once back at their home, it was time for the always enjoyable mother-son "Show and Tell" update!  G showed me the ship models he as been painting---seems like an appropriate hobby, considering his last name!

I also saw the repair job he was completing on a small cedar chest my father had made. 

It was fun walking on their property with his wife (S), her daughter (K), and grandson (C).  And, or course, their dog, "Indiana Jones", enjoyed sniffing around the woods!

Thankfully, there was not a big snowstorm that impaired my travel, but there WAS enough leftover snow, to show C how to make a snowball, and instigate a snowball fight!

This photo shows S, and her mom (J), teaching C about their container garden, which actually had some green things growing in February! 

Since I like lettuce, C and I posed for a "Lettuce entertain you" photo!

Continuing the outdoor activities, C played in the dirt with his construction toys, then "Pappy G" let him sit on his lap for a photo on the tractor!  The "Pappy G" nickname is a nod to what G called his maternal grandfather---Pappy Joe.

Photo below shows C and his father, D, trying out a "Strider" for the first time.  This device uses the principle of "subtraction", to facilitate a desired outcome.  The goal is to get a youngster comfortable, just walking, with a two-wheeler between their legs, before they possibly become discouraged by trying to learn to pedal a two-wheeler.   Notice there are no pedals to master---the power of subtraction!  The publisher of the theory about the "benefits of subtraction", speculated our culture could have better outcomes in many areas, if we gave more consideration to "subtraction"!

Yippee!  A photo of my son on his fiftieth birthday, with the YOU ARE SPECIAL PLATE, while he enjoys his morning coffee, in a custom-made ceramic mug. 

No birthday celebration is complete without a cake, which K and D "imported" from Oregon.

 

We all got a laugh, whenever C swooped in to blow out the candles before Pappy G!

So now, my collage of birthday celebrations for G, spans from the age of one year to fifty years!

That little boy that was 19 inches long when he was born, is now LOTS taller than the mother who birthed him!

This wooden high chair has quite a history in G's family, and continues to be a good photo prop!

I was very thankful that D got the set up arranged, so we could get a group photo outside, during the short period of my visit, when there was not precipitation falling from the sky!  That beautiful red beard belongs to S's son, who also has a "C" name.  Could there be Vikings in his ancestry??

One of our indoor activities during my visit, was making bread, and S shows C a loaf just out of the oven, that is almost as big as he is!

I was very impressed with this bread machine, because it accidentally vibrated itself off the kitchen counter, and sustained a dent, and broken-off lid.  But amazingly, with the help of a bungee cord to fasten down the lid, it continued to work!  The incident gave a whole new meaning to the phrase, "Breaking bread together!"

One of the places everyone wanted to have a breakfast item from, was the Seven Suns coffee shop.  It was President's Weekend, meaning the town was overflowing with tourists, so we placed our orders by phone, then D and I went to pick up the yummy breakfast burritos.  Notice the quarried volcanic stone, and river rock, used to make this historic facade. 

 

The rain continued, so we treated G to an indoor game of bowling for his birthday, in the town with the worrisome sounding name of "Weed".  G's father once bowled a perfect 300 game in a tournament in Springfield, Missouri, but that was not to be the case for G on his birthday!

G took a video, of C's mom and dad showing him how to use the "dinosaur" slide, to give the bowling ball the necessary speed it would need to make it, to the end of the lane. 

Another table game we played was called "Wingspan".   It will teach you facts about birds and their habitat that can be fascinating, but overwhelming!

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• One reason my son moved out west when he finished medical school, was for the rock climbing opportunities.  He has built an indoor practice climbing wall everywhere he has lived, since he left his childhood home, so it is not surprising that he has now built one at his newest location!  (At one point, he even invested in building a commercial climbing wall, as a part of a venture into retail business)
  
  
  His Pappy Joe also enjoyed building things (as well as fishing!), and is shown in this photo with youngster G, with a fish Pappy Joe caught, and the house he built in the 1940's.  That style of stone work is common in the Ozarks, and is called "giraffe style". 
  
  
  
  Although it is a different kind of "fish", the photo below shows Pappy G and C, as they practice "fishing"!
  

There was a pool table in the downstairs recreation room of G's childhood home, so it is only fitting that there is also a pool table in his present home!  It was fun playing the game with G, S, and J. 

 

I think I could have been a better player all those years ago, if I had seen one of these "training balls", like G has with his present table!

After a fantastic visit with family, G and S drove me to the airport in Redding, where I boarded a plane going eastward, with the first stop being in San Francisco.  I have a much greater appreciation for the famous Golden Gate Bridge leading to that city, after I walked across it, and back, as part of a Road Scholar (www.roadscholar.org) program I attended.  That same Road Scholar program facilitated hiking many of the areas of Marin County, shown in the photo below, that I took from my airplane window. (See the photos I posted about that adventure, in the archives of this blog.  It is entitled "Hiking the Golden Gate Bridge Expedition!", and has a date of June 15, 2019.)

The next stop on my journey eastward was the iconic Denver International Airport.  It is a dramatic sight at any time of the day, but I found it to be especially photogenic from my airplane window at nighttime. 

Speaking of nighttime, it was around midnight when my plane finally landed at the Tulsa, Oklahoma airport.  I retrieved my car from the airport covered parking lot, and made the short drive to the adjacent Hilton Hotel.  A night of restful sleep enabled me to complete a "bucket list" item, that has been in my mind, ever since I heard about the completion of the Tulsa Riverwalk Trail.  A while back I had hoped to walk it on a day I was in Tulsa, but the highway I needed to use to get to the access of it, was closed for circumstances beyond my control.  Hence, the delay!  Fortunately, this time, the highway was open, my GPS took me straight to the parking lot, the skies were clear with no rain/snow, and the temperature was perfect for walking in the outdoors!  The paved trail is used by both pedestrians and bicyclists, and follows the meandering of the Arkansas River, through the Tulsa area.  You can get more details at www.visittulsa.com

The photo below shows my shadow, waving farewell, and saying a prayer of gratitude, that I was able to be with my son on his fiftieth birthday!  This "Half-Century Expedition" gave me MILES OF SMILES!  Tricia