To celebrate our 8yr anniversary (WOW! That is a long time!) we went to Branson via the Buffalo River.

We were actually just in this area for my birthday last November but I love it so much I wanted to go again!

We have never been to the Compton trailhead so it was a nice change for this trip.

We went towards Hemmed-in Falls and then over to the Buffalo so the total trip for us was around 6.5miles.

It is a beautiful trail but very strenuous.

It was a lot of downhill, then back uphill on the way back.

Lots of berries lining the trail.

The river is at a record low!

I have never seen it like this.

Crazy.

Halfway back up.

This pic makes me laugh.

Nick’s knee was hurting pretty bad (someone took him on a really hard on the knees trail) and I knew he would not be smiling so I was trying to not grin like a fool.

Apparently when I only slightly smile I look like I am mad.

I was really tired from not much sleep the night before so I will blame it on that…

We stayed at the Hilton on Branson Landing in Branson, MO.

It was a nice hotel and in a great location but everything extra (including internet and parking!) cost extra.

Nick is not a fan of Hilton Hotels because of all the extra fees.

I made Nick take my pic on the balcony.

Our balcony had a great view of the fountain show that they do on the hour.

The next day we headed back to the Buffalo to go canoeing.

We had to drive farther east then we have ever gone to get to a part deep enough.

I liked the outfitter we used, Buffalo River Outfitters.

They had good service and got us into the water quickly.

 

I LOVE this river!

It is so breathtaking.

I had Nick getting us really close to this rock so I could use it in the foreground of my shot.

I did not see the snake sunbathing on the rock until Nick pointed it out.

You would think since I live in Oklahoma and we have poisonous snakes I would watch out for these guys more…

We tried to get as close as possible to get a good pic but he hid in the rock when we got closer.

 

We followed this guy (we just happened to be going the same way) for a while at the end of our trip.

I love Heron’s they are so beautiful!

If you are looking for a place to eat while playing on the Buffalo, the Ozark Cafe in Jasper, AR was a pleasant surprise.

They had an interesting building, good food, and friendly people.

They have also been in business for over 100yrs!

There is also a zipline tour offered in Ponca at the Buffalo Outdoors Center as well as canoe trips, ect…

Lots of hiking, beautiful ozarks, and a beautiful river!

Such a beautiful place to enjoy nature!