Hot Springs Arkansas

Hot Springs Arkanas 

March 9 – 12, 2020

Zipped out of Louisiana and 

over into Arkansas.     

Look we found WALDO!! 

Wanted to check out the National Park there so we found Hot Springs KOA to stay in. It was nice but not very unusual or exciting. It was very convenient to Hot Springs National Park. One of the perks of the park was the shuttle service back and forth between the KOA and the national park. The national park and town of Hot Springs was a fun day trip for us, but more on that later from Teri. The campground had few outdoor amenities and limited walking areas. There were a few trails but nothing very long. The office had most things a camper might need and the people here were very helpful. The bathrooms and laundry were in good shape and clean. This was our first KOA, and while not very memorable, was a nice quick stopover.

Nice Comfortable Site

Hot Springs National Park

Paul and I spent a day at Hot Springs National Park on March 10. When one thinks of a National Park one immediately thinks of being surrounded by nature, out in the wilderness, some remote place with awe inspiring views. Not so Hot Springs. When you arrive at the town of Hot Springs your first thought is how do I now get to the National Park. Well, guess what, you are there! You stand there on the main street (Central Avenue) and look from one side to the other. On one side of the road is typical touristy shops, restaurants, apartments; looking just like a downtown anywhere USA. Then you look to the other side of the street and there it is: the National Park, that section being also known as Bathhouse Row.

BathHouse Row

Hot Springs is the oldest National Park, established in 1832, making older than Yellowstone by 40 years. It was established to protect the amazing thermal waters flowing from Hot Springs Mountain. Like so much of America this land was first used by American Indians in particular the Caddo, Quapaw and Choctaws. You can read more about this Here (https://www.nps.gov/hosp/learn/historyculture/upload/american_indians.pdf).

In 1804, an expedition was sent out to explore the recently acquired Louisiana Purchase. The springs were “discovered” and it didn't take long for them to be exploited and turned into public bathouses. The town grew rather haphazardly. Soon the government came in and set rules and regulations and eventual made the area on the south side as well as Hot Springs Mountain a National Park to help control and preserve the area. There are several of the historic buildings on Bathhouse Row, and a few you can go into it. Two are spas where you can experience the hot springs, yes, for a steep cost. 

And one is a restaurant where we had a fun lunch to celebrate Paul's birthday including a beer flight of local beers. The museum run by the Nat'l Park is interesting and informative. Here is were you can get more info: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm

On the top of Hot Springs Mountain is a observation tower that overlooks the area. There is a crazy winding rode you can drive or like us you can hike one of the many trails.

The formation of the springs is fascinating and, no, I don't completely understand how it works. Here is information on that: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/learn/nature/hotsprings.htm 

It is amazing the water coming out of the springs is over 150 degrees and takes over 4 thousand years to reach the surface!! No bacteria lives it and it has a pure taste. It's neat there are several places where you can put your hands in the water, believe me, it's HOT!

Also they have a fountain where you can fill bottles of the water. People in the area come regularly and use it almost exclusively.

Fun, educational, interesting, Worth the visit.

The now defunct Military Hospital, Such a impression building. 

Hot Spring Fountain

Looking down through the steam

Fun street sculpture Several different ones in area

Lake Claiborne State Park, Louisiana

Realized with all this craziness in the world we hadn't posted our past several stops. So here without further delay we go back to the beginning of March! May all Be Well.

Headed out of Mississippi across it's namesake river. Couldn't get the pictures I would have liked as there was to much steel beam (which considering how far across the river is, is a very good thing!) With all the rain of late the great river was over it's banks and extended even further than usual.

 Our destination was Lake Claiborne State Park in Homer, Louisiana and this was a great experience for us. We spent the weekend of March fifth through ninth there and had a great time in the park. Our site was spacious and backed up almost to the lake. The park had a free laundry, which unfortunately had some broken machines, and nice bathrooms. And for those who want something different there were two disc golf courses to use. We didn't get the opportunity but it looked interesting. Lots of trees around us provided shade and privacy. Sitting out back watching the lake became our favorite thing to do.

 There were many trails to hike and we did most of them, even though they were pretty hilly. Some ran along the waters edge and allowed many views of the large lake. While hiking on one of the trails we can across this giant evergreen tree. MY goodness, how big as you can see Paul could not reach around it! Didn't think they grew them that big in the south! 

