Saturday, August 11, 2012
driving day... OK-TX-NM
in the planning, we knew we were going to have to put in a fairly dedicated day of driving to cross from the south east into the south west. today was the day. we gave ourselves a little bit of a slower morning to catch up on some rest, then just hit the road. we made it into TX around noon, and the landscape was big and flat!
AR to OK
after our visit to the refuge, we were hot and sweaty, and were ready to settle into the air conditioned car to make some miles west.
we meandered down the scenic routes in AR for a while, then committed to interstate 40 west for the haul to Oklahoma City. an audio book of david sedaris' "me talk pretty one day" kept us company, and amused for much of the trip. we made a quick stop on the road for subway sandwiches, and rolled into OKC pretty late, but managed to find a brewpub for one beer before turning in. long day, I was definitely road tired!
we meandered down the scenic routes in AR for a while, then committed to interstate 40 west for the haul to Oklahoma City. an audio book of david sedaris' "me talk pretty one day" kept us company, and amused for much of the trip. we made a quick stop on the road for subway sandwiches, and rolled into OKC pretty late, but managed to find a brewpub for one beer before turning in. long day, I was definitely road tired!
turpentine wildlife refuge, AR
just south of eureka springs, Kate had found a really Interesting place to stop called the "turpentine wildlife reserve". their mission is to save "big cats" that are being mistreated or need permanent homes. there were over 100 lions, tigers, panthers, bobcats, leopards, as well as a few bears.
it is a mix of emotion to see these animals in cages and contained outdoor spaces, but very heartwarming to hear all of their stories, and know that the love and care they are getting in this place far surpasses their other options. these are all animals that are not able to live in the wild due to human interaction in their lives, so some space to run, buddies, and 10+lbs of fresh meat a day doesn't seem like such a bad second.
we took a guided tour around the refuge, and the staff was really knowledgeable about the animals, and seemed to have such a connection to all their personalities. really a special place!
it is a mix of emotion to see these animals in cages and contained outdoor spaces, but very heartwarming to hear all of their stories, and know that the love and care they are getting in this place far surpasses their other options. these are all animals that are not able to live in the wild due to human interaction in their lives, so some space to run, buddies, and 10+lbs of fresh meat a day doesn't seem like such a bad second.
we took a guided tour around the refuge, and the staff was really knowledgeable about the animals, and seemed to have such a connection to all their personalities. really a special place!
Friday, August 10, 2012
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?)
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. 
Thursday, August 9, 2012
from Paris, TN to mountain home, Arkansas
from Paris, we settled in for the long afternoon haul to mountain home, Arkansas. we opted for a little less direct route off the larger highway. Kate and I studied the maps, made some good notes (many if the roads here have multiple route numbers, and split often!)... then hit the road.
as we traveled farther west in TN, and across a sliver of Missouri, we began to see vast expanses of dried out corn fields. our first sightings of the draught the middle of the country is suffering. crossing the river into Arkansas, the sir was noticeable more humid, and we saw extensive fields of a bright green reedy grass kind of crop. neither if us were quite sure what it was, but the green was glowing!
as night fell, and we were winding up into the hills, we stopped to get dinner in a small town (Mexican again!) before everything closed down at 9pm).
rolled into the town of mountain home pretty late (after 10+$8. and we were both pooped!
as we traveled farther west in TN, and across a sliver of Missouri, we began to see vast expanses of dried out corn fields. our first sightings of the draught the middle of the country is suffering. crossing the river into Arkansas, the sir was noticeable more humid, and we saw extensive fields of a bright green reedy grass kind of crop. neither if us were quite sure what it was, but the green was glowing!
as night fell, and we were winding up into the hills, we stopped to get dinner in a small town (Mexican again!) before everything closed down at 9pm).
rolled into the town of mountain home pretty late (after 10+$8. and we were both pooped!
