Day One
Ron and I had nice drive up Hwy 71... The weather was beautiful. I like traveling with my husband because he doesn't "race" to get there. If I see a road side stand I want to look at, or an old church I want to photograph... He happily turns around.
Once we arrived in Eureka Springs, we had Bar-B-Que at a place called Bubba's across the street from the little cottage/gift shop that we check in at. This was interesting. There was a large family (if there is a large loud group of people or a baby crying, my husband and I WILL get seated next to them. He thinks it's a conspiracy). Notice how there is always one voice MUCH louder than the others? Well... The dude had a mullet and his email was something along the lines of Captain Concrete. He'd recently knocked some chic up, but she wasn't speaking to him because he lacked enthusiasm for the pregnancy. Did I mention he was loud? He was showing off his big bucks too... buying a round of french fries for the whole table. Big Spender.
The city was a bit sad to me. The longer we were there and explored the downtown area, etc,.. the more disappointed I was. This beautiful town had been oversold. There was a hotel every five feet and where there was not a hotel, there was a sign letting you know there's a hotel in five feet. The beautiful old architecture was cheesed up and there were signs everywhere. The town has some wonderful history. The restaurants were either open for Breakfast, lunch and or dinner.. but none for all three. Nor was this clearly marked anywhere which shift it served a meal. The shirtless guy on roller skates skating down main street with a huge rebel flag may have also influenced my views. Some eclectic folks... one van looked like the space shuttle. An El Camino that well.. I no words explain.
We got our key, directions and went to the Treehouse Cottage my husband had reserved for us. It was so nice. There was a beautiful leather king size bed, a heart shaped jacuzzi tube (sounds corny, but it was not). Great scenery and big windows to see it out of. My husband had chosen well. I liked this place a lot. We've stayed Bed & Breakfast places, at cabins in Texas, been in the luxury hotel rooms... but this was different. We napped. Then got up and went for a hike along the trail that led to a cave on the property. Ummmmm.... The sign said a mile... what it didn't say was..."EACH WAY"!!! Down hill a mile.. then back up. O....M....G..... I am out of shape. I had to stop and hold a tree up several times. My husband was patient. Once we made it back... (with a storm blowing in) we went to dinner. That night was a lightening storm. Added to the coziness in a strange way.
Day Two
We got up real early to go fishing. Did you know if you want REAL eggs you have to specify? Or you'll get powdered... WTH? Anyway... we ate our toast and powdered eggs and headed out to meet the guide. It was windy and we did "ok" fishing... caught trout, wall-eye and white bass. LOVED the scenery. After fishing we went to see Beaver Lake and the mini Golden Gate bridge.. corny tourist stuff. On our way back there was a bluff I wanted to photograph off of. Ron pulled over and I stood there. The wind had picked up and there were hawks flying off the edge. You could see them using the wind to soar. I took several pictures but was so caught up in the moment.... it wasn't easy to think of pictures. It was beautiful. Quiet, with only the sounds of the wind.... and the hawks kept going. Probably about 6 of them in all dashing all around, over me sometimes, in front, from the left, from the right. Beautiful.
Then we went back to the cottage. Showered and napped (see the theme here... we are old... we sleep after everything we do) Later, I set up the tripod and took pictures of some of the birds that visited the bird seed feeder on the back of the cabin.
Day Three
We slept in... well as late as a sky light and picture windows will let you. we explored the town some more, took a train ride to no where (seriously... we went 2.5 miles and it took an hour), went to Lake Leatherwood, some creeks, Holiday Island. Was a nice afternoon. One disappointment.. we went to the Blue Spring Heritage Center. They let us know that we could pay to go in but could not see the Blue Spring because of a wedding. Huh? We can't see the main attraction... the blue spring itself? On a Saturday at 1 pm??? Pass! So we went back to the cabin and napped (surprised?... didn't think so)
Over all... Eureka Springs, the town, wasn't so great, but the nature surrounding it was awesome. We didn't go see The Passion Play. But, I feel certain our Lord and Saviour wasn't crucified on a cross so that every gas station in Eureka Springs could sell a 5" plastic Jesus statue for $5.99. (and no Tami.. I didn't get you a key chain...lol)
We headed home on Sunday. We stopped in Fort Smith to see the court house where Isaac Parker (The Hanging Judge) presided. I'm a nerd... I love historical stuff. We stopped in Mena and had lunch on Queen Wilhelmina Mountian. Came home from our trip happy, but exhausted. I even cooked supper. (grilled cheese sandwiches..ha)
My husband planned this trip last August. And after this past winter... it was perfect timing. I needed time away with him, no kids, no dog, no Mom reminders. Just us... (Oh.. and a red headed woodpecker that stayed outside the back window as long as there was seed to be eaten)
The Aychafalaya River was swollen and rapid. 
My in-laws live in Berwick. They are genuine, good people. They have worked hard all their lives and raised their kids. And now they work with ceramics and... enjoy retirement. The backyard is a wonderland. plants.... flowers, vegetable garden, ceramic charaters here and there, antiques, and a windmill here and there. Jake likes it there. So do I. It's a calm place, their back yard. 
