Fireworks

And after the sun goes down there will be plenty of fireworks to be viewed from all quarters of  The Lake.   Tan Tar A,  Lodge of Four Seasons, Toad Cove, will offer fireworks on the Eastside.

On the Westside you’ll find great shows provided by Captain Rons,  Bear Bottom and Gravois Mills Downtown.   For those who would like to experience the fireworks on water,  the Celebration and  Tropic Island Cruises are offering Scenic Firework Cruises.

If you’re planning a vacation to the Lake of the Ozarks, go2lakeoftheozarks.com is a great online resource offering information and reviews on area lodging, attractions, restaurants and events.   Whether you’re into power boating, nightclubbing, a quiet weekend of fishing, shopping or fine dining; this site does a terrific job of describing what the Lake of Ozarks offers as a vacation destination.

We know summer is on its way when the farmers and merchants gather at the square in Camdenton in front of the Courthouse Saturday mornings beginning in May each year.

Offering seasonal produce, plants, baked goods, crafts and hand made goods, these wares are favored by locals and tourists alike.  Although open from 7AM to Noon each Saturday, it’s always best to get there early!

The Lake Ozarks Visitors and Convention Bureau in Lake Ozarks have prepared a great video that highlights the best of what the Lake has to offer.

I can almost feel the lake breeze on my face as I watch the videos of  boating.  Mmmmm.

It also reminded me that it’s been a while since I’ve been to the State Park to ride horses, I think I’ll go this weekend.

Listen closely and you’ll hear the sounds of the the ring-billed gulls who, in addition to eagles, like to winter here at the Lake of the Ozarks.  This footage was shot from the public access area of the Bagnell Dam.

If you don’t mind the crisp, cool air during the winter, this is a wonderfully relaxing place to sit, watch and listen for a while.

Once again this year I had forgotten that the Premium Outlet Mall has shortened hours during the months of January and February.  I pass this reminder on in hopes of saving someone else a couple gallons of gas!

Lake of the Ozarks Silver Cup Chefs’ Challenge

Pledged to benefit the local YMCA, sixteen lake area chefs will be competing through the month of January at Seven Springs Winery in Linn Creek for $1000 and a Silver Cup trophy for the Lake of the Ozarks.

This Saturday, January 9, the first 4 chefs will compete with a French theme.

Admission will be $25 to sample the entrées and enjoy one glass of Seven Springs wine to be paired with the ingredients of the evening.  Tickets must be purchased in advance.

For more information, and to get a full schedule of competitions, see the events calendar at SevenSpringsWinery.com

Bait Shop and Tom Sawyer Cruises to Host Live Eagle Viewings

This weekend, Jan. 9th and 10th,  you’ll find me with my binoculars out at the 10th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days.  From 9 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, and again on Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM I’ll be met by thousands of visitors to Lake Ozarks in a celebration of wild eagles.

At the Osage National Golf Resort there will be hourly programs by the World Bird Sanctuary, as well as vendor booths, eagle viewing and eagle nest activities.

Closer to the dam area there’s eagle viewing at Bagnell Dam Bait Shop and at the Bagnell Dam Access.

On down the road a bit, at Willmore Lodge you’ll find craft and vendor booths in addition to wild eagle viewing.

Weather permitting, Tom Sawyer Cruises will offer paddle boat cruises for additional eagle viewing.  Tickets for these 30 minute cruises will cost $5, and begin at 11 AM.  I’d love to do this, but good gracious, you know that’s going to be a cold 30 minutes!  We’ll see….

I’ve been trying to go to this event for the past 4 years, and something (work, generally) has come up to prevent it.   I really hope to make it this year.  I’ll bring my video camera in addition to my binoculars and will hopefully have something to show you next week.

Is it just me, or is this the coldest January we’ve had in a long time?    I know we have sub-freezing temperatures in January and February, but I don’t recollect having so many cold days in a row!  These are definitely good days to take care of those indoor projects we’ve been putting off -  and to remember to toss out a little extra seed in our yards!

and may the warmth and happiness of the holiday season linger

with you during the coming New Year.

all the very best to you,   Melody