For Hire!

Good ole' summertime! The rains have subsided for a while and the low humidity and sunshine are welcome. We have been busy trying to get the grass back to an acceptable height. Wednesday morning we mowed David's yard and then went over to Woodlawn to tackle the jungle there! We managed to bend the blade on the push mower and I overfilled the oil on the riding mower. After a trip to Airport Road Small Engine we were good to go again but a shower stopped our progress.
Wednesday I had a delightful visit at lunch with Kathy Lease, our former assistant principal at Lake Hamilton, whom I have not seen in decades! Also along were Margie, Chris, Darla, Golden, Carolyn, and Joy. It was nice to catch up and learn that she has 3 grandsons and will be able to spend more time with them after retiring this year!
After lunch we were mowing again. This time it was Kay's yard which looked not so bad in the front but the back yard had been neglected for too long. Then it was time to work in our woods! The chain saw took care of some unwanted trees and Leon hooked them up to the quad for a trip to other woods! I fed the smaller sumac to the chipper/shredder.
At last it was time to initiate the beer garden! We made a toast to Roy and enjoyed a tall cool one. We were too exhausted to do any more!

Memorial Day

We had a memorable but quiet Memorial Day. The rain finally stopped and it seemed appropriate to have an impromptu cookout so we put out a call to Mary, Kay and Jeff. We helped Kay finish the margarita bucket while we snacked on veggies and guacamole. The new pineapple chipotle salsa added an interesting twist. Grilled chicken, potatoes, corn, and slaw filled our tummies and the mosquitoes stayed away long enough for us to enjoy the outdoor air.

Show and tell

A simple trip to Little Rock was planned to look at kayaks and buy some shorts at Academy. When the truck quit running the plans quickly changed. While the tow truck was on the way the truck decided to run again. The accelerator wasn't accelerating the truck and then it did! So we drove to the Dodge dealer to learn that $850 needed to be spent for an accelerator sensor. We chose to not sit in the waiting room and they gave us a ride to Midtowne.
Thanks to Mel, we wanted to try Pei Wei, an Asian diner, for lunch. The place was packed and we could understand why. Several doors down is the Chico's store so I got enthused after checking the sale racks. Leon patiently sat while I picked out a few necessities. We found our way across University Avenue to Park Plaza shopping mall and I was about to get enthused again when the Dodge boys came to pick us up.
We then looked at kayaks on Kavanaugh and shopped for Leon some shirts and shorts on the other side of town. We even stopped in Bryant at the Lowe's store to pick up some needed items. The day was long and we were tired but we agreed it was a fun day.

Crystal Springs flood

Leon drove up to Crystal Springs campground to see what the area looked like while Lake Ouachita is flooded. This is the site where we were camped three weeks ago. The campground is now closed.

Last year the flood waters on DeGray Lake receded two days before our camping group arrived. We have decided not to push our luck next year!

Mow, mow, mow

I am starting to feel like I live in the Amazon! All of the recent rains have really caused the grass and weeds to grow, but I am catching up after two productive days. While weed eating I discovered that my little gardenia bush is blooming. That made it worth all of the work. Then it was time to plant some lantana only to realize what I planted last year is starting to sprout. I then turned my attention to my new herb garden and put in some parsley, sage, basil, chives, and oregano.
A portion of the Crystal Springs campground, where we camped for a week, is now closed due to high water. How lucky we were to have such perfect weather for our campout!
It has felt like summer for the last two days which prompted Leon to change out the non-working ceiling fan in the computer room! And that only made me think maybe we need one in the kitchen and/or the dining room. I guess I shouldn't push a good thing!
We have been doing a little geocaching near the house. I don't know why people think it is clever to hide things where folks are everywhere. It isn't my idea of what geocaching is about. How fun is it to tromp thru the tall grass and chiggers to find a tube nailed to the back of a fence surrounding a shopping center or to look in the bushes in the middle of the shopping center. But they are too close to home to ignore! So off we go. It is a great excuse for a morning walk.

Gallery Walk

First Friday of the month again and time for gallery walk. The weather was almost perfect so Leon and I took to the streets. We met friends at Rolando's and enjoyed dining with Mel, Darla, Diane, Golden and Donna. I ate "weigh" too much.
Leon saved room for wine and cookies that were offered at most stops. Could we have stayed up until 9 we would have gone to a music venue as there were several good options. Maybe next time we will start at 8!

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.