Trip 4a Total Eclipse viewing, TN (19-22 Aug 2017)

What an epic events, seeing Totality ranks at the top of any natural phenomena I've experiences. Next up, Northern Lights maybe this trip to the UP. Mickie and I were hosted by Will (number one son) who grilled and provided timely technology point for remote TV/Movie viewing as travel in our RV.

Drove and parked Airstream in front of Will's house in Lebanon. Relaxing with Will and Brady with a visit the Wilson County Fair included.



Saturday night at the Fair

A few of my photo attempts not easy to capture. It's best to observe and taken it all in. Next up 2024

Trip #3e Devils Den State Park, AR (1-7 May 17)

  Devils Den State Park, AR

Deep in a valley of the rugged Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas is Devil’s Den State Park. This 2,500-acre park provides some of the most spectacular Ozark Mountain scenery in the state. The park's creeks, crevices, caves, and overlooks connect you with the constant geologic forces that shape this rugged terrain. A clear mountain creek spills its cool, clear waters over the rocky valley floor with its downward flow, slowed only for a moment by a picturesque, native stone dam.

A little park history: Lee Creek Valley was selected as the site for a state park in 1933. The park’s major facilities were constructed as a Works Project Administration (WPA) project by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).  In the 1970s, the park underwent a major facelift during which the native stone and log structures of the 1930s were renovated and preserved for use today and in the future. Walk in the footsteps of the CCC here, where hard work and craftsmanship created a park that is seamless with the landscape.

 Devil’s Den Self-Guiding Trail



Nice trail leaving from the visitor center where actual you can get Wi-Fi. Cell phone coverage a bit spotty, but not always a bad thing. Additional photos:





 

Yellow Rock Trail (3miles)



Atop the Yellow Rock you will have an unobstructed view of the Lee Creek valley. Along the rest of the trail you will see cedar glades, interesting rock formations, and the first structure built in the park. Great all-around hike show casing the Ozark.

  

Fossil Flat (Mountain Biking Trail)

Road this or part of the trail a couple of times, this was very technical and challenging trail pushing me to my limits. Mickie loved it! I survived with no major injuries.

Trip #3d Hot Springs National Park, AR (29 Apr 17)

Hot Springs National Park

The park is well known for the historic Bathhouse Row consisting of eight bathhouses. The park consists of 5,550 acres in which there are many hiking trails, a campground, display springs, a gift shop, and a visitor center/museum. A one day visit on a rain day in Arkansas.

Inside the Bathhouse (very interesting historical past)

Enjoying the trails around the Baths

Trip #3c Petit Jean State Park, AR (23Apr-1May 2017)

Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas

One of Arkansas’s finest state parks, Petit Jean State Park lies in a unique area between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain ranges in west-central Arkansas. This, Arkansas's first state park, includes 2,658 acres of natural beauty on Petit Jean Mountain.  In this lovely mountain setting are an abundance of unmarred woods, ravines, streams, springs, waterfalls, spectacular views and surprising geological formations preserved almost as French explorers found them 300 years ago. (CAMPGROUND:PETIT JEAN STATE PARK SITE:074)

Hiking in the Park

Exploring the "Winthrop Rockefeller Institute"

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute exists to honor and perpetuate the remarkable legacy of a remarkable man. Established in 2005 when the Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust granted the University of Arkansas System a 188-acre campus that was once part of the home and cattle farm of Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller, the Institute perpetuates Rockefeller’s strong belief in the power of collaboration and in the free exchange of ideas.

More Picture around Petit Jean

Trip #3b Dub Patton Recreation Area, MS (22-23 Apr 17)

Dub Patton Recreation Area sits along Arkabutla Lake and Dam in the hills of northwest Mississippi. The dam project is on the Coldwater River and offers some of the best sailing east of the Mississippi River.

After spending time with family and friends around Dale Hollow, we started the drive to Arkansas. Got an early start picked another Army Corp Park just south of Memphis a manageable 360miles. I learning a lot about driving strategies. 350-400 miles and/or 6-7 hours seems to be about the limit with a max driving speed 63 in our RV configuration.

Trip #3a Obey River Park Campground, TN (18-22 Apr 17)

Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Dale Hollow Lake is renowned for its fishing opportunities. It has yielded the world record smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are also popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake. Obey River is the most popular campground and day-use area on Dale Hollow Lake. This is a vacation destination for camping, boating, skiing, fishing and beach-goers. The site is conveniently located next to a small community hosting restaurants, history and several marinas. Obey River Campground features 131 campsites. Electric hookups, drinking water, flush toilets and a dump station all create a comfortable camping experience. A swimming beach, basketball court, playgrounds and two large group picnic shelters provide additional recreational opportunities.

Camp Site #116 and Dale Hollow Lake





A short hike on Bunkum Cave Trail in Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park