Crystal Springs area

Purple seemed to be the color of the day as Leon and I rode the quads past wild verbena, thrift, spider worts and other unknown wild flowers on the old logging trails in the forest that adjoined our campground. It was a thrilling adventure for over six miles.

Several small streams required fording and we took turns trying to splash each other as we went through several mud puddles. We only wished for more quads to share the experience with others.


The final morning of Narksmo 2009 was a day in the park at last! Leon visited with Mark before he left on his bike.


Patty, Peter and Carolyn took to the water for a morning float. The sixty percent chance of rain was surely not for our area as it turned out to be a beautiful sunny day after a hazy early morning beginning.


It was sad to see so many WINs friends leave for their next adventure but so rewarding to have seen friends again and made new ones. Before they left they got to see Leon's valiant attempt at kayaking. He did really well except for one small spurt of exuberance that sent him tumbling.





He tried several boats but seemed to really like Patty's Hobie.


Peter took it out for a sail. It was the maiden voyage with the sail attached.


After circle we roasted hot dogs and shared leftovers. Carolyn roasted her's while Peter chose strips of steak that he graciously shared.


The five of us ended the day roasting marshmallows and making smores.
It has just been an excellent week in the Ouachitas.

Dragover Float

Morning clouds and forecasts for 80% rain threatened therefore most of the WINs decided to stay home while Mark, Peter, Carolyn, and I went off to float the three mile dragover loop of the Ouachita River. Well, guess who got the rain? It sprinkled a little when we first put in while it rained and washed the pollen from the cars and RVs at Crystal.

The dragover loop was the most fun float of the three we agreed. A favorite was the one foot drop. It was so much fun that we walked the ten minute trail to get the truck, load the kayaks, and do it again! There were abundant wildflowers including wild verbena on the hillsides. The float was uneventful so Mark retained the dump hat which he proudly donned at circle!

An evening "burn your own" brought everyone back to the campfire that followed. The grill sizzled with chicken, steak, potatoes, and veggies. Chris and Kay joined us for the evening campfire and cookout.


A new batch of Suzanne's guacamole was again a great hit!

Ouachita River Float

A slow meander down the Ouachita River among the sweet gum trees swaying in the breeze while the giant sycamores leaned out over the water to provide shade for any fish that might lurk along the banks was the order of the day. We wished for more rapid waters but there were several good spots.

We stopped at the cave obviously washed out by the rushing waters.

The low water bridge gave us pause for a few moments but it was no problem going underneath.

We had put in 6 miles upstream from Rocky Shoals where we took out.

In the evening we lit the candle again to finish the burn and see who chose the lucky section!

Bertie and Patty caught up with us so now we are an even dozen.

Lake Ouachita Vista Trail

The LOViT Trail in the national forest provided plenty of exercise as we strolled along under the towering pines on dogwood petals that have recently fallen letting us know that summer is on the way. The trumpet vines must also be above head as we saw the flowers on the ground but not in the trees. The trailhead was at Shangri La in the Joplin Recreation Area so we stopped into the cafe for a piece of pie and/or lunch.

The return trip to the campground was via Hickory Nut Mountain. The vista overlooking the lake proved to everyone that we were not on a small lake where we could see the opposite shore from our campsites but a vast area of water and islands that stretches across several counties.

We stopped for a geocache at the spring while descending the mountain. It was a clever cache but the highlight for many of us was the lady slipper standing quietly and alone alongside the trail to the cache.

The frog seemed oblivious to it all.


At circle Mark was awarded the dump hat for Narksmo 2009. He and Bill seemed to be competing for the prize! It was even accompanied by glasses. Hopefully they won't wash away.



After circle we gathered around to wolf down some awesome guacamole dip that Suzanne made and watch Mark grill fantastic fajitas.

Mary and Chris stopped for a visit but I was so busy fixing salad I hardly got to visit. Maybe they will come again.


It was then time to light the WIN candle that Leon and Bill had hauled home and cut for us! What a perfect ending to a perfect day.

This was just the beginning! The candle burned on two consecutive nights.

