Looking upstream on Lake Taneycomo to Table Rock Lake Dam from boat launching ramp.

BRANSON, MO, May 21, 2013 – The words of Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center came to mind last week as I stood on the banks of Lake Taneycomo within sight of Table Rock Dam. She had said, “Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping, lakes and other activities provide a broad choice of things for its visitors to do, but what’s really great is the different specific options visitors have within those general choices.”

Take fishing for example, Branson’s two warm water lakes Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes are world class bass fisheries and the cold waters of Lake Taneycomo offer some of the finest Brown and Rainbow Trout fishing anywhere. Within the general category of trout fishing, Lake Taneycomo offers a variety of ways to fish from fishing off one of the fishing docks in downtown Branson, wading at Table Rock Dam or fishing from a boat to guided trout fishing trips of every kind.

I was brought out of my reverie as Carolyn Parker, who, in my opinion is one of the best fly fishers around, male or female, and the co-owner of River Run Outfitters with her husband Stan, who is no mean shake of a fly fisher himself, walked up. She had been kind enough to offer to take me fishing as she went out on her day off to continue the eternal quest of exploring for new “layups.” No, not the basketball shot, but a place where their guides can position their boats, either with oars or an anchor so that their clients can fly fish efficiently.

And that brings us to one of the most unique fishing opportunities available in Branson and one of the most peaceful and serene ways to view the beauty of upper Lake Taneycomo. It’s hard to imagine a better way to do that than by taking a guided River Run Outfitters fly fishing trip in one of their McKenzie western style drift boats that have no motors and are powered by, as Parker says, “‘people power’ rowing them.”

That’s right, shades of the trout fisheries of Montana and Wyoming, visitors to Branson can actually enjoy a “western style” drift trip within ten minutes of the shows, shopping, attractions and everything else Branson has to offer. And it’s the “real deal, River Run Outfitters has been an Orvis Endorsed Outfitter since 2000, won the prestigious “Orvis Outfitter of the Year award for 2006 and has been finalists for a number of years including the last three years.

River Run OUtfitters' Carolyn Parker ready for another fly fishing trip on Lake Taneycomo.

Some might ask, “They won over some of the big outfitters from out west?” Absolutely, the combination of the beauty of Lake Taneycomo, the service provided by River Run Outfitters and the quality of the fishery are simply amazing. Parker is a member of the International Women Fly Fishers (IWFF), has completed the “Fly Casting Instructors Course” given by Joan Wulff and, when she’s not managing River Run Outfitters full service Orvis fly shop or guiding clients, is probably fly fishing Lake Taneycomo.

She has had the opportunity to fly fish around the country in fisheries such as Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, Idaho, Utah and others. When asked how she would rate Lake Taneycomo as a trout fishery she said that both in terms of the quantity of fish caught and the total fly fishing experience, it is one of the best fisheries she has every fished particularly so in the “Trophy” or “Special Regulations of the lake in the upper three miles of the Lake starting at Table Rock Dam.

She did point out however, that if they are running water through Table Rock Dam for the generation of power, that wade fly fishing near the dam becomes increasingly more difficult, in terms of the space available to fish, water depth and the speed of the current as they increase the amount of generation and becomes just about impossible if they are generating more than 3,000 cfs. “Our drift boats are specifically designed for those conditions and provide fly fishers a way to have a great fly fishing experience regardless of whether or not power is being generated and in the vast majority of cases catch trout.”

They were generating about 6,000 cfs when Parker launched the boat and rowed us to our first layup which was actually upstream a bit from where we launched. Because of the unique style of the boat and its limited draft, the guides have extreme flexibility and can maneuver the boats, drop their anchor and position them on a current break, the edge of an eddy or just about anywhere else they want to position the boat and can even row against the current for short distances.

During our five hour trip we caught and released over 30 Rainbow Trout with the largest being 16 inches, had about 12 “rodeo fish,” on for less than 8 seconds, and missed easily twice that many, but that’s what makes it fishing. Our primary setup was a tandem rig consisting of a size 12 Big Ruby and a size 16 Red Ribbed Midge tied about 12 inches below the Big Ruby and fished under an indicator. We also got to do some stripping with intermediate sink tip line using the CQ Streamer. What a great time fishing, just being outdoors and spending time with and getting to watch one of the best fly fishers on Lake Taneycomo do her magic.

