Headed East: Lake Views & Reflections

6/17

Packed up after my one night in Russellville, I headed southwest into the Quachita Forest and ended up climbing all over tortoise shells on the way to Bear Cave in Petit Jean State Park. Sounds like a fun way to start the day, right? Both sites at the park are a site to see. One created by years of erosion and rain, the other with leftover and fading remnants of early Native American art within.

After my visit to Bear Cave, curiosity got the best of me, as I saw a trail veer off to the right. I knew that the most popular reason for shutterbug moments in this park, Cedar Creek Falls, was close by. So, I ventured down the trail a bit. Next thing you know, adrenaline rushing, I sat with feet dangling over a cliff side, Cedar Creek Falls in my view. She fell below into a beautiful eroded gorge of rock and moss. As big as this gorge was, it made me wonder just how big and powerful this waterfall might have been so many years ago to create such a beautiful site.

After my childlike moment along the cliff side, I continued down the trail, thinking I was on Boy Scout, the longest trail in the park. If I was on track, based on the trail map, the trail would open back up to the field of tortuous shells I had traversed earlier. A little later, my inner compass beamed with pride as the tortuous shells appeared and I veered right to head back to my car. Oh yes. Spot on. Good job me!

Before I left, I knew I wanted to hit one more trail. Soon, I was lost in the fairy tale land of Cedar Creek Trail. It's bridges and sandstone rock waterfalls at every turn made the trail a delight. Just as soon as I thought the trail was about to bid me farewell, it instead opened up into a valley of sandstone cliffs, the lush green of trees, and boulder laden pools of water, creating a tempting site for an afternoon dip, which several people were happily participating in. As tempting as it seemed, I knew where I wanted to end my day. So, I instead headed up the last incline of the trail back to the parking lot.

Cedar Falls Trail, the most popular trail of Petit Jean, takes you to the base of the falls. But, due to storm damage, it was closed for construction. I felt ok about it though, what with my adrenaline junkie moment along the ledge of Boy Scout Trail, and the beautifully constructed waterfall overlook, which I headed to before I left. This section of the park, is beautifully maintained and constructed, I might add. But, as I took in my last moments at Petit Jean State park, I might have had a little illegal moment, when I might have slipped under the fence line to get a ledge shot of the falls. Wait. Should I be saying this?

About an hour and a half later, I drove into Lake Ouachita State Park, just in time to pop in to the visitor center before they closed. I picked my trail, packed my fanny, and hit the four mile, Caddo Bend Trail. The map showed the trail line maneuvering its way around the lake and the outer rim of the whole park. It sounded like a perfect way to end the day.

The crickets were in full orchestra as the song of the birds serenaded me along my way. I learned quickly that I should have not listened to the young lad of 20 who assured me at the visitor center that I had no need for my trekking poles. The ups and downs and rocks, quickly proved otherwise, but to my left was a constant view of the grandness of Lake Ouachita with her backdrop of what seemed like a never ending Ouachita Forest. For four beautiful and peaceful miles, my only companions were the deer of the forest. Ahh. Another day, exhausted. Another day of joy.

As the sun settle behind the mountain side, I ventured my way across Lake Hamilton into Hot Springs. My airbnb host, John, a lovely gentlemen, took me through the new downstairs apartment attached to his home. He begin to tell me the story of how he had worked on it himself for 2 years. Being "In the Time of Corona" and all, he only wanted one tenant at a time. Am I lucky or what!? Let me tell you, this place was incredible, with a theater room, fun antiques, and a complete full kitchen and sitting area. Then I learned that the sunflower accents throughout the apartment, my favorite, were additions from his late wife. He had lost her only a year ago after 25 years of marriage. I felt much gratitude for this man and for this wonderful place I would call home for a few days.

That evening, I reflected on my Airbnb hosts that I had been truly blessed to stay with so far on my adventure East. From my now Facebook friend in Ozark. "Hi, Jelsomin!" To the volunteer fire fighter of Russellville who let me wash my clothes. To this full apartment, all mine, below the house of a nice man, who I wish much peace and joy to, as he journeys onward in this precious gift called life.