Bill and Eileen's Travels

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Catherines Landing - Hot Springs NP (6/14 - 6/17)

On Tuesday 6/14 we moved on to Arkansas. Destination, Hot Springs. The trip was one of the worst trips we have had in years. We passed this way in 2008 and I'm sure that the potholes we hit on I40 in Eastern Arkansas are the same ones we hit in 08. Just bigger. There was one spot near the Mississippi River, not to far into Arkansas, where I thought the wheels were going to come off the bus. That was not the case but when we finally found a place to stop for lunch, I discovered that I was minus one chrome hubcap. We went into two roadside rests that were full and waited 60 miles to find out that the next one was closed for renovations. All in all not a good travel day.

The campground is a RVC Outdoor Resort, it is very nice. We backed onto a cement pad on the edge of the Ouachita River. It's a very pretty site and a real nice resort. All amenities, including a zip line, that we decided not to use. They have boat rentals, bike rentals, swimming pool, etc. etc. very nice. I would highly recommend it.

On Wednesday we when into Hot Springs and toured the National Park. The focus of the park is the historic springs that where believed to have healing powers. The history goes back into the 1700's.
Documents show that the American Indians knew about and bathed in the springs. The waters start with rain that seeps into the ground and they estimate that it takes around 4000 years for it to reach a place deep in the earth that heats it. The heated water rises to the surface quickly and emerges in the springs at 143 degrees.

The main attraction is Bath House Row. The houses are the most current version of the bath hoses that have been restored using government money. Only one of the bath houses is still in operation. Considering the weather at 94 degrees we were not inclined to do this either.

The Fordyce Bathhouse, on the row, serves as the parks visitor center and museum. The park is in the Zig Zag mountains about 55 miles southwest of Little Rock.

This park was the first reservation set aside by the US Congress to protect a natural resource. Yellowstone was the first designated NP but Hot Springs was the first area set aside for the use of the citizens.

The first bathhouses were crude, and the history of the town has a very interesting and sometimes sorted history. Crime, gambling, etc. We enjoyed reading about the baths and the history of the town.

After lunch at the Superior Bathhouse, Brewery and Distillery. (Local craft beer brewed using the local spring water) we drove up to the observation tower in the park for a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The tower also had a nice museum that listed many facts of the area, and town. It was here that we were reminded that one of our recent presidents grew up here. Bill Clinton.

We had a very nice day in spite of the brutal heat.

Thursday we catch up on chores and tonight we will be cooking on the grill by the river.

Tomorrow we boogie to Oklahoma City with a stop near Fort Smith Arkansas to pick up the hubcap I ordered.

Enjoy the pictures which will take a long time to post because of our lousy phone service here.

Life is Good. Make the best of every day!

Downtown Memphis Bass Pro!

Crossing the Mississippi!

Muddy Waters!

Our Campsite on the River!!

Tuesday night moon in Catherines Landing!

Bath Houses on Bath House Row

Men's Bath Area in Fordyce (Visitor Center and Museum)

Ceiling in Men's Bath Area.

Bath ,Steam, Cool!

Dressing Rooms!

The Assembly Room!

A guest that didn't leave!

Full gym. Babe Ruth visited here!

Lunch Spot. The Old Superior Bath House! Good Beer.

Observation Deck in the Tower. Probably 20 to 30 miles of visibility!

Arkansas Mountains!

Observation Tower.

One Happy Camper!!

Our River View!!

Monday, June 13, 2016

Buffalo RV - Day 4

Today was a Boogie Day. We had to go around Nashville because of a chemical spill on I40. We are currently at Buffalo KOA in Hurricane Mills, TN. It is approximately 10 miles west of Bucksnort, Tn. if your looking for it on the map. Nice little campground just off the interstate. We won't unhook the car tonight so we can get up and head out early to Hot Springs Arkansas tomorrow morning. This was an easy day because we gained an hour near Crossville, Tn.
Hot Springs is our first NP. We were very near to it in 2008 but decided to go up into the mountains. I am trying to take a picture of each campground this year even though I missed #1. This way I can remember the campgrounds when I'm 95 and looking at our memories. Talk soon!

Buffalo KOA Hurricane Mills, Tn.

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Trip West 2016

Here we are two plus years from our last big trip. We had a difficult start this year. I put 850 miles on the motorhome just getting ready to go. A new front end, clear coat repair on the top of the rear cap, and the HTH jack repair. Kenly twice, Wilmington twice, and up to Newport twice. We are finally on the road and its is nice to finally relax.

