My God is Bigger Than Your God

How many of you know that one of the largest statues of Jesus in the world is located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas? We didn't either, but as soon as we learned that Christ of the Ozarks looms over a town that we were going to visit anyhow, we didn't hesitate. Standing at the base of this collosus feels like nothing so much as visiting a pagan temple dedicated to Poseidon, but without the sacrificial goats. Idols, schmidols.

I'll say this--Christ o'Ozarks enjoys a great view from where He stands. The drive on the back roads from Mountain Home to Eureka Springs must be some of the prettiest country in the great state of Arkansas. Eureka Springs itself is a resort town that profits from its beautiful landscape and a healthy influx of tourists. The town seems to be especially attractive to bikers, New Agers, and people who enjoy shopping for Christian casual wear (there are outlet shops to prove it). We had a fine lunch of Schiner Bock, as well as some food, at The Roadhouse, where their sign proudly advertises "Many have eaten here...few have died". Happily, we survived our lunch and made it to our next stop: Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (aka Lions, Tigers and Bears in Northwestern Arkansas--Who Knew?)

bull shoals, AR

we stated our morning rolling out of mountain home, and drove along the lakes at bull shoals. there was a really new and informative info center, and views off of the porch of the lake, damn and the white river. a very nice view, but shocking to see how low the lake and river levels were. touted as a really big fishing area, the river was barely connected warm pools of muddy water.