Another neat thing about a fly fishing trip on Lake Taneycomo with River Run Outfitters it that you can have a great time whether you are an expert fly fisherman or have never fly fished before. Their guides will tailor the trip to fit your level of expertise or desires and everything, except the fishing license and trout permit, is furnished including top of the line Orvis fly fishing equipment.

River Run Outfitters is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily and is located at 2626 Missouri 165, Branson, MO, just north of the Shepherd of the Hill Trout Hatchery. For further information please call 417-332-0460 or visit their website www.RiverRunOutfitters.com.

Main Street Marina's Paddle Wheel Pub

BRANSON, MO, March 18, 2013 — Opening to the public today, “The Paddle Wheel Pub” floating on Lake Taneycomo at Main Street Marina on the Branson Landing Boardwalk offers Branson visitors and locals alike a unique entertainment and dining experience. Larry Milton, co owner of Main Street Marina and Main Street Lake Cruises with his wife Lianne said, “The opening of the ‘Paddlewheel Pub’ is another step in making the Main Street Marina an exciting ‘one stop’ activity destination from which everyone can see, experience and enjoy one of Branson’s most precious aquatic gems, ‘Lake Taneycomo.’”

The Paddlewheel Pub is located right on the waters of Lake Taneycomo. Whether sitting inside and looking out through its large glass windows or sitting on the spacious patio decks Pub visitors have one of the best seats “in the house” for watching people walk along the Branson Landing Board Walk, seeing the lake activity on Lake Taneycomo such as the passage of the majestic boats of Main Street Cruise Lines as they depart for their voyages and one of the most unique vantage points available to see the Branson Landing Fountains, including its spectacular $7.5 million synchronized fire, water, light and music show.

In keeping with the overall riverboat, history and nostalgia theme of the Main Street Marina and Main Street Lake Cruises, the Paddlewheel Pub has a riverboat theme and is “Simple Fun and Yesterday Foods.” It features “Nathan’s Famous” hotdogs and Paddlewheel Pub specialty items, along with drinks ranging from milkshakes and soft drinks to a full bar service.

In addition to a variety of Nathan’s Famous hotdogs ranging from their “World Famous” original hotdog to “Chicago Dogs” the Pub features a complete menu of “Nathan’s Famous” items ranging from Chicken and Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches Pretzel Dogs, Corn Dogs lemonade and orangeade and much more. Paddlewheel Pub specialty items, listed in the same menu, but separately from, the Nathan’s Famous items includes a variety of simple fun foods. It offers sandwiches such as Fried Balogna, Gourmet Grilled Cheese and Peanut Butter and Jelly among others, Paddlewheel Mac-n-Cheese, Strawberry Bleu  Cheese Salad, Old Fashioned Tomato Soup, Fried Pickles, Paddle Wheel Wings and much more.

In addition to the Nathan’s Lemon and Orange Ade, the pub offers full fountain service featuring Coke products. In keeping with its “simple fun and yesterdays foods theme” the Pub also serves some drinks not commonly found in pubs such as milk shakes and root beer floats and, although not, a “drink” Snow Cones and Popsicles.

The Paddlewheel Pub also offers a complete bar service. This includes a complete selection of popular beers including some local specialty beers from Mother’s Brewery and White River Brewery and “Moonshine,” “Whiskey” and “Rum” from the locally operated “Copper Run Distillery” along with  a wide selection of “frozen” and other beverages.

Whether it’s a family just looking for a quick lunch or a milkshake and a soda while comfortably sitting on the patio experiencing the peace and beauty of Lake Taneycomo, someone looking for a quick snack or a group just wanting to sip a drink as dusk settles over the lake and watch the Branson Landing Fountain show, the Paddlewheel Pub provides the ideal place to do it. For more information on the Paddle Wheel Pub please call 1-417-239-3980.