Paris, TN
we were excited to roll into Paris tn, as our road guide told us there was not only a replica Eiffel tower in the town park, but a colossus catfish on the town sign commemorating the "the worlds largest catfish fry". we were a bit suspicious about the data behind that claim, but took our pictures anyhow. ;)
we drove into downtown Paris looking for a little local cafe or restaurant to get some lunch... but were sadly disappointed to find there were none in operation. :( all the restaurant business was fast food and chains on the other side of town by the strip malls. Kate found an online recommendation for the local Mexican place, and it suited us just fine.
we drove into downtown Paris looking for a little local cafe or restaurant to get some lunch... but were sadly disappointed to find there were none in operation. :( all the restaurant business was fast food and chains on the other side of town by the strip malls. Kate found an online recommendation for the local Mexican place, and it suited us just fine.
land between the lakes, TN
from ft Donaldson, we continued driving west into the "land between the lakes state park". technically it was the lame between the cumberland and Tennessee rivers, which have since been damned and turned into lakes. we barely nicked the bottom if the park, but it was nice to get out and soak our feet in the lake for a moment. the water was fairly warm, and had a bit of slime (I'm a big wuss when it comes to lame slime! ha).
sitting on the dock, I watched egrets wading in the lily pads, and a great heron swooping along the surface of the lake looking for lunch.
speaking of lunch, it was time for us to carry on...
sitting on the dock, I watched egrets wading in the lily pads, and a great heron swooping along the surface of the lake looking for lunch.
speaking of lunch, it was time for us to carry on...
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
the civil war tour
Fort Donaldson, situated on the Cumberland river, which is now the foot of one of the lakes, was the site of an early and pivotal battle that was an early victory for Ulysses Grant, and the northern troops.
we got there just in time for a short film about the area, which piqued the interest of both Kate and I with a compelling account of the northern campaign to take the three forts on the rivers using assaults from land and river on the iron clad gun boats! in planning the trip, we had many ideas about what to see, but both of us neglected to realize we were traveling smack through the hotbed of civil war history! ha.
we got there just in time for a short film about the area, which piqued the interest of both Kate and I with a compelling account of the northern campaign to take the three forts on the rivers using assaults from land and river on the iron clad gun boats! in planning the trip, we had many ideas about what to see, but both of us neglected to realize we were traveling smack through the hotbed of civil war history! ha.
a day to deviate from the beaten path
today we decided to ignore the google map assessment of the fastest route into Arkansas, and chart our own course that would take us on some smaller roads, past more rivers and lakes.
leaving Nashville, we headed into the northwest corner to the bottom end of "the land between the lakes" recreation area.
a fortuitously timed need for a pee break landed up at quite an interesting landmark we otherwise would have blown by, Fort Donaldson.
leaving Nashville, we headed into the northwest corner to the bottom end of "the land between the lakes" recreation area.
a fortuitously timed need for a pee break landed up at quite an interesting landmark we otherwise would have blown by, Fort Donaldson.
Nashville visit with auntie dee-dee
after our multiple stops throughout the day, we got to Nashville a little later than expected for a visit with my aunt.
it was lovely to see auntie dee-dee, as it has been more than 5 years since I last passed through Nashville and saw her. we caught up briefly at her place, before heading to downtown Nashville to walk around and grab a bite to eat.
on the drive, she recounted the horrific story of how her entire neighborhood was destroyed in the flood a few years back. she lost nearly everything in her place, and it has been a long road rebuilding. her place is mostly back together, but still needs a lot of finishing touches, and furnishings. such a tragedy, but also a warming story of how her community came together to help one another.
downtown, we strolled through the bar/restaurant district, and settled on the big river brewery for dinner. we were all super pleased with the dinners, and tried a few of their beers. the ipa and pilsner were refreshing, but none of us liked their seasonal heff.
it was a really nice visit, and I wish we had had a lot more time to catch up... but Kate and I were pooped from a long day (with an extra hour added for central time), so had to bid her farewell for now. until next time.... :)
p.s. thanks a bunch auntie for the great gift bag of road trip goodies! we munched on them all day today! :)
it was lovely to see auntie dee-dee, as it has been more than 5 years since I last passed through Nashville and saw her. we caught up briefly at her place, before heading to downtown Nashville to walk around and grab a bite to eat.
on the drive, she recounted the horrific story of how her entire neighborhood was destroyed in the flood a few years back. she lost nearly everything in her place, and it has been a long road rebuilding. her place is mostly back together, but still needs a lot of finishing touches, and furnishings. such a tragedy, but also a warming story of how her community came together to help one another.
