Up the Pig Trail

I have wanted to visit Mt. Magazine for quite some time. The temps dropped a few degrees and away I went. My first stop was this overlook on a cloudy day.

 I did not let the clouds deter me from taking off down a nearby trail since it was only .4 mile to the state park geocache. I felt the need for a walk but .4 was as the crow flies. Silly trail!

About at this point I began to hear the thunder getting closer and still have .3 mile to go! I sorta wished I had changed out of my sandals but I was afforded a beautiful view of the Ozarks here.  Finally I found the cache and made it back to my van in the nick of time before the rains moved in. Actually I was lost but lucky.

 I traveled north on the Pig Trail which is now actually a designated scenic highway. We used to call it that as it was the shortcut through the mountains for all the Razorbacks going to and from the University of Arkansas.

In Huntsville I got a flash from the past. This was the motel that Orval Faubus' family owned. I hadn't heard that name in a long time. He was the governor who called in the troops when they tried to integrate Central High School in Little Rock.

I continued to Withrow Springs State Park and Hobbs State Park Conservation Area before finally arriving in Fayetteville. The next morning I joined my pals for crepes at Arsaga's. 

We caught up with a former student who Darla taught in art and had a nice visit with him and his family. Darla even chose some of his art for her collection.

While in Fayetteville I also made a trek to Prairie Grove Battlefield and Devil's Den State Park to pick up a few geocaches. The descent into Devil's Den caused my new brakes to smoke but the adventure at Prairie Grove was most pleasant. I could live in this house that overlooks the fields below and enjoy the breeze while visitors pick apples from the orchard out back. 

Darla, Cissy, and Chris all have August birthdays so here we are at Gracie's having an exceptional birthday party for the three.

What a fun evening it was. Between meals we all managed to shop and got in lots of visiting. Becky was a special guest who we enjoyed seeing again. If she had not lived so far away she would have been a regular!

What a fun few days we had!

Becky left with an empty bag after sporting her new Thirty-One bag with gifts for all!

Fall in Fayetteville

On a beautiful Sunday in November I took off for northwest Arkansas to check on the folks in Fayetteville. The first stop was the Confederate Cemetery to check on my favorite Maple trees.  They were still in their autumn glory.

I first discovered these trees in the early sixties while attending the university. At that time the main street in Fayetteville (Maple Street) was lined with beautiful maples.

Then if was off to visit with my friend Becky. Monday morning we went over to check on the boat.

This is where you will find me next summer!

Beaver Lake is just around the corner from Beckys and Ed's.

I like the way Ed provides water to the property.  They are awaiting city water.

But not to worry. I brought my own water and bed.

When we are not on the boat we will have morning coffee on this deck and the giant oak will provide shade for our evening glass of wine.

There are no better people than these two. I am so happy they have moved back to Arkansas. Well, back for Becky; Ed never knew what he was missing.

We went to Springdale to visit Becky's daughter Lisa. I insisted on a house tour first.

Paul stopped fertilizing the lawn for a quick visit in the garage.

We then caravanned to Fayetteville to meet my nephew for lunch. I rode with Lisa and had a great visit. I want this car!

Lisa, Will, Becky and I had a four hour lunch at Pesto in Fayetteville. What a joy to get to spend time with three of my favorite people. It won't be long before I go back to northwest AR.