Lost on the Lake - Table Rock July 2023 Issue 8

EVERYTHING YOU NEED. EVERYWHERE YOU GO.

Every great journey begins with a first step. When you start a relationship with Central Bank, you’ll immediately have access to a community bank with comprehensive offerings, cutting-edge technology and leading-edge banking solutions. We have all the tools you need to move, manage and maximize your money with ease, every step of the way. Discover what’s possible with Central Bank. We do banking better.

IN EACH ISSUE FISHING

Eric Prey shares his tips and tricks for shallow fishing on TRL

Our friends at PMS Boat Sales share ideas of day trips on the lake

FINANCIAL

Financial advice from our resident Edward Jones agent - Grant Beasley

Ask an Expert answers homeowners questions about maintenance & repairs

The Rogue Chef shows us how to make an amazing side dish for summer meals LAKE HISTORY

Read more about the history of TRL, by historian Tom Koob

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Check out The Sandwich Shop in Kimberling City. Cute place to grab a bite

FOOD

Listings of the restaurants you can boat to on TRL this summer

DAY TRIPPIN’

Come with us as we check out the newest off-road park in Hollister

FIREWORKS

Listing of local fireworks

RESORT REVIEW

Twin Oaks Resort has so many features, explore them with us

FAMILY TRADITIONS

Journey with the Hunt family as they reminisce about growing up with TRL

EDITORIAL:

Myra Thornton hello@lostonthelake.us

Eric Prey

www.tablerockfishingintel.com

Christal Valbracht - AireServ

Jeff Woodward - The Rogue Chef

Edward Jones Financial

PMS Boat Sales-Premiere Marine

Tom Koob - wolpublishing@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Myra Thornton

Eric Prey

Tiffany McLemore

Tom Koobs

Debbie Griskell

Thank you to all of our partners!

Please consider them for your needs:

Adventure Cave Tours

AireServ of Branson

Black Oak Amp

Branson Bank

Butterfly Palace

Central Bank

Edward Jones - Grant Beasley

Health Markets - Nick Morris

PMS Boat Sales

Scout & Petal

Table Rock Community Bank

Table Rock Fishing Intel

Talking Rocks Cavern

The Waldorf Co

US Tow Boat

a note from the editor

Hooray it’s JULY!

As we celebrate our nations birthday and enjoy the bbq’s, gatherings & fireworks I hope you can take a moment to appreciate how very fortunate we are. Regardless of the negatives in life that we all face, we are beyond blessed to gather in the sun together, whether on the lake or in our own backyards!

Everyday as I walk to the waters edge, I realize just how perfect our lake is. The combination of the Ozarks as a backdrop to the lake, creates a landscape that is unmatched.

In this issue, we will find a listing of fireworks shows around the lake, boat-up restaurants, as well as some awesome articles and photos.

Please let us know what we are doing well, and where we can improve. This publication exists for you, our reader!

Be Happy,

We would love to hear from you! Please share your lake stories, photos and any other info you think might be enjoyed by our readers. We will publish what we can in upcoming issues, or you might be featured on social media &/or the website!

hello@lostonthelake.us

Summertime

Shallow Fishing on Table Rock

BY: ERIC PREY - TRL Fishing Guide

Many Table Rock anglers fish deep in the summer, targeting suspended fish in trees or around boat docks, on the ends of long points or bluffs and bluff ends. Who can blame them, schools of spotted bass gravitate to the deep water in the summer and finding the right school can lead to almost nonstop action. But there are a handful of anglers that will stay shallow and while they may not land on a school of hungry spotted bass, they opt for quality over quantity.

Where to Look:

Most of Table Rock Lake is extremely clear, the limestone bottom and clear streams running into the lake keep it that way. Unfortunately for bass anglers that usually means bass will go deep or find shade to hide from predators and daylight. The ex -

ception to this rule is the rivers; The James, The Kings and Long Creek all have stained to dirty water in them. Bass like dirty water, it allows them to move shallow and ambush their forage without fear or bright sun. The other advantage rivers have is cover, all the rivers and large creeks in Table Rock have abundant shoreline cover that bass can use. The short answer to the question where to find shallow bass in the summer is the rivers.

