After we left Arizona we made our way through Amarillo Texas, staying with one of Bruce’s many 1st cousins. This particular cousin grew up during his early years as a missionary kid in Nicaragua, then in Florida. He spent a summer or two, in Bruce’s family’s basement, while his parents itinerated for a year.
We caught up on family history, personal history, and they fed us well. Gardening is their business, Dawn Farm, Canyon TX, so we were introduced to micro-greens and home grown kale smoothies in the mornings. We slept in the micro green room, lulled with the scent of rich earth and growing plants.
They also took us to a beautiful spot, of which we were completely ignorant, Palo Duro Canyon
Beautiful day, hike and scenery, not to be missed should you find yourself in Amarillo Texas!
Next we stopped for a couple of nights in Oklahoma City, just to keep moving east. On our way out of town at a Phillips 66 Gas station, we happened on a collection of military memorabilia, that the owner began back in the 60’s.
This is merely a fraction of the entire collection. I was incredibly moved, while I perused the various hats, medals, and items from every facet of military history. All of it voluntarily donated. This spot was such a small, out of the way place that you might never see this wonderful collection, unless you stopped for fuel.
This life is filled with special serendipities
Our next landing was Eureka Springs Arkansas. I had hoped to connect with some high school friends, but illness got in the way. No matter, we loved the area! The actual town was a tad hippieish, but the area was spectacular. Hills, trees, hiking trails, cool nights and warm days. It reminded us of the Carolinas.
We were entirely charmed
It’s a historic stop on the Trail of Tears. It’s also a spot where a charlatan doctor set up a hospital, claiming to cure everything from warts to cancer. He was eventually proved false and prosecuted. But the hotel still remains, and is said to be haunted by the ghosts of dead patients.
We visited the Blue Springs Heritage Center while we were there. It captured my attention on Google, because it mentioned a botanic garden. It was far more than that. Centered around a beautiful blue spring that feeds a pond and ultimately a river, the land was a stunning place of beauty.
The Cherokee Indians spent some time under this rock outcropping. They waited for stragglers to join them, on their way to their government designated land. Following the water, they made their way to the plains set aside for them, as they were evicted from their ancestral lands in Georgia.
We both had preconceived ideas about Arkansas. I had a great aunt who lived in the Texarkana area, and I remember visiting her as a young girl. We ate possum, turtle, and catfish, and saw bugs and snakes, unknown to my suburban, Bay Area upbringing. It was a hot and dirty place, and my memories aren’t really what you’d call, fond.
Bruce has ancestors who were likely in the Hot Springs area, when the Assemblies of God denomination was formed. His association with Arkansas, has more to do with southern gospel identity.
He’s in a lifetime recovery program for it
But we fell in love with the landscape. After we left Eureka Springs, we traveled across the state to see a work colleague of Bruce’s, who lives in Pocahontas AR, which is still in the southern Ozark mountains. The drive was hilly, winding and mesmerizing. Lovely scenery and beautiful roads.
We landed in Davidson Historic State Park. It was beautifully well appointed. Asphalt pads, excellent hookups, beautiful lake to walk, bbq, coated metal picnic table (no slivers or heat), even a tent pad! Abundant red oak trees shaded the area gracefully.
We haven’t cooked inside since we landed
Mind you, it’s spring, I imagine summers are a bit less romantic. But knowing you could escape the summers for the Midwest, might make it a fantastic place to retire. Though it’s rumored that the Californians are making their way here…
Bruce thinks we’re building the wall along the wrong boarder
Our next stop is in Clarksville Tennessee, to see long time friends from Illinois. They moved during the pandemic (didn’t everyone?), to take advantage of the warmer winters and lower property taxes. It’s been years since we’ve had face to face time.
We are due!
Ultimately we are making our way back to Illinois to catch up on business. Doctors, dental and eye appointments. Storage unit downsizing. Catching up with our kids and friends, and continuing to look into Michigan as a permanent home.
Next up is a week on the Kentucky River. The Bourbon Trail, Berea Artisans and the Shaker Village are on the list. And another high school friend is waiting for me. I think we might have a sewing day…
Can’t beat it!
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