Sunday, July 07, 2013

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

I was released from doctors care and we hit the road on July 5. We left Kilgore, TX in our rear view mirror and headed for Hot Springs, Arkansas. We arrived at the Elks Lodge in Hot Springs in the middle of the afternoon, unloaded the bike and got settled in. After our visit to the lodge to get our free drink and pay for our stay here, we headed back to the rv for a rest. The lodge has 30 and 50 amp hook ups and water. There is a dump station here also. When we arrived there was another rv here. I looked for a 50 amp hook up and couldn't find one. I went over and looked at the other rv here and noticed that he an adapter in his line so I figured that his was 30 amp. After we got all hooked and I talked to the bar tender, she said that the 50 amp were sites 1,2 and 3. The other rv was on site 2 and had a 30 adapter in the 50 amp. I have no idea why someone would take the middle 50 amp hook up for a 30 amp rig. I would have had to pull in right next to him to get 50 amp, so we just settled for 30. We got along just fine on the 30 amp. I ran the water heater on propane and we shut the air off to run the microwave.  
On day two, we saddled up on the bike and headed out for a 150 mile ride north of Hot Springs. The visitors center has pamphlets of motorcycle rides in the area. Anyone heading to Arkansas with a bike should pick up the fliers at the state line. There are 4 different ones covering most of the state. With the afternoon temperatures in the mid 90s, we left the rv at 8 am to try and beat the heat. We had a great ride and stayed cool as long we were moving. When you stopped for a rest, it got hot right now. The ride we choose took us into the Ouachita Mountains north of Hot Springs. The road took us past the Petit Jean State Park. This park has a big lake and lots of hiking trails. The return took us down scenic route 7. It was a pretty ride but we both thought it was not as nice as some other roads we have ridden.
 
 

 
 
Petit Jean Lake


One of the historical sites along the way

 
Falls overlook the falls are hidden in the trees



 
Valley overlook
 

 
Some of the many sweeps and switchbacks





 
Saying hi.




DAY TWO
 This morning we took another of the rides in the pamphlet to the south. This one took us south on 7 to DeGray State Park. We stopped at the visitor's center in the park and then road around checking it out. The park is a Corp park, so they except the National Parks Pass for half price camping. The park is not to far off of I 30 so we may stop here on our way past in the future. The lake is very big..
 


We took route 128 back north. We stopped at a little carry out for something to drink and spotted these 3 babies 


 The mother flew into this picture.
 
 
This is the only building in this intersection of 3 roads but it had a clean restroom, a cold drink, and a very friendly clerk!
 
 
 
I think  route 128 ride was one of the prettiest roads we have ridden during our stay here.



We got back to the rv around noon and decided to stay in due to the heat. In the morning we will head for Branson, MO. Actually, Hollister, MO to the Escapees RV Park there. The park is located across the river from the town of Branson. We can stay there for free because of the free nights we earned while working for Escapees. I think we stay there for a week to 10 days. It looks like there are a lot of roads to ride in that area.

Till next time
Duane and Louise

2 comments:

Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009 said...

What wonderful news about the doctor!

We had a great time in Hot Springs. We did a lot of hiking. Looks like a couple of wonderful days for a ride.

Love the baby shot...especially the one with their mouths open...lol

We still have never been to Hollister. One day.

Safe travels dear friends.

The Bright's said...

Welcome back to the Road!