Caddo River float

The WINs first float was on the Caddo River beginning at Arrowhead, north of Glenwood. The 7.2 mile float down the narrow stream among the giant sycamores and oaks was quite eventful. Our first kayak flipped 25 feet downstream and it was laughs from then on until we got out at the Glenwood Bridge.



We lunched on a gravel bar before continuing downstream awaiting more rapids and excitement. There was a total of five dunks but we won't give out names!

The back country roads provided a scenic tour through the Ouachita National Forest and rural communities as we headed home, tired but happy.

Friday night found five of us enjoying downtown Hot Springs. Dayton Waters, a talented 12 string guitar artist, wowed the crowd.


The Ohio Club, now known as Capone's Ohio Club was originally known as the Ohio Club Cigar Store and was a well-known establishment for gambling and bookies in the heyday of wide open illegal gambling.

Garvan Gardens

The various shades of pink and white azaleas were quite prominent on our morning walk at Garvan Woodland Gardens. Eight of us strolled the paths and marveled at the rock work while enjoying the vast array of trees, shrubs, and plants. Before long the hydrangeas should make a valiant showing. The grape hollies intrigued us with their various shades of blue and purple berries. The waterfall is a favorite with Kurt!


There were many people practicing their pastel painting skills throughout the park.


Then there was the impromptu fun at the Anthony Chapel. Anyone would be impressed by the architecture and serenity of the chapel in it's woodland setting. Here Suzanne and Bill pose!



After bar-b-q at McClard's, a well known local establishment, it was back to the campground for afternoon naps, kayaking, or geocaching.

It is great to visit with Chris many mornings as she and Henry stop by for a walk or a cup of coffee. Then at night I have been running up to the liquor store to check my email. It is a good life out here.

Hot Springs tour

A 1.7 morning hike around the summit of Hot Springs Mountain in Hot Springs National Park was a good way to kick off the weeklong campout of the WINs.
It was interesting to see how the new cell phone tour works. At different spots in the national park a sign provides a number to call and code to enter.. A recording informs you of various facts about the spot. Here Jo and Mark listen intently.

After the hike Rolando's Ecuadorian food satisfied the starving hikers. We enjoyed the upper level patio nestled among the trees on the side of West Mountain.

We then toured Mtn. Valley Water Company. Not many people realize this company has been selling bottled water nationwide since 1920. From Presidents to racehorses it has long been a favorite.

In the Arlington Hotel we marveled at the luxurious lobby of the downtown mainstay built about 1923 while looking down the avenue where gangsters and gamblers once roamed the streets and casinos. Jo stopped to sample some of the hot water provided in the lobby.

We strolled over to the national park and meandered down bathhouse row to the national park visitor's center located in the old Fordyce Bath House. Here the tourists witnessed what the bathing industry was like a century ago. The bathhouses faded after the discovery of various cures for the ailments that sent so many to the hot waters to look for relief from their suffering. The Buckstaff is still open and providing facials, massages, and baths. We stopped to check the prices and hours.



We sampled the hot water and the promenade led us back north to our waiting cars so that we could view Hot Springs from another vantage point atop West Mountain. Spring had turned into summer while we toured and it must have been 89 degees. We were pleased to return to our campground after a quick stop at a kayak shop.

WINs gathering

Several of the WINs came early and others rolled in on the 21st. By the end of the day ten of us had convened on the shores of Lake Ouachita where we settled among the fishermen. We soon found ourselves at Burl's Country Smokehouse enjoying brisket and ribs while getting reacquainted or making new friends. Suzanne, Bill, Kurt, and Jo wait for supper.

It already shows promise of a fun filled week.

Crystal Springs, Arkansas

Leon took the camper out to Crystal Springs on the 16th while I took care of some business in town. Not the least was resettling the wren's nest after we borrowed her home: the kayak.

We finally got settled at Crystal Springs. While Leon took care of business in town, Suzanne, Jo and I enjoyed lunch at Mountain Harbor overlooking Lake Ouachita. We spent the afternoon geocaching and saw some wonderful historic treasures on the back roads of western Garland County.

