Page Updated: August 29, 2023
Northern Arkansas
By the time we hit leg 11, we were travel weary from collective travel as a whole. We were probably due since this was the start of our 7th month on the road. We spent most of our time kicking back enjoying the change of the season. Mornings were spent wrapped up in comfy throws sipping coffee on the dock. Leaves crunched under our feet on afternoon walks. Fires crackled on the deck while we roasted marshmallows. And the highlight for us - our long time friends Mike and Di came to hang with us for a weekend.
It was a picture-perfect welcome to Autumn and medicine for my soul.
Our rental was in a rural area. Far from town, down a dirt road, secluded deep in the woods, and perched on a small river; it was the ideal location for us at this point of the adventure.
Isolation brought plenty of wildlife. A flock of turkeys strolled through the front lawn most mornings. A few otters goofed off around the dock. Coyotes howled in the evenings, and the sound of woodpeckers carried over the water in the early dawn - occasionally you’d get a glimpse of their giant red heads peeking through the leaves. Turtles. Cranes. Hawks. Something with the horrifying legs of a rat swimming through the river- so a maybe a muskrat. And a fuzzy fellow I affectionately named Frank that circled the property nibbling on grass when he thought no one is looking.
After committing to a small fortune on a couple of inexpensive rods, spinning reels, and 2 fishing licenses, we were ready to give trout fishing a whirl. Blasphemy to the hardcore fly fishermen of the world I’m sure , but my old lady elbows can only handle so much flicking. Or is it wrists?
After getting tips from the exterminator who dropped in during our stay, we got lucky and managed to catch a few. Who knew fish liked marshmallows, too. Thanks, exterminator dude - you made my day.
THE LOCAL GRUB
Chicken Fried
Chicken
After a day of hiking, exploring, and thrifting in downtown Heber Springs, we dropped in at Angie’s Hideaway on Bobbie Jean Ln for dinner. Fully southern - fully fried - fully Lee’s plate.
Our rule for BBQ: If you smell it, you’ve gotta try it. Drove by The Food Plot while exploring Heber Springs. The set up is modest - a food truck and a picnic table; but the food is excellent. Their Brisket Pie is a compilation of Fritos, beans, onions, brisket, bbq sauce, & slaw.
Brisket Pie
You’re not seeing double… Lee just loves chicken fried chicken. It’s his go to choice if its on any menu. This version is from Colton’s Steak House in Searcy. Lee’s comments : “It was good.”
Chicken Fried
Chicken
scenes from the leg!
THE FUN STUFF
10/30/2021
Modeled after the historic paddle boats of the 1800’s, the Showboat Branson Belle is one of the biggest attractions on the lakes of the Ozarks…
Showboat Branson Belle
10/30/2021
Beginning in 1894 as a simple cavern attraction known as Marvel Cave, Silver Dollar City has expanded to a 61 acre 1880s style theme park…
Silver Dollar City
11/04/2021
Big Creek Natural Area Overlook
Best thing about this trail was hiking it with a friend.
11/06/2021
Located in north-central Arkansas and nestled in a nook of Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River, Heber Springs is best known for amazing and fun water recreation…
Heber Springs AR
10/06/2021
mashup - a hike/climb combo. The ascent is leg burning heart pumper. Steep enough to make you work for it. The “climb” - which was …