Within the river it is important to find the right habitat that will hold fish; brush piles, laydowns shallow docks and stumps all provide bass with the shallow cover they are looking for. The amount of cover is an important factor to consider; a row of 10 to 15 docks on a shallow flat will provide cover but will also allow the fish to be scattered and harder to find. A single cont. on page 12

dock on that same flat will concentrate and hold more fish. The same holds true for brush piles or stumps; less is more when hunting for shallow fish.

What to Throw:

There are days when you can throw just about any lure to shallow fish around cover; spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits on cloudy windy days when the fish are aggressively feeding, they will bite almost anything you throw. But, day in and day out, slower presentations will get you the bites you’re looking for.

• Texas Rigged Worms: There is not another lure in the world that has caught more bass than a Texas rigged worm. To bass it is an easy meal and, in the summer, bigger is better; 10” to 14” worms worked slowly through brush, around docks and stumps will draw a bunch of strikes. Worms with a paddle tail or flat tail tend to be better around brush vs. sickle or curly tails as the tail won’t wrap around the brush.

• Jigs: Bass love crawdads and noth -

ing mimics a crawdad better than a jig. Heavy cover jigs like a Jewel Pee Wee Spider Jig HD can be fished just about anywhere and a favorite for both fish and fisherman. If you are fishing more open banks with scattered stumps a Football Jig may be a better option. Designed to stay pinned to the bottom and worked through sparce cover you can cover water faster and put your bait in front of more fish.

• Shaky Heads: Much like a jig, a shaky head can be worked slowly and methodically through heavy cover where bass will hide in the summer. Look for shaky heads that have a head design that will come through brush well. Ball heads or pyramid style heads will work better than football style heads.

When to Fish:

For several reasons, the bite is almost always better early and late in the day. It’s generally cooler, fish are more active and there is less pleasure boat traffic to deal with during the low light hours. Fish will be more likely to leave the security of their shallow cover cont. on page 14

and follow or chase baits, as the sun rises, they will move back into the cover for shade and protection it provides.

Another option is fishing at night; Table Rock Lake is a night fishing hot spot. There are tournaments almost every night and the bite at night can be fantastic. A moonlit sky and cooler temperatures usually have bass active and easier to catch.

Summertime fishing on Table Rock can be tough especially if you’re an angler that doesn’t like to fish over deep trees using electronics. Success depends on your ability to change up and look

where shallow fish live in the summer. Find a handful of brush piles and shallow docks in the stained water of a river or creek and work them over slowly, you may be surprised how many fish stay close to the bank all year round.

Eric Prey is the Owner / Operator of Focused Fishing Guide Service on Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals lakes.

To book a trip or contact: www.focusedfishing.com or call 417-860-4743

Local marinas

CAMPBELL POINT MARINA

1363 Campbell Point Rd, Shell Knob

417-858-6331

Opening Mar 2023

www.campbellpointmarina.com

BIG M MARINA

26111 Big M Campground, Cassville (417)271-3853

Opening Mar 2023

www.bigmmarina.com

STATE PARK MARINA

380 State Park Marina Rd, Branson

417-334-2628

www.stateparkmarina.com

HIDEAWAY MARINA

1810 Hideaway Rd, Galena

417-538-2828

www.hideawaymarina1956.com

INDIAN POINT MARINA

3443 Indian Point Marina, Branson

417-338-2891

www.indianpointmarina.com

PORT OF KIMBERLING MARINA

201 Marina Way, Kimberling City

417-739-2315

www.portofkimberling.com

EAGLE ROCK MARINA

31170 State Highway 86, Eagle Rock

417-271-3398

Opening Mar 2023

www.facebook.com/EagleRockMarina

CAPE FAIR BOAT DOCK & MARINA

1500 Shadrack Rd, Cape Fair 417-538-4163

Opening Mar 2023

www.capefairmarina.com

CRICKET CREEK MARINA

20515 Boat Dock Rd, Omaha, AR 870-426-3474

www.cricketcreek.com

THE HARBOR

363 Harbor Lane, Branson

417-338-2828

www.theharbor.com

Table Rock Lake offers many fun adventures and unique points of interest, including some amazing spots to explore. Here are a few things to consider.