Santa poised to surprise needy eating free Thanksgiving Breakfast in Clockers Cafe.

BRANSON, Mo., November 22, 2012 — The celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson runs from November 1 to December 31, but to many, the millions of sparkling Christmas lights just seem to glow a little brighter and the spirit of Christmas seems to grow almost exponentially each day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The result, although not definable in pure objective terms, is that America’s largest celebration of the traditional Christmas, Ozark Mountain Christmas, with its shows, drive through lighting displays, Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas and all the special activities associated with it becomes even more unique and special.

From a child’s perspective, it could be because the chances to see Santa Claus increase drastically. Why just this morning as this writer was walking through Historic Downtown Branson he talked with Santa in front of Clockers Café as he was poised to surprise some of the anticipated 600 people receiving a free Thanksgiving breakfast courtesy of Clockers owners Allen and Karen Theane and the many volunteers who served it. Santa pointed out that he is going to be pretty busy between now and Christmas and looks forward to greeting Branson’s boys and girls at area stores, Branson Landing by the big Christmas Tree, Bass Pro-Shops Winter Wonderland and other special events.

Starting this weekend, Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction will be sharing the magic and beauty of its “Fantasy Princess” as she brings “new Holiday Magic to Branson” every Wednesday through Sunday until December 30. Her appearance is part of the annual ‘Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland” featuring Edwardian-style decorations, thousands of holiday lights, one of the most unique gift shops in Branson with many one-of-a-kind items and “costumed merry-makers” that passengers on the ship will meet and interact with while on their “voyage.”

Every year, one can feel the Christmas spirit fill the air as the first Sunday in December approaches, December 2 this year, and an event that has been part of Branson’s heritage for 64 years, The Adoration Parade and Nativity scene lighting takes place in Historic downtown Branson. The parade has dozens of bands, floats and walking units participating in the parade, which is one of the few nighttime Christmas parades in the country and is unique because its sole purpose is to celebrate the very reason there is a Christmas by “Keeping Christ in Christmas.” This year the Adoration Parade will be preceded by a “Centennial Adoration Service” at 10:00 AM in the Branson Convention Center as the last event in Branson’s celebration of its Centennial.

Whatever the reason, the spirit of the traditional American Christmas that is an inherent part of Ozark Mountain Christmas just seems to grow and become more prevalent with each passing day. Perhaps, in the final analysis that’s the answer, as each day brings us closer to the real reason for the season and the spirit involved with the wonderful gift celebrated on Christmas Day; it’s only normal that the true spirit of Christmas would fill our hearts.

Mike Webb with a 7.30 pound bass he caught in the CPAA March Tournament on his way to winning Angler of the Year.

BRANSON, Mo., October 23, 2012 — “A big congratulations to Mike Webb on winning the coveted title of “Central Pro-Am Association Angler of the Year,” said Tiffany Isnard, the Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the major sponsors of the Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA). After a series of tournaments, spanning a period of approximately ten months, all fished on Branson’s Table Rock Lake, Webb, with a final score of 1262.58, nosed out fellow fisherman Brad Butler, with a final score of 1250.73, for First place by just 11.85 points. Bob Neff was Third, with 1233.34 points, Pete Wenners Fourth, with 1196.80 points and Jeff Durr Fifth, with 1182.85 points.

The quest for the CPAA Angler of the Year Award started on Dec. 3, 2011 and ended seven tournaments later on Sep. 15. The “points” earned by each fisherman are more than merely the total pounds of fish caught. They are a combination of points awarded for each tournament in the series, with points being awarded for participation, number of fish caught, total weight and placement in the tournament. To win the title, a fisherman must consistently produce at a high level throughout, the seven tournament series.

