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We departed Mountain Thyme about midmorning traveling north on Scenic Byway 7. Traveling through the Ouachita National Forest was quite spectacular. Every twist and turn displayed nature at it's most beautiful moments. Glens and dales punctuated with rocky outcroppings nestled amid pine and hardwoods in full autumn vesture. We practically had the road to ourselves though, occasionally, we pulled onto the shoulder to let nature jaded locals pass. We stopped for lunch and a stretch at "Booger Hollow - Population 7" - a charming side-of-the-road establishment. The souvenir shop was what one would expect, capitalizing on the the "Hillbilly" caricature as the Dallas-Ft. Worth area does on Cowboys. We bought "corn cob" jelly and ate "Booger Burgers" next door. . . I alone visited the Booger Hollow "Out House". I regret not snapping a picture. . .:) Late afternoon found us entering Eureka Spring. Having passed through the Ouachitas we were now in a confirmed Ozark territory. For those that don't know, Eureka Springs is laid out on the craggy rock outcroppings typical of the Ozarks. Perched atop one of high spots, most of the town enjoys breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Since we had forgotten our detailed directions to all the places we were to visit, we were navigating by little map print outs courtesy of Mapquest.com and physical addresses. We decided to stop at a pay phone on the western outskirts of town and call for instructions on our final approach. . . It was not in vain, needless to say. We located the resort directly. Here we were also greeted warmly, though I don't think very much can compare to that we which we received at Mountain Thyme. Our cabin had a marvelous view of the lake. Wildlife seemed rather familiar. Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, and Opossums. The Opossums were best described as "honk'n". The largest I'd ever seen. Carole and I spotlighted a couple chasing each other around near the cabin. Much better than TV. . . We drove into Eureka Springs to see the sights. Of course, touring the "old town" is a must. Quaint little Victorian era homes, some converted to various kinds of souvenir shops, were nestled in amid the the historic springs. All this winds itself with the road that takes one up and around the craggy peak the town is built on. Little caves and cliffs on one side of the road, a precipice arboretum on the other. One of the reasons the town exists are the historic rejuvenate springs. However, just breathing the air and absorbing at the garden-like ambiance is enough to rejuvenate most people. We visited St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, built around the turn of the century, apparently by some fellow for his mother who traveled to Eureka Springs to partake of the healing spas. At St. Elizabeth's we tossed pennies from the walk, that leads to and overlooks the church, into a little well or fountain. The change is use for charitable purposes. From this church, one can see the famous "Christ of the Ozarks" (patterned after the concept of the figure in Rio de Janeiro) on one a mountain peak across the valley. The area is a Mecca of sorts, with a famous Passion play there each Easter season. We also parked and strolled a little, visiting a little Spring at the base of a little cliff. A little gazebo had been built and a plaque placed there telling us about the family that had settled there. Between some of the Victorian-homes-converted-to-B&Bs was a little nursery. It mostly offered various concrete garden figures - bird baths, figures of saints and dogs and so on. The back of the lot terminated in a shear stone cliff into which a couple of cave-like rooms had been carved at some point in the past. Currently used for storage of garden related items, the rooms could have been dwellings for settlers.
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Beaver
Lake Cottages