Boating Day Trips

How far from your usual spot have you gone on our beautiful TRL?

Looking for some grub during your lake outing?

Have you gone exploring to find all the beauty?

Have you climbed up the cliff to swing off on the rope swing?

Have you gone cliff jumping?

Food on the Water:

There are many restaurants to choose from all across the lake. You will find many have live music and drink specials on the weekends. Most have courtesy docks and some even have transportation from the dock to the restaurant and back (see list in this issue).

Adventure:

Check out the ski course at the back end of Cow Creek.

For the slightly more adventurous, be sure not to miss the rope swing at Stallion Bluff across from Point 10. It’s an oldie but a goodie!

If you’re even more daring, head on over

Boating Trips

to Battleship Point between Long Creek and State Park for some rock climbing and cliff jumping. Climb up the bluff and take a big ole leap of faith back into the lake. What a rush!

Exploring:

A pretty trip down the lake is a ride to Holiday Island near Eureka Springs, AR. Tie up at the dock at Holiday Island and call for a shuttle pick up. They will take you into Eureka Springs, where you can wander and shop till your heart’s content, grab a bite to eat and then call for the shuttle to take you back to the docks.

Photo Op:

Speaking of Arkansas don’t miss the MO/ AR state line. Drop anchor, get out and

swim over and take pictures of you in 2 states at once or you and your friends in separate states but side by side.

Bonus:

To explore even more beautiful scenery on TRL, be sure to check out Virgin Bluff at Cape Fair, Baxter, Hideaway, and Big Cedar.

There is no shortage of things to see and do on our beautiful Table Roc k Lake. We hope this gives you some ideas of things to explore around the area.

New Business in Town

Al and Beth Lockhart are no strangers to hard work. Through the years they have owned several successful businesses and when they recognized a need in their community, they decided to take the challenge.

The Sandwich Shop was still just a concept when Al and Beth began looking for the perfect location. There were many buildings considered, but none perfectly fit the dream. When The Buttonwood Center was being reconstructed after the fire, they began to see the potential of this cute little strip. And then, the work began.

This clean, simple concept, sandwich shop is exactly what the surrounding area was looking for. The owners keep the menu simple, yet complete. Their menu is handcrafted featuring Boar’s Head meats and cheese and other top shelf ingrediants They offer sandwiches, wraps, salads, daily soups and a Hot Ruben that has already created a stir in the neighborhood (please note, this sandwich is only available on M-W-F)!

The shop is open Monday through Friday from 10am - 4pm and Saturday from 10am - 2pm. It is run by Al, Beth and her mom Patti. They are a small crew and only take orders in house (no phone in or online orders at this time).

I enjoyed the Godlen Turkey Stacker as a wrap, and it was so packed I saved half for later! They offer a 4 oz version or a Super size with 8 oz ensuring everyone leaves full.

Summer is a great time to stop in and grab a bite. Better yet, grab your food to go and head to the lake! Whatever you do, add The Sandwich Shop to your list of stops when you are out in Kimberling City.

We are so lucky to have new options in our small towns, I encourage you to visit and ensure they are successful!