We were excited to find the old mine nearby what should have been an easy find but we were too interested in looking at the mine to look around. We finally discovered the holly and let Suzanne retrieve the prize as we had already both scratched our arms.


Even more delighted were we to find the deserted log homeplace nestled among the trees on the side of the dirt road in rural Garland county. If only the blooming Jonquils could have shared some history with us so we left wondering who had lived there and where they had gone.


We traveled from one to another of many clever caches all around the Crystal Springs area and finally arrived back at camp in time for supper!

Night out!

Leon worked on the camper today which he took out to Crystal Springs Campground on Thursday to be set up when some of our RV friends roll into town next week. A couple of WINs have already arrived and Leon has been the perfect host: signs are posted and a pile of wood awaits. Too bad it has started raining which should last through the weekend.
While he took care of the camping and greeting the new arrivals I worked on getting utilities on and odd jobs done at the house up the hill which I bought yesterday. I love having a new project and indeed it is.
Tonight we joined Kay, John, and his daughter Caroline at Odie's House of Blues for dinner. This is the old Johnny's Event Hall and before that the Western Sizzlin' which has just recently opened as Odie's. We enjoyed a visit in the bar while listening to Chuck Dodson on the piano. It is always such a treat to visit with Caroline when she is in town visiting, which is not often enough. Dinner was quite good but Leon and I left before the blues band started playing. We had to find and check out the VFW in case the camping group would like to go next weekend. There usually are a few that want to dance and it is hard to find dancing at 7pm! We did finally locate the place and Friday about 7:30 it should be hopping with the Swing and Bop group there. They were not so crowded tonight. And as old folks usually are, we were home by 10, late for us!

Hot Springs Mountain Trail

Hiking is back on the calendar! We decided to hike the 1.7 mile loop trail around the top of Hot Springs Mountain. It was a wonderful, sunny morning and when the temps got to the low 60s we took off. The small blue violets bloomed at our feet while overhead the dogwoods shaded them from the sun. We started our hike at the overlook below the tower. The trail was hilly as we circled the mountain but not steep.

After the hike we drove up to the top overlook. Here I saw my first telephone tour sign, a new feature in the park. The sign gives a phone # and code# to call for information about that specific spot. I did not know that we were in the Zigzag portion of the Ouachita Mountains. The view to the north was full of pale lush green leaves dotted with white dogwood blossoms.

After a one hour hike we were ready for a picnic. We drove around the mountain and stopped in the gorge at the national park campground, always a favorite spot of mine. They have closed one section of the campground and eventually all camping spots will have water and electric. Hayden would have liked the doughwee, also known as a front end loader, that was parked there.

Easter

It might have rained cats and dogs on Easter but it did not dampen our spirits. Mary invited us to join her for dinner and we were quite pleased to oblige. As was to be expected, Mary was out in the rain picking fresh pink flowers for her table when we arrived.

Kelly and Sean drove in from Austin for a few days. They are delighted to be driving north at their convenience instead of flying from Chicago as had been the case for several years.


We were pleased when Julie and Will arrived from Fayetteville. It was time to eat!
We had a wonderful time visiting. It is the first time all the Littles have been together since last Easter.

John, Kay, Leon, me, Will, Julie, Kelly, Sean, Jennifer, Hayden, and Brian.

I was so pleased with myself and my serving portions. I even resisted cookies, strawberry shortcake, and the rabbit cake. But the deviled eggs just kept staring at me as if they were daring me to give in and I could not resist. I just put down 35 points in my Weight Watcher book and quit worrying.


We parted company for a couple of hours and couldn't believe it was time to eat again. Kay and John invited us to come to their house for our second round of visiting and we picked up bar-b-q on the way. Sean and Kelly left after lunch to return to Austin. Hayden had a good time playing with Nick. After dinner Brian, John, and Hayden went out to follow Nick around the yard! It looks like it was all about the food but indeed it was all about family.