Going into the last tournament of the competition Webb and Butler were “neck in neck.” Although both Webb and Butler caught four bass, Webb’s 13.29 pound total weight, including the tournaments biggest bass, weighing 6.95 pounds” and First Place tournament finish; coupled with Butlers 11.06 pounds total weight and Sixth place tournament finish, earned Webb the coveted title of “Angler of the Year.” After earning the title Webb said, “This has been a goal of mine since I started fishing Central Pro Am 20 years ago. I’m ecstatic about winning my second event and the Angler of the Year title.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Isnard points out that Webb also runs a program called K.A. S. T. (Kids Are Special Too.) K.A.S.T. was founded in 1996 to educate kids about the hazards of drug use and provide an alternative to that use. Since that time Webb has traveled to countless school assemblies and other gathering of kids giving a “kid oriented” antidrug presentation and sharing fishing and the outdoors as an alternative to drugs.

As if that’s not enough, Webb is a professional fishing guide operating Webb’s Guide Service and has become the new owner of CPAA. He will take over the operation of CPAA with the start of its 2013 season. The first tournament of the 2013 season will be the two day Pro-Am Tournament, “The Bass Pro Fall Spectacular,” on Table Rock Lake out of the Ahoy’s ramp. Entries will be taken for the 2013 Bass Pro Shops Fall Spectacular and the rest of the 2013 CPAA season both on-line at www.central-proam.com  and via phone at 417-485-5644.

The CPAA Pro Champion will win a $40K Ranger, Mercury Motor and Trailer Package.

BRANSON, Mo (April 7, 2012)  “Even at this point, it’s the best opportunity most fishermen are going have to win a Ranger Bass Boat,”  said Jim Thompson, the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA). Thompson was referring to the fact that the winner of the CPAA’s Pro Division, at the end of its seven tournament series will, in addition to the prize money won for each tournament and being the CPAA Champion, also wins a 19 foot Ranger Bass Boat, 200 horse power Mercury Engine and trailer package valued at over $40,000.00.”

To be eligible to win the Ranger, the fisherman must be a member of the CPAA and have fished five out the seven of the 2012 CPAA Pro-Am Tournaments, all of which are being held on Table Rock Lake. Thompson said, “Although two of the seven tournaments have already been held, fisherman who fish all of the remaining five CPAA Pro-Am Tournaments, the first of which will be held next Saturday, April 21 out of Mill Creek on Table Rock Lake, are eligible to win the boat. The other four tournaments will be held on May 5, June 9, June 30 and September 15.

Thompson mentions that out that the total Championship scores for the 50 fishermen who fished the first two events range from a low of 25 to the high of 376.09. When asked if someone who started fishing next week could win the tournament Thompson chuckled and said, “Absolutely, this is after all bass fishing and anything can happen.” He clarified by explaining how the scoring system works.

There are three types of points, “Show Up,” “Weight” and “Placement.” Every fisherman in the tournament gets 25 Show Up Points just for showing up and fishing. The second element of the score is Weight Points, the total weight of the fish each weighs in. Placement Points are awarded based on the placement of the fisherman in the tournament with 150 points for First Place and a one point reduction for each place under that, i.e. 2nd Place 149, 3rd 148 etc. Fishermen must weigh in at least one qualifying fish to get any Placement Points.

Thompson points out that it’s every bit a possibility that a fisherman starting next weekend could win the Championship and the Ranger Mercury Boat Package. If the new fisherman caught 15.50 pounds and placed 15th in the tournament their score would be 25 Show Up Points, 15.50 Weight Points, and 135 Placement Points for a total of 175.50 Championship Points “With five tournaments to go and fishing being the sport that it is, although obviously the person with a 376.09 point lead at this point has an advantage, anything can, and probably will, happen.

The Championship and competition for the boat package is in addition to, based on 60 boats per tournament, up to $2,000 in the prize money that can be won at each of the five tournaments. The winner of each of the individual CPAA Tournaments in the series is based strictly on the total weight of the qualifying fish caught and weighed in. The total weight for each tournament is included in the Weight Points awarded towards the Championship and the Placement within each tournament based on that weight determines the number of Placement Points awarded.

Anyone wanting to enter next week’s tournament or more information on the CPAA can do so in person at the CPAA Office, located in the at 220 Branson Hills Parkway, Ste B, on the east end of the same building that Branson 1st Stop and the Branson Tourism Center are located in or  by calling 417-335-5075. CPAA’s website is www.central-proam.com/

Scrooge and the "Ghost of Christmas Present" looking in on Cratchit's celebration of Christmas.