The Sandwich Shop

13272 Hwy 13, Kimberling City

Find us on Facebook

Dining Out on the lake

CAFE BRIDGES @ State Park Marina

380 State Park Marina Dr, Branson 417-464-6328

Complimentary Dock Parking

MENU

INDIAN POINT FLOATING CAFE

3443 Indian Point Rd, Branson 417-338-2101

Complimentary Dock Parking

MENU

ROCK ISLAND GRILL @ Rock Lane Marina

611 Rock Lane, Branson 417-338-2211

Complimentary Dock Parking

MENU

TABLE ROCK LAKE RESTAURANT @ Lakeside Resort

153 Coney Dr, Branson West 417-858-0223

Complimentary Dock Parking

MENU

SHARKY’S PIZZA @ Lazy Lee’s Resort

49 Lazylee Lane, Branson West 417-338-2253

delivery to dock

MENU

PIER 28

@ Kimberling City Marina

344 Nautical Cir, Kimberling City

417-527-1580

Complimentary Dock Parking

MENU

THE VIEW

@ Kimberling City

11863 MO-13, Kimberling City 417-332-5105

Complimentary Dock Parking

MENU

GOOFY GOOSE

Lakeside Bar & Grill

27 Schooner Creek Rd

Kimberling City

417-402-7337

Complimentary Dock Parking

MENU

BIG BUOYS

12051 MO-13, Kimberling City

417-739-6131

Complimentary Dock Parking

MENU

RIDE THE WAVE BAR & GRILL

@Baxter Marina

4667 St Hwy H, Lampe 417-739-3437

DOCK-N-EAT

@Big M Marina

26111 Big M Campground

Cassville

417-271-3853

Complimentary Dock Parking

MENU

SS DOCKSIDE

@ King’s River Marina

27504 Big Rock Rd

Shell Knob

417-858-0223

Complimentary Dock Parking

MENU

WATSON’S ON THE WATER

@Campbell Point Marina

1363 Campbell Point Rd

Shell Knob

417-858-2540

Complimentary Dock Parking

MENU

STUFFED & PRESSED

@ Cape Fair Marina

1500 Shadrack Rd, Cape Fair

417-538-4161

Complimentary Dock Parking

MENU

Retirees: Talk finances with your grown children

When you’re retired, you’ll likely have some financial concerns — just like all retirees. However, if you’ve invested regularly and followed a long-term financial strategy, you should be able to address most issues that come your way. But there’s one important action that’s sometimes overlooked by retirees: sharing their financial situation with their grown children. And this knowledge can benefit everyone in your family.

You might be surprised by the concern your children have for your financial well-being. Consider these findings from a 2023 study by Age Wave and Edward Jones:

66% of millennials (generally defined as ranging from 27 to 42) worry that their parents or in-laws may not have enough money to live comfortably in retirement.

83% of millennials would rather know their parents are financially secure in their retirement, even if it means their parents pass on less money to them.

If you have children in this age range or older, or who soon will be, how can you address their concerns and potentially improve your financial outlook? Communication is the key. By openly communicating with your family about your financial status, you can reduce anxieties and misperceptions. If you’re in good financial shape, your adult children may be reassured that you won’t be needing their assistance. And if you are feeling some financial pressures, you can inform your children of the steps you are taking to improve your situation.

One such step may be to reduce your cost of living — the less you spend day to day, the better your ability to preserve your investment and retirement accounts. You may be able to reduce costs in many small ways, such as ending streaming services you no longer use, but you could make an even bigger impact by downsizing your living arrangements. In fact, 72% of today’s retirees have downsized or are willing to downsize to reduce their housing costs, according to the Age Wave/Edward Jones survey. Downsizing isn’t for everyone, but if it’s a possibility for you, it may be worth considering because the savings could be significant.

You may also be able to reduce or consolidate your debts. Start by understanding how much and what kinds of debt you have. Then, consider ways to lower your payments, such as refinancing. For example, if you’re carrying a balance on multiple credit cards, you might be able to transfer the amounts you owe onto a single card with a more favorable interest rate.

Here’s another move to consider: Adjust your investment mix to possibly provide you with more income in retirement. During your working years, you may have invested primarily for growth — after all, you could be retired for two or more decades, so you’ll need to draw on as many financial assets as possible. But once you’re retired, your investment focus may need to shift somewhat toward income-producing opportunities. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll still need some growth potential to help keep ahead of inflation.

One final suggestion: Let your children know if you already have a strategy in place to meet the potentially high costs of long-term care, such as a nursing home stay. This burden is certainly something you won’t want your children to take on.

By informing your children about your financial picture, and how you’re trying to improve it, you can ease everyone’s minds — so keep the lines of communication open.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

If you are an adventure seeker and enjoy being off-road, then Texplex at Fox Creek is a perfect day trip. Offering thrills of all levels for UTV’s and Jeeps.

Featuring trails for beginners to experts, you can go offroading for a few hours or the whole day. The park allows you to bring your own powersports toys or off road vehicles. However, you can always

Day Trippin’

rent vehicles from the park. Options for guided or self-guided rentals. The trails are cut through the beautiful Ozarks, creating a safe, unique and fun experience. The park can accomodate families.

There are over 40 miles of trails with difficulty levels from 3-7 out of 10. You will find by-passes for hilly terrains and the trails are expanding everyday.