downtown, we strolled through the bar/restaurant district, and settled on the big river brewery for dinner. we were all super pleased with the dinners, and tried a few of their beers. the ipa and pilsner were refreshing, but none of us liked their seasonal heff.
it was a really nice visit, and I wish we had had a lot more time to catch up... but Kate and I were pooped from a long day (with an extra hour added for central time), so had to bid her farewell for now. until next time.... :)
p.s. thanks a bunch auntie for the great gift bag of road trip goodies! we munched on them all day today! :)
dinosaur world!
nothing can be a more successful to trap tourists than putting giant sculptures of dinosaurs right at exit ramp for the national park. the idea of dinosaur world was just too silly for us to pass up in our road trip. we are becoming quite the fans of "colossus".
of course, as you suspected, the main attractions were behind a door with a fee that wasn't worth it... but Kate and I had fun poking through the gift shop, and taking silly pictures in the parking lot! ;)
of course, as you suspected, the main attractions were behind a door with a fee that wasn't worth it... but Kate and I had fun poking through the gift shop, and taking silly pictures in the parking lot! ;)
mammoth caves national park
when we finally got to mammoth caves, it was almost 1pm, but we were excited to learn we crossed into the central time zone, giving us back an hour!
we missed the tour going into the caves at noon, but got tickets for the 1pm "new entrance" tour. it was nice to have a little time to sit, eat our sandwiches, fill out a few postcards, and relax for a minute.
they loaded the large tour group onto a bus, and we drove to the entrance to the cave. it was a tiny door in the hillside. we filed in one by one, and descended over 300 steps snaking through cracks in the cavern, until we all reached a large cavern 250'+ under ground. pretty cool!
the rangers stopped us along the way to talk about how the caves were formed, the history of their exploration, and to point out different features. we walked up and down, winding through the passages for close to 2 hours. the first parts were functionally interesting, and the last bit was where water dripping into the caves created awesome formations, including a large one called "frozen niagara".
as with many stops on our trip, the sights and information we took in were really fascinating, and left us wanting more! the pictures don't begin to do it justice. next time i would highly recommend some of the more strenuous tours to get off the beaten path!
we missed the tour going into the caves at noon, but got tickets for the 1pm "new entrance" tour. it was nice to have a little time to sit, eat our sandwiches, fill out a few postcards, and relax for a minute.
they loaded the large tour group onto a bus, and we drove to the entrance to the cave. it was a tiny door in the hillside. we filed in one by one, and descended over 300 steps snaking through cracks in the cavern, until we all reached a large cavern 250'+ under ground. pretty cool!
the rangers stopped us along the way to talk about how the caves were formed, the history of their exploration, and to point out different features. we walked up and down, winding through the passages for close to 2 hours. the first parts were functionally interesting, and the last bit was where water dripping into the caves created awesome formations, including a large one called "frozen niagara".
as with many stops on our trip, the sights and information we took in were really fascinating, and left us wanting more! the pictures don't begin to do it justice. next time i would highly recommend some of the more strenuous tours to get off the beaten path!
bardstown Kentucky - bourbon capital of the world!
being that it was only 10am, and neither Kate or I are terribly fond of bourbon, we decided to take a historical trolley tour around town, opposed to doing a tasting tour.
the tour guide, Paul, was a lovely southern gentleman with a vast knowledge of the history of the town, and the roots of the burbon business. we saw many historic site such as My Old Kentucky Home (for which Paul sang us some if the song about it), as well as Jim Beam's home.
really fun and informative little detour. we hit the gift shop for a few samplers for our burbon loving friends... and we were back in the road headed to mammoth caves.
the tour guide, Paul, was a lovely southern gentleman with a vast knowledge of the history of the town, and the roots of the burbon business. we saw many historic site such as My Old Kentucky Home (for which Paul sang us some if the song about it), as well as Jim Beam's home.
really fun and informative little detour. we hit the gift shop for a few samplers for our burbon loving friends... and we were back in the road headed to mammoth caves.
when in Kentucky...
...you have to sample the Kentucky bourbon! Kate and I were happily driving along the highway, taking in all the rolling horse ranches and plantation homes, when we saw the sign to the bourbon distilleries. can't pass that up right? so we began our morning woth a little detour! ;)
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