No that's not a tree with hands,
That's actually Paul trying to get his arms around it!

  The highlight of the park for us was the wildlife. While hiking we saw deer and an armadillo (a first for me). Those little guys move pretty fast. Watching the lake was fun too. On two occasions we saw a bald eagle travel over the lake. One day we watched as several hundred cormorants landed in groups until a whole section of water right behind was filled with them. I have never seen so many of them together before.

   This park was a great place to camp, hike or boat and we would love to come back someday.

Til next stop

Teri & Paul

Be forewarned, lot's of photos below!! ENJOY

Across the way looking at the back of our RV

Rather nice view!

One of many views from our backyard

Cypress knees always remind me of a little village. 

FullTiming during COVID-19

   I am about to get real about our situation, no it is not dire but, we as everyone else are feeling the impact of the Corona Virus. We had plans and reservations to head from here northward with us getting to Badlands, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton during the month of May. Then head across to Washington. All those reservations have now been canceled on us. Those three parks are not opening campgrounds or taking reservations until at least June. Okay so we readjust and find other places. Washington has closed damn near everything and are strongly “requesting” those over the age of 60 stay out and stay home until further notice. Even the military campground have closed except to those staying there while on duty. So here we are in Texas trying to reevaluate our plans. Almost all the campgrounds we had reservations at between here and Badlands have now stated they are not opening for the season until at least midMay or later. Those that are open are not allowing any one in who are not already there. Okay no problem, perhaps we will head back east and perhaps get nearer family we have there. Almost all State and Community Parks have closed their campgrounds. No option there. We belong to a several camping membership groups so we figured we would use their system to get us where we need to go. Guess what, we just got word all their campgrounds are closing their doors to new arrivals and asking any who are already there to go home. HA! Where we are has stated anyone already here can “Shelter In Place” until April 1 possibly April 7, for now. They may extend that if possible. So we and several million other FullTimers await, wondering will we have a place to go.

    We have heard the comment oh well, your home is on wheels makes it easy to stay home, except we are now finding we don't have many choices as to where to park our home. We will stay here as long as possible. It is a nice enough campground though none of the amenities are allowed to be open. The bathhouse is open fortunately but as we have full hook ups (meaning: water, electric and sewer) we have as a safety factor chosen to just use our own. The park has set limits as to how many people can be in same area at same time recommending five but no more than ten. So that limits social gatherings, even if we wanted them. Even the laundry room now has a limit of no more than two people at a time.

   Fortunately, we are well, have each other, just trying to figure out this new norm and wondering what we will be doing next. I will admit it's scary out there, and I had my first emotional breakdown this morning. It doesn't help we have had rain almost everyday for the past two weeks or so. Not so sure I like Texas at the moment. Perhaps Mother Earth is trying to cleanse herself. So as we keep all of you in our thoughts please keep us and all others affected in yours.

TLC Wolf River Resort, Pass Christian, MS

February 27 – March 2

written by Paul

Our recent stay at TLC  Wolf  River Resort was highlighted by two things. It was our first stop out of Florida in almost two months. I enjoyed the sunshine state but being in Mississippi felt like we were on our way forward again. 

The other thing was being on the Gulf of Mexico and being able to get there and touch the water, a first for me. It was quite lovely.

MY But That Water Was Cold!!

   

The park itself was comfortable and very nice. The scenery was great, especially one wonderful old tree that went in all directions. There was a nature walk that ran along the Wolf River Bayou and ended at a small beach on the Wolf River and other trails that we used. There was also fishing, mini-golf and a clubhouse to use. Much of our time was spent watching the pond behind our rv and the four entertaining ducks that lived there.

It's not blue but it is a Bayou!

Is that not a great tree!!

   The office staff was always helpful and being so close to the gulf is a plus. The Walmart we shopped at had a great beach view. First time we could say now there's a Wal-Mart we'd spend the night at. We didn't but... All in all a nice place to stop for a while if your travels bring you through the Mississippi gulf coast area.

Next stop Lake Claiborne, Louisiana

Pretty Shells From The Gulf Of Mexico

Yep, Had To Buy A New Fruit/Vegi Basket!