The park is meticulously planned, running one way throughout. Along the trail there are loops that you can take to stop and rest. There are also first aid stations available if needed.

I visited on opening weekend and I had the chance to go for a ride. I really enjoyed the trails, there is nothing like off-roading in an open UTV through

the Ozark hills. Even though the day was very warm, the trails were shady and cool as we drove through. The canopy of the trees provided the perfect amount of shade.

Texplex offers day passes and annual memberships depending on your commitment to off-roading. You can also rent cont on page 30

UTV’s and necessary gear. Whether you are an experienced driver or a passanger, you will be happy you visited the park.

To learn more: Texplex at Fox Creek Park 4425 State Hwy JJ, Hollister MO 65672

833-988-7275

www.texplexfoxcreek.com

Fireworks 2023

Fireburst Fireworks over Table Rock Lake

Kimberling City, MO July 2nd

Approximate start time is 9pm

Chateau on the Lake Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

Chateau on the Lake July 2nd

Approximate start time is 9pm

Liberty Light Up and Concert

Branson Landing July 3rd Music starts at 6:30pm with fireworks after Annual Hollister 4th of July Celebration

Hollister, MO July 4th

Approximate start time is 9pm

Big Cedar Lodge July 4th Fireworks

Hollister, MO July 4th

Approxiamte fireworks start time is 9pm

Ask an Expert: Home and Property Maintenance

Welcome to Ask an Expert: Home and Property Maintenance.

Each month our featured home and property expert will answer questions that provide information, tips and advice on a medley of homeowner topics. We hope to help our readers gain new insights into a variety of local home service professionals, services and products. Our goal is to make maintaining your home easier and empower you with the knowledge that you need to be a successful homeowner in the TableRock lake area. Let’s get started.

Who is our July expert?

“We actually have three experts with us this month! Tyrel Middleton, Service Manager for AireServ Heating and Cooling; Scott Jay, Owner of Mr. Rooter Plumbing and James Clevenger, Technician for Dryer Vent Wizard.”

Wow! Great. Tell us a little bit about what services each of you offer.

Tyrel: “Well, AireServ provides professional maintenance, repair and installation of home comfort systems with residential properties in the Springfield and Branson area. We also prioritize indoor air quality (IAQ) and provide services as well as equipment to ensure your home has healthy air.”

Scott: “Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers a vari -

ety of residential and commercial plumbing services such plumbing repair and replacement, installation, pipe drainage, water heaters, sewer line repair, water treatment, system maintenance, emergency repair, etc. If water runs through it we do it.”

James: “Dryer Vent Wizard services everything dryer vents. Inspections, cleaning, installation and repair. We can handle all of your dryer vent needs. We do not offer other dryer repair services, only dryer vents.”

Ok. Great. What makes your home repair company stand out above your competitors?

Scott: “All three companies actually adhere to the same code of ethics and values. Respect, integrity, customer focus and having fun are paramount to our success. We also uphold the Neighborly Done Right Promise.”

What is the Neighborly Done Right Promise?

Tyrel: “We stand behind our work and will get the job done right! We have the skills to make sure that we fix the issue correctly and effectively.” We strive to provide you with choices to resolve your issues and perform professional workmanship.”

James: “When you call Dryer Vent Wizard you are calling on a team of skilled, qualified service professionals. You can be sure it will be Done Right.”

We surely have readers that need one of your services. Are any of you offering any specials for readers this month?

Tyrel: Absolutely! At AireServ, we offer an Advantage Plan. It is a yearly maintenance plan for your heating and cooling system. We will come out twice a year to clean, inspect and service your system. The AireServ Advantage Plan also gives you priority scheduling and 15% off parts and services. It’s normally $189.00 but if you mention this article we will give you an Advantage Plan for $129.00. That’s a great value that will extend the life of your system.”

Scott: “Mr. Rooter will give you 10% off any service and we are offering the Mr. Rooter Advantage Plan for $99.00. Our plumbing maintenance services prevent emergency plumbing issues from cropping up. We also provide priority scheduling and special pricing for Mr. Rooter Advantage Plan members. Advantage Plans have so many benefits.