LOViT

Today we explored the fairly new Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) that we only learned about a few days ago when we saw a trailhead on Hickory Nut Mountain. We drove about twenty miles west of town to Shangri La Road and went to the second trailhead. We took a fairly easy 4 mile loop near the Tompkins Bend campground (where I spent a lot of time in the 70s). The trail was very well marked and had no steep sections. Of course there were the little ups and downs since we are in Arkansas. This is also a very nice mountain bike trail but we decided we are better with all four on the forest floor. What a surprise to run into a student I had taught in 1976.

We packed a picnic lunch and were happy to see benches along the trail. The dogwoods put on a show as they seem to be at their peak and have invaded the Ouachita National Forest. The LOViT trail has recently been developed and a group of volunteers assisted in the development and maintenance in cooperation with the US Forest Service and Corps of Engineers. Twenty miles have been completed that meander up and down Hickory Nut Mountain and along the shores of Lake Ouachita. The individual Corps of Engineers campgrounds on the edge of the lake are connected along the trail. Forty miles is the planned goal.

We also checked out the Camp Charlton Forest Service campground and Charlton trail, the Shangri La Cafe, Mtn. Harbor restaurant, and again the Crystal Springs Campground. Both sides of the campground are open for the weekend.

I couldn't resist a little geocaching at both Shangri La and Camp Charlton. My feet were very tired so it is good that they were easy finds.

Stormy weather

That title reminds me of a song...and last night! There was a line of thunderstorms that crossed Arkansas which passed through Hot Springs about 9 pm. Mena, located two counties to our west, suffered 3 fatalities and major damage. We were lucky as the storms crossed overhead without the tornado. Leon stood on the porch and watched the constant and glitsy lightening display high overhead. I prefer to stay inside during a tornado warning. He was hoping to get his truck washed but pulled it into the carport opting for a dirty truck over hail damage. This morning the breezes continue with partly sunny skies and must have blown the Goldfinches into town. My feeder has been covered as they chow on the black sunflower seeds I had out for the cardinals, chickadees, and tufted titmouses.

A happening day

We had a busy day planned since we had to get home by 2 so I could visit the dentist. So off we went on a beautiful sunny 70 degree morning and left Ms. Robin in charge. She didn't look like she would be going anywhere.

Our first order of business was to stop by to visit great nephew Hayden. I had gone to see him after he arrived Tuesday and he wanted to know where is Mr. Leon. So here he is, Hayden. He seemed excited to see him although we had not seen Hayden for a year, but have visited a few times via Skype.

And it is always special to visit with Jennifer and Brian. They were all a little tired after a day of travel from North Carolina via the sky.

After Hayden entertained us by playing the piano, singing, picking up Easter eggs and praising Obama we continued west to plan our April campout.





We drove out to Crystal Springs to check on the campground where we plan to host a gathering of WINs in a couple of weeks. The dogwoods were abundant in the Ouachita National Forest as we drove west and were literally breathtaking among the fresh pale green leaves budding in the forest. We first stopped at the liquor store to visit when we saw Robert sitting out front soaking up some sun and then crossed the street to the newly re-opened Lewis Brothers General Store.

Two miles down the road at Crystal Springs Campground we were shocked to see the campground almost full and are hoping that the people are here for the last week of the race meet. There are no reservations possible until May 1 and this could create a real problem for us when all our visitors arrive in their large motorhomes. At least I know there is a large level overflow lot that would work. We drove the 9 miles up the rough yet recently graded dirt road to the top of Hickory Nut Mountain and the vista overlooking Lake Ouachita. We did not realize it was hazy until we looked at the photo. From the vista it is apparent what a large lake Ouachita is.



We stopped by the picnic area 3 miles back down the road and learned that there is a trail head here with a decent map of the Ouachita Vista trail. From here it would definitely be downhill. I must remember to tell Kelly and Sean that it is also a mountain bike trail. There appears to be a nice loop near Shangri La so we will have to investigate that another day.

We made it back home for lunch as we prefer to not eat out lately. I went to the dentist, ww, the grocery, and the realtor's office. Leon stopped by the Elk's Lodge and took in a movie. And the Robin kept everything under control while we were gone.