It's day three of our trip and we are in Sevierville, Tn. just north of Dollywood. The Emerald Isle folks think the traffic is bad, spend a day or two here. Sevierville is north of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg which is the gateway to Smokey Mountain National Park. We love the campground here, it's a pull on the river, and there is a knife store that is just unbelievable. Probably an acre of knives, guns, kitchen stuff, and so much more. I just love the place.

Tomorrow we head West with our next stop in Buffalo, Tn. The day after that we are in a campground near Hot Springs, Ark. our first NP of this trip. Nothing more exciting to report hope all is well back home. They have changed the blog since my last post but I will try to post a couple of pictures.

Our guests for cocktail hour, Midway Campground, Statesville, NC Day 1

Two Rivers Resort Sevierville, Tn. Days 2and3

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Traverse City to Niagara Falls (8/17 - 8/21)

On August 17th we left Traverse City and headed back north into Canada. We went back through part of the UP and into Canada at Sault St Marie. The route takes us around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, north of Toronto and then around the end of Lake Erie to Niagara Falls, Ontario.

We did two one-night stops. The first was at Serpent River Camp in Spragge, On. This campground is basically a permanent one, with a few pull thru's to accommodate the happy travelers like us. It is situated along the Serpent River which is a fishing area. We took a short walk to the river and around the campground. This area of Ontario is somewhat sparse in population, the topography is nice but different from what we have seen. It includes more marsh and wetland areas surrounded by granite outcroppings.

The next morning we headed out to Parry Sound, On. The campground here was also about 95% permanent. The spot we had was the only one in the campground that was big enough to accommodate our RV. The roads in and out were very narrow and we didn't have sewer in this or Serpent River. Parry Sound is a cute little town, big enough to have a Walmart. We went down to the bay and walked around the town.

Next day August 19th we headed south, then around Toronto and the end of Lake Erie to Niagara Falls, Ontario to Yogi Bear's Campground. My sister Carol and her husband Skip met us here and we spent three great days touring the falls and nearby attractions.

Day one we got set up and went down town to the Outback Restaurant for dinner. The food was good but very expensive. This is a prime time tourist area so most of what you do is very costly.

On day two we bought the combo tourist package that included the boat ride under the falls, a journey to the tunnels behind the falls , and an indoor movie, complete with rain and wind and the history of the falls. All of these events are in the same area of the town and every one of them involves ponchos and lots of water. The falls is unique by any one's standards and a must do on the Bucket List. I don't remember the statistics about the amount of water that goes over the falls every minute but it is an unbelievable quantity and an amazing sight from the various places we were able to view it.

It was a super but soggy day. No matter what you do the water gets to your feet. Some people were smart enough to bring a change of shoes. We weren't that smart.

The last full day there we drove north from the falls to a place called, Niagara On The Lake. Carol's daughter Kate had suggested this area. She had been there on business a few years back. This is a very pretty little town, right on the lake. It has many really nice shops and a number of restaurants. This town is a must see on your list. Very pretty streets and shops with plenty of flowers and nice people.

On our way to Niagara On The Lake we stopped at the floral clock. This is a giant clock made of flowers. It is on display at one of the parks along the road to Niagara On The Lake. When we arrived at the clock I walked up to a stranger and asked if he had the time. He just looked at me. I just couldn't resist.

It was great to spend some time with Carol and Skip. Since we moved to NC in 2010 it has been difficult to spend time with my big sister. Skip is still into the Kayaking which is on my to do list. A good time was had by all at Niagara Falls. We look forward to many future get together's. We pulled out on the morning of 8/22 but Carol and Skip stayed a few more days.

Niagara Falls is very touristy but a must see. Truly one of the wonders of the world.

Enjoy the pictures!! (Last Post)

Remainder of Trip 8/14 to 8/28

Finalizing the trip 8/2/2015

Carol and Skip stayed behind to explore some more, but we moved on to Clarion for a brief visit to the hunting land, then headed home. It's been a while since our trip, as a matter of fact we were in Medora last year on this very date, but I will try to put the statistics together.

Miles Traveled in Motorhome Approx. 9700
Miles driven in car Approx. 4000
Number of Campgrounds - 44
Number of States Driven through - 21
Number of Canadian Provinces - 3
Number of National Parks/Monuments Visited - 14 US 3 Canada
Enjoyment Experienced - Beyond Measurement

Enjoy the final pictures!!!
See Ya'll Next Trip!!
Bill and Eileen!!

8/2/2015