James: “If you mention this article Dryer Vent Wizard will give you $20.00 off your diagnostic. It is normally $39.00. We also have an LTR Plan. For a one-time flat fee of $37.00 we will provide free dryer vent inspections,

yearly email reminder, no future service fees and 20% off cleaning and repairs.”

Thanks so much guys! Can our readers get your phone numbers and website addresses so that they can contact you for their home repair and maintenance needs?

Tyrel: Sure. We are AireServ Heating and Cooling . Call us at 417.386-8939 or visit us at www.aireserv.com/branson

Scott: We are Mr. Rooter Plumbing Call us at 417.453.2279 or visit us at www.mrrooter.com/branson

James: We are Dryer Vent Wizard . Call us at 417.633.7937 or visit us at www.dryerventwizardspringfield.com

By: Christal Valbracht www.aireserv.com www.dryerventwizardspringfield.com www.MrRooter.com

Twin-Oaks Resort

You catch a glimpse of the lake along the route to Twin Oaks Resort, but you have no idea what is waiting for you until you arrive. This sprawling property is beautifully maintained, with lush grass rolling between the cabins, plenty of amenities and easy access to the lake.

Tom & Debbie Griskell take pride in their property, constantly updating and improving the resort grounds and cabins. Each cabin is free standing, allowing guests their privacy and personal space. There are patios, picnic tables and grills to use on site.

The resort is ready to welcome a couple, small families and large groups as well! It features a large Studio, (5) two-bedroom cabins, and a four bedroom lake house. This allows a party of 2 or a party of 12 the comfort they desire. Or, if you plan in advance, you can rent the entire place for your reunion or gathering!

Let the fun begin...

On the walk to the lake you pass an inviting pool area, featuring a water slide and covered gazebo complete with sound system. There are also tables with umbrellas around the pools edge to accomodate small groups. Pool toys and background music pull you in and remind you what a vacation should be.

Once you make your way to the dock, there are boat slips available for rent and 2 pontoon boats for rent. The dock is in a very private cove and has a large swim deck with a few float pads available for added fun.

Twin Oaks Resort also has an 18’ and a 21’ pontoon available for rent and they offer a tube with a full day rental of the 21’ boat. I find their rates to be very good and accessibility/ privacy to be amazing.

For those cool evenings, or group gatherings, there is a fire pit, pre-stocked with all the wood you need and comfortable chairs. This will be cont. on page 36

For reservations please call Debbie or Tom: Phone: 417-338-2548

Email: info@twinoaks-resort.com

Website: www.twinoak s-resort.com

a perfect end to a fun-packed day, sitting around the fire sharing stories and memories of your time on the lake.

Then, once you are sufficiently exhausted, the rooms are well appointed and very comfortable. You will find everything you need on site for your visit.

After walking the whole property, and visiting with the owners, I believe it is possible that you could spend your entire vacation at the resort, never leaving, and you would still have a fun filled, exciting lake experience. They can accomodate your small family, or a very large group. The options really are wide open.

Price is affordable for the cabins and the boat rentals. This is the perfect lake front vacation stay, with the exact setup that you imagine when dreaming of visiting Table Rock Lake.

Debbie & Tom prefer you make your reservations by phone. This allows them the opportunity to ensure you get the perfect fit for your stay.

Favorite Recipes with The Rogue Chef

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Yield: 6 servings Time: 2.5 hours

Ingredients:

2 pounds Golden Potatoes, thinly sliced (use Mandolin)

2 ½ C Heavy Cream

2 T Butter

7 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme

4 Garlic Cloves, smashed

2 tsp Salt

2 tsp Pepper

1 C Manchego Cheese, grated

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 325°F

• In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, garlic, thyme, and butter

• Heat mixture over medium-to-low heat until it begins to simmer

• Let simmer for 30-40 minutes (Thyme leaves will fall off; remove sprigs)

• Use an immersion blender to combine garlic smoothly into the cream

• In a 6 x 9 pan, arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them

• Pour a portion of the cream mixture over the potatoes, coating the potatoes

• Sprinkle salt and pepper over the cream

• Add ¼ C Manchego Cheese evenly

• Repeat the process, layering the potatoes, pouring cream mixture, adding salt & pepper, and putting Manchego Cheese over each layer until all the potatoes and/or cream are used

• Bake for 1 hour without the last layer of Manchego Cheese

• Let cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight

• Preheat oven to 375°F

• Sprinkle the remaining Manchego Cheese over the top

• Bake until golden brown

• Let sit for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving

• Go Rogue by steeping jalapenos in the cream.