When one is planning a day at Silver Dollar City, they are not normally thinking of “shows,” they are generally thinking about rides, craft demonstrations and all of the fun activities that it offers on a daily basis. Here’s something that a lot of people don’t fully appreciate however, Silver Dollar City puts on some of the most unique, entertaining and best produced shows in Branson during the many world class Festivals it runs each year including, but not limited to shows as different and exciting as “The Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus,” during “KidsFest,”’ “Headin’ West” during the National Harvest Festival and, of course, “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” as part of its “An Old Time Christmas” running through December 30.

After seeing “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “What a wonderful fantastic show. It is another example of the quality and breadth of the live shows that Branson offers its guests.”

Created specifically for Silver Dollar City, the 60 minute musical adaptation of the Dickens classic novel is not just a remarkable entertainment event, but a unique and special Christmas experience not available anywhere else. The “Christmas Carol” features an extremely talented cast, “a live band, astounding special effects, stunning Victorian scenery and exquisite period costuming.” That, combined with the spirit, energy and talent of the cast, brings the story of the skinflint Scrooge and his journey of change from “Humbug” to the true Christmas spirit to life in a dramtic, exciting and inspirational manner

“A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” is playing at the Opera House Theatre in Silver Dollar City and is included as part of your Silver Dollar City experience during its celebration of “An Old Time Christmas” through December 30. Although there are multiple performances scheduled each day, Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests, because of the show’s popularity, other festival shows such as the “Living Nativity” and “Frosty” along with  everything else there is to do at Silver Dollar City, that those planning to see any of Silver Dollars City’s shows should plan accordingly. She also points out that those buying their Silver Dollar City tickets through Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, get two full days at Silver Dollar City for the price of one.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact BTC by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Table Rock Lake's Still Waters Lakeside Resort on Indian Point.

The Branson area is oft times referred to as the “Tri-Lakes” area because of its three lakes Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake. Together they provide fishermen, boaters and water sports enthusiasts with a year round selection of activities of every type from swimming, scuba diving and fishing to boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, parasailing and just about any other water sport or fun type of activity.

Of the three lakes, the two most often used by Branson visitors would be Table Rock Lake with its 741 miles of shore line and the 22 mile long Lake Taneycomo. Both are situated within less than 10 minutes of the famed Branson Strip, with all its fabulous live shows, attractions, thousands of hotel and motel rooms of every type, shopping and everything else that makes Branson the popular vacation destination that it is.

The 43,100 surface acre Table Rock Lake is the “crown jewel” of Branson’s water related recreational activities. Its warm waters provide the source for the majority of the water related sports activities in the Tri-Lakes and some of the finest bass fishing in the United States. Convenient public access to Table Rock Lake, from Branson, is available through the State Park Marina located just south of Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers boat ramps located at Moon Shine Beach, immediately north of the Table Rock Dam on Highway 165 and Indian Point Park located 8 miles west of Branson on State Highway 76, and about two miles south on Indian Point Road.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, points out that there are a variety of campgrounds and other lodging facilities located right on the shores and within minutes of the lake. “Two properties that immediately come to mind,” she said. “is the iconic Chateau on the Lake standing high above the lake near the dam and the Still Waters Lakeside Resort located right on the lake on  Indian Point.” She also points out that one of the most popular camping areas on Table Rock Lake is the “State Park Campground” located along with the State Park Marina just south of Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165.

Lake Taneycomo is a long narrow lake that runs from the foot of Table Rock Dam to the Power Site Dam, and the headwaters of Bull Shoals Lake, 22 mile downstream. It is a cold water lake due to the temperature of the water being discharged into the lake through power generation at the Table Rock Dam. In terms of the number of fish caught, Lake Taneycomo is one of the finest Rainbow and Brown Trout fisheries in the country.

Its cold water is not conducive to the same type of water activities as are the warm waters of Table Rock Lake. Although there is some excellent bass fishing available toward its lower end and in its creeks, Lake Taneycomo’s primary water activity is boating and trout fishing.

