DeFuniak Sprigs, Fl., Lake Village, & Hot Springs, Arkansas

Sat 6/27
I hooked up the "Toad" (Honda CRV) and we departed home at 930 EST to start this exciting journey.
Sharon was doing okay until Ashley (daughter) says "Mom, just think, you're going to have a new grandson when you get home" ..............Tears flowed............. Whitney's (daughter) baby boy is due July 18th.
We traveled via the Turnpike to I-75 where we were tied up in traffic which was backed up and moving about 10-12 mph. An 18 wheeler wrecked and was on its side when we finally passed.
We stopped at a couple of rest areas to stretch our legs. It was very hot most of the time with temperatures ranging from 84 -101. Several heavy thunder storms in north central Florida helped to cool things off.

We arrived at Jim & Betty's (friends) home at 530 CST and spent some time catching up on the news since we had last seen them. Then we were off to Crestview, Fl. for dinner at a steak house named Coach N Four. Then food was great and for dessert we hurried back to their home for some of Betty's million dollar pie. (Yum Yum!)

I have been debating the issue of leaving the Toad behind most of the day. Jim & Betty said we could just leave it there and pick it up on the way back or they would bring it down in November.


I drove 470 miles today and I will probably sleep walk to bed.


Sun 6/28

Toad decision has been made. (Sharon is a little sad) We said god-bye to Jim & Betty and to the TOAD. We're off to somewhere in Arkansas to spend the night and then visit Hot Springs Nat'l Park on Monday.
What an uneventful 2nd day. We have traveled thru Alabama, Mississippi, Louisana, and into Arkansas. The roads in Ms. and La. were terrible to have been interstates and US highways. I told Sharon "We will by-pass these two states on the way back." After we cross the Mississippi River, we finally hit some rain that cooled the 100 degree temps back down to the 80s.

We arrived at a nice camp ground in Lake Village around 530. We had just finished setting up the motorhome when a strong thunder storm came roaring in from the north west. Sharon fixed a nice dinner, the rain had ended so we took a long walk around the campground. The sunset was gorgeous. The campground was located in an old pecan grove with the largest pecan trees that I have ever seen. I was told they were planted by the owners grandfather and was over a 100 years old. There's a lake to the east of the Campground where the fishing for catfish has to be the best.
We were both tired so it was off to bed early.

Mon 6/29/09
Our plans today is to travel to Hot Springs (200 miles) and enjoy the Park. We left about 830 and traveled northwest towards Pine Bluff, Ar. We decided not to take the interstate at this point and continued to travel the scenic US Highways. Good decision! We were entertained for about 10 minutes while 2 Piper Pawnees (crop Dusters) sprayed a large farm. One was going south and the other was going north then they would do a climbing 180 degree turn each time to line up with the next areas to be sprayed. WOW! Those pilots are gutsy! Power lines, tree tops, and a cell phone tower. They missed them all while doing their jobs!
We arrived in Hot Springs about 1230 and found a parking spot. Since the Nat'l. Park is located downtown Hot Springs, we had to park on the street with parking meters. The motor home took up 2 1/2 parking spaces so we had to feed some meters to prevent a parking ticket. We then hike several blocks to visit the row of Bath Houses, one of which is the Visitor Center. Since we will be visiting several Nat'l Parks, Army Corps of Engineering places and other National Monuments, I decided to purchase a Senior Pass. This will let me and anyone with me to get free access and a discount on camping (50%). Sometimes "age" has its advantages! (Not to mention the aches & pains.)

The picture to the left is Sharon standing next to a pool of hot water from one of the springs. Temperatures are said to be up to 143 degrees. Naturally, everyone has to test the water even with the warning signs posted.

We toured the Visitor Center bath house and were amazed at the equipment used in those days. Their Hey-day was in the 40s and as medicine, physical therapy, and doctors advanced, the business in the bath houses started to diminish. We were also impressed with the stained glass art work in the ceilings and the beautiful condition of the Ladies Parlor & Gentlemens Parlor (See picture on left)
The equipment used for physical therapy looked like it might have come from a Frankenstein movie set. It looked like it could be used more for torture than for therapy.
We left the park and headed for Fort Smith via the scenic mountain roads. We found a campground (????) and decided to spend the night. I have to wash the motor home in the morning so this place will be okay to do that. Sharon will get to sleep late! She has earned it with another great meal prepared this evening.

So, stay tuned for another update soon!