Don’t want to make this yourself?

Hire Chef Jeff, The Rogue Chef, in Branson, Missouri. He will make the perfect meal for you.

www.TheRogueChefBranson.com

A Family Tradition: Table Rock Lake

By Tiffany McLemore

The Hunt Family

As it is with a lot of TRL visitors, this lake is in our family’s DNA. Our family started coming here on vacations back in the 60s. Now 4 generations of our family have come to love this lake, whether it’s been on vacation or as each of us has moved and called the Ozarks and TRL home.

For my dad Jerry, lake life at Table Rock started when he was just a kid. My grandparents discovered the beauty of Table Rock and started taking my dad and aunt on vacation in the summer of 1964. My dad has always had a love for the water, and vacations at Table Rock just enhanced that

love. Skiing was a loved lake sport for them all. The family had so much fun vacationing at Table Rock that when my parents married, they spent their honeymoon here.

In 1998, Mom, Dad and Josh moved to the area so they could be even closer to Table Rock. They set up their home about an hour north of the lake, while continuing the lake life tradition of boating on the weekends. I came to visit whenever I could, especially during boating season!

As Josh and I became adults we both got married and started our own families. Table Rock continued to be a large part of our lives. 3rd and 4th generations of the Hunt family on Table Rock Lake!

The tradition continued into parenthood for Jerry and Deb (Dad & Mom). They vacationed here throughout the years as they were raising us. My brother Josh and I spent many summer vacations tubing, trying to ski, swimming, snorkeling, and just exploring the wondrous beauty of TRL. We were fortunate to be here on vacation the summer when the Branson Belle was launched. We joined hundreds of other boaters on the lake to witness this really cool event and something that we are sure to never forget.

We’d bring the kids and go boating with Mom and Dad as much as we could, instilling those fond lake memories in our own kids.

Whenever we get together, whether it be an actual trip to the lake or just for dinner, the kids all go on and on about the time one cousin got thrown off the tube or Big Mabel or whatever the case may be! Those boating trips are always talked about! Same goes for Josh and I, and Mom and Dad. We have so many fond memories of boating at Table Rock.

One of the coolest things about lake life is the ability to share it with others, whether that be your family or your friends. There is truly nothing better than living the lake life!

Thank you to the Hunt family for sharing your story. We love sharing family memories and showcasing how special time on the lake can be.

If you have a story to share, please send a note to the editor at hello@lostonthelake.us

Night Out with Chris Janson

Black Oak Amphitheater kicked off the July 4th weekend in style. Even in the sweltering heat, The Cadillac Three and Tim Montana got the crowd ready for headliner Chris Janson.

Chris Janson came out with more energy than should be legal, using the entire stage to perform his biggest hits. The crowd was on their feet for most of the show, singing along with “Fix A Drink”, “Good Vibes”, “All I need Is You” and more.

While the band took a break, Chris sang a song he wrote for his daughter, in celebration of her birthday. At the end, she came on stage and they shared a hug and a few tears. It really was a sweet moment. During the show he also brought out his “smokin’ hot wife” and performed with his son, who is a mini version of his dad.

At one point, the rain fell, giving everyone a quick reprieve from the heat, but that was short lived. Even though it was hot, the weather didn’t stop anyone from having their best time. Chris reminisced about the years he spent living in SW Missouri and how amazing it felt to drive through the Ozarks again and spend the evening in its beauty.

Chris ended the show with “Buy Me A Boat” with the audiences loud approval. It really was the perfect start to a long, holiday weekend!

Be sure to grab tickets to Jeff Foxworthy, playing Friday night July 7th.

What LiesBeneath ...