Lake Taneycomo has a number of lakeside resorts such as Trout Hollow and Lilley’s Landing and the city of Branson operates a lakeside campground with full facilities just south of Branson Landing on Box Car Willie Drive. Convenient access to the lake is provided at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, the Cooper Creek Launch Area and the south end of the city of Branson’s campground. Scotty’s Trout Dock, located near the public launch area in the city campground is a great source of information, boat rentals, bait, and guide services.

Bull Shoals Lake, a 45, 000 thousand acre impoundment, with over 1050 miles of shoreline, offers the same type of boating and fishing as does Table Rock Lake. Except for fishermen and probably because of the closeness of Table Rock Lake to Branson, Bull Shoals Lake does not play a major role in the water activities of most Branson visitors even though it is but 20 minutes away.

Branson’s “Tri-Lakes” not only provide a variety of water sports and activities, but in offering it so close to everything else that Branson offers they provide an element of uniqueness that helps make Branson such a special place.

CPAA's Jim Thompson, right and Larry "Doc" Seger.

BRANSON, Mo. “I am honored to be fishing in the PAA this year and satisfied, at this point, with my tenth place finish in my first tournament,” said Larry “Doc” Seger, a Table Rock Lake guide from Kimberling City, Mo. Doc’s comment came shortly after the Professional Angler’s Association (PAA) held their first tournament of the “2011 Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix” on Lake Lanier in northeast Georgia March 31st through April 2nd.

“I caught every fish on a Chompers 3/8 ounce Pro Shaky Head Jig with a Green Pumpkin Salty Sinker soaked in Chompers Formula G Garlic,” he said. During the first two days he limited out, but on the last day he only caught two fish. He said that last day was windy, the bass had changed the way they were hitting and he had trouble feeling the hits. As a result, although he estimates he had about 10 bites, he only hooked and brought two to the boat.

Doc indicated that his satisfaction at this point stems from the fact that he took tenth place out of a field of over 60 of the finest professional fishermen in the country, won over $6,900 in his first PAA tournament and is in an excellent position to qualify for the “Toyota Texas Bass Classic” (TTBC) to be held October 28 – 30 at Lake Conroe in Conroe, TX. The top 15 finishers in the PAA’s regular tournament series, consisting of three tournaments, the one just completed at Lake Lanier, the second to be held on Table Rock Lake June 23 – 25 and the third on Neely Henry Lake in Gadsden, AL August 18 – 20, will go on to compete in the TTBC.

The TTBC has a unique championship format in that its field is made up of the top 15 fishermen from the three major national bass fishing circuits, the FLW, BASS, and the PAA all fishing against each other. Last year the TTBC was won by Brian Snowden of Reeds Spring, Mo, who bested Mike Iaconelli by just over a pound and won $110,000 and a new bass boat in the process.

Seger points that just qualifying for TTBC means that you have already earned tens of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes as a result of fishing just the three PAA Tournaments. “Depending on the number of competitors in each tournament there is up to $250,000 in cash and prizes to be won in each,” he continued.

He said that he is focusing on one tournament at a time with the next PAA tournament being conducted on his home lake and the lake that he guides on, “Table Rock Lake.” When asked if that gave him an advantage he said that although fishing your home lake is obviously an advantage that the playing field is leveled for all the fishermen by the PAA’s 30 day off limits rule. This rule prohibits any tournament fisherman from fishing on a tournament lake within 30 days of the tournament.

Doc says the journey with PAA has been a wonderful experience starting with his winning the Central Pro-Am Association’s “Angler of the Year” in 2010. One of the prizes for winning that title was an all expense ‘ride’ to fish the entire 2011 PAA Tournament Series, including paid entry fees, food, fuel and lodging allowances worth, with entry fees etc. over $18,000. He credits his experience in fishing with the Central Pro-Am Association over the years for helping put him his current position.

Jim Thompson the owner of Central Pro-Am Association said, “Larry is a great fisherman and all-around good guy. We congratulate him on his great finish, are very proud of his accomplishments and wish him well on his wonderful journey.”