Stories About What Is Buried By

Jakie Shelter

Table Rock Lake © Tom Koob 2023

People lived on the alluvial terraces of the White River thousands of years before Table Rock Lake. The Bluffdwellers made their homes in rock shelters on the bluffs and ridges above the river. They hunted mastodon, giant sloth and short-faced bear. The Bluffdwellers fished the streams and gathered foods from the forest and glades. Eventually they cultivated an early form of corn. But these people either died out,

moved on or were forced out of their hunting grounds by other First Nations people.

During the early development phase of the Table Rock project, the Universities of Missouri and Arkansas and the Missouri Archaeological Society made heroic efforts to identify and analyze these ancient sites before they were inundated by the big reservoir.

Jakie Shelter today

photo by Tom Koob

Sites were found all along the White River and its many tributaries. Digs at these locations revealed much about the lives of the Bluffdwellers through the objects and human remains unearthed.

From 1955 through 1956, the Table Rock Salvage Project excavated a very important site on the upper Kings River — Jakie Shelter. Jakie was a large rock shelter about a half mile up Jakie Hollow from the Kings.

Excavation at Jakie Shelter revealed evidence of use over a prolonged period of time. A variety of artifacts were found in the different layers excavated, including seventeen burial sites. One of the interred skeletons was deemed to be that of a “medicine woman”. Along with her remains was an interesting assortment of personal belongings including beads, awls, a whistle, red ocher and a flint knife. The other skeletal finds ranged from the remains of infants to adults. It was hoped the bones would yield information on the life style and diseases of these early people. The Jakie Stemmed point is named for the unique shaped stone blades found at this site. They date from

5000-4000 BC.

An “open house” was held at the Jakie site in May, 1956. Over 5000 people from the area visited the dig site to view the archaeological work in progress.

Keith Shumaker of Golden, Mo. worked at the Jakie Shelter site in 1956. Keith was one of three local young men hired by the Table Rock Salvage Project to assist with the dig at Jakie. Local help was employed to help locate possible archaeological sites and also to work the digs. Keith was paid $1.25 an hour for his hard work at Jakie.

Carl Chapman and Robert Bray of the University of Missouri and other members of the Missouri Archaeological Society oversaw the work at Jakie Shelter. Keith Shumaker described the site as a large bluff shelter with a significant overhang in the bluff wall next to Jakie Creek.The shelter was “dry” in that it did not have water flowing through it and was protected from the elements. Archaeological relics are typically much better preserved in a “dry” shelter. The area in and around

cont on page 46

Relics interred with the “medicine woman” from the Missouri Archaeological Society’s “A Report of Progress”, ed. Carl H. Chapman

The “medicine woman” remains from the Missouri Archaeological Society’s “A Report of Progress”, ed. Carl H. Chapman

the bluff shelter was marked off in a grid pattern with each square given its own identification. Using a mattock, Keith and the others working the site scraped away the soil looking for ashes, flint chips or any other sign of human habitation. If an interesting stratum was found, a small shovel, trowel and paint brush were used to carefully outline and remove an object. Bones were of particular interest.

Keith Shumaker was digging in one of the grid squares when his mattock struck something unusual. He immediately informed Bob Bray and upon further examination, they uncovered a human skull. This find was the burial of the “medicine woman” found at Jakie.

Keith remembers the open house held at Jakie Shelter as being a very large event with thousands of visitors coming from the region to view the archaeological work. To accommodate the big crowd, the road to Jakie was improved by grading. Local Boy Scouts, Sheriff’s deputies and several members of the Missouri Archaeological Society were recruited for crowd control and as guides.

Keith says the local store ran out of refreshments well before noon. Shumaker says he learned a lot from Chapman and Bray and is glad he had the experience working at Jakie Shelter.

Jakie Shelter was just one of hundreds of ancient sites examined in the White River Valley. Almost all of these locations are now covered by tons of Table Rock Lake water. The hard work done by archaeologists of the Table Rock Lake Salvage project was able to capture important information and clues about the lives of the people who inhabited this Ozarks region before their

traces were forever buried by Table Rock Lake.

Tom Koob is a local author who has written several books about Ozarks history.

His work is available on Amazon “new” books or by contacting him at: wolpublishing@gmail.com.

Open house at Jakie Shelter from the Missouri Archaeological Society’s “A Report of Progress”, ed. Carl H. Chapman

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