Jan - Mar 2005

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JANUARY 2005 

Tonight we are off to the big town of Ponca, AR.  Not much there… unless you want to get away from it all and see some of the most beautiful of God's creations.  This weekend, for his birthday, Mike wanted to go stay at one of the cabins at the Buffalo Outdoor Center and do some hiking and see some waterfalls, we hope.

After a late night of partying, or shall we say early morning… we are up not at the crack of dawn, but at least we are up.  It was hard getting going but at least we had fun!  We have nice breakfast at the cabin and afterwards we pack up to head toward the trailhead.  On the way, we see a herd of Elk that are native to the area.  We attempt to count them, and I lost count at 50.  The pictures don't do them justice.  There was a big boy out there, that was pretty awesome, and he knew it!

Once at the trailhead, we gear up, take a quick picture of our little group and take off.  The trail this time is lot easier for me then the first time I was here.  We take a short break along a small creek and where it would lead was awesome.  Sitting there we heard the flow of the water and as we got up to continue we had to determine which trail to go on…  I don't know where the left trail went, maybe to the backside of Hawksbill, but what mattered was that we took the right trail, which led us to 4 waterfalls.  These, at the time we were unaware of, ended up being “Hally Falls” Upper 17ft and Lower 45ft, Mule Trail Falls 31ft & Thousand Kisses Falls 48ft.  This is the area where Hally Vega was lost for several days.  She was out hiking with her grandparents and wanted to go to these falls but her grandparents said she was too little to go…  I guess she taught them, she saw them anyway, with a price.  Don't worry they found her…  Check out Tim Ernst's book on Hally's search and the rescue.  Also these waterfalls mentioned above are included in his waterfall book.  All these books can be purchased through his website, along with other trail guides and picture books.  A must for us outdoorsy folks!

After climbing around on the falls a bit, we are back on the trail to Hawksbill.  This too is a magnificent site, and is one of the most photographed sites in Arkansas.  It is a landmark of the Buffalo River!  It is a must see to every outdoorsmen/woman…  But be aware that if you are afraid of heights, it might be best that you stay back a ways…  Just have to see it to believe it!

After hanging out on the crag we pack up and start it head out, coming in was fairly easy, going back was a bit harder, mostly uphill.  Not sure what the elevation change in the trail is, but would be interested to know that little bit of info!  If I find it I will update…

Back to the car and back to the Cabin, for a wonderful steak dinner Mike cooked, and homemade salsa that Allan made.  Hey us girls figured that we'd just kick back after our hike.  Not a bag gig if you can get it!  Oh I almost forgot…  It was Mike's birthday, and a cake with candles, sort of, was in order.  We didn't have any of those cake candles, so we just used the two candles Judy had brought for fragrance.  We sang Happy Birthday, and he blew out his candles.  This wasn't just any typical birthday, it was better!

Photos this adventure

After waking at a bit earlier time then yesterday morning, we have breakfast and pack up to check out of the cabin.  Snow is falling and its 26 degrees as we head to the “Glory Hole”.  It is another one of those incredible sites located in Arkansas.  We arrive at kinda, sorta a trailhead… there is a road that goes to the start of the trail, with an area for limited parking.  However, this road has seen some better days and four wheel drive is definitely a requirement.  We didn't make it all the way to the trailhead, cause there was a large frozen “puddle” looked more like a pond where the road use to be.  We weren't going to chance it, it was interesting enough getting to where we got.  So we pulled off the “road” and parked between some trees.  We geared up and we are gone.  The trail is good, it is an old service or jeep road, so it was pretty smooth sailing.  Mostly downhill, which means, once again, the hard part will be on the way out!  Man I hate going up hill!  After a while the road narrows and becomes a regular trail along a stream.  Following the stream to the Glory Hole, we came across several waterfalls and cascades.  This is an awesome hike, when water is flowing.  The climax of course is the Glory Hole.  It is another one of those got to see it to believe its.  With the way the water has flowed for years, who knows how many…  it has created a large hole in the rock, and the water flows down the stream that we have been hiking along and into the hole, and out into a small pool where the stream continues.  The pictures do not do it justice.  After enjoying this site, and Mike climbing on this HUGE rock, see pictures, we head back up the valley and back on the trail.  It’s uphill almost all the way back to our vehicles.  Getting them out of the mud and trees without a fender bender was a bit of work.  Once achieved we hit the road for Allum Cove.  We arrive at the picnic area and have a bite to eat, well I fix our sandwiches and head back to the suburban.  It was too dang cold to be standing there trying to eat while shivering with frozen hands.  Lunch done, and warmed up again, Mike and I hit the trail.  Allan and Judy had to head back to Little Rock, to take care of their puppy dogs.  The trail was interesting, a lot of ice, and a natural bridge.  The cave on the back side of the loop was interesting, so if you make it to Allum Cove, be sure to head to the back side of the trail.  Once back to the picnic area, we change and it’s back on the road to Little Rock.

Photos this adventure

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FEBRUARY 2005

Well today we started the Ouachita Trail.  We hit the trail at exactly 9:58, and 41 degrees. We stopped for a snack at 11:58 right before the road bed crossed the creek.  It was a bit tricky, because the trail took a sharp left hand turn and we missed it!  Oops, you have to pay close attention to those colored blazes.  The trail was a bit like a roller coaster, a lot of turns and ups and downs, which made for an interesting hike.  This portion was not too difficult, but I did get tired of those hills.  We had about 2 miles to go and we took another wrong turn… got us to the power lines but at the wrong place.  The lost the blazes and had to back track about a quarter of a mile or so, till we found them again.  They actually led us through swamp, which made for some soggy hiking.  After 6 hours, and 10.2 miles we arrived at marker 202 at exactly 3:58.  For same reason we were on a .58 kick today.  We look forward to completing the whole Ouachita Trail someday, and we will keep you posted on our progress.

Today we are off to Texas again to spend some time with Tommy for his birthday.  Mike picks me up from work with the Honda loaded down and Chelsie and Chase fighting in the back seat as usually.  We stop in Hope, AR at Amigo Juan’s for some Mexican food and some strawberry fruit punch.  This time we bring some gallon jugs to get some punch to go.  Yummy!  Makes great strawberry Daiquiris.  Back on the road we go, and arrive in McKinney at 10:30.  Words of caution for those printed out directions on Mapquest… sometimes those directions are not that accurate!  Luckily we knew enough about getting around in McKinney to find out hotel!  This will be a first, the first time for all of us to be in the same hotel room.  5 people in one room, with one bathroom, should make for an interesting time!

This morning we were able to sleep in a little.  The hotel was “supposed” to have a deluxe continental breakfast, but of course by the time we got down there to get some, it was slim pickins, so when Mike took Chase to Car Toys, a stop at Shipley’s donuts was in order.  Chelsie and I stayed in the room while the “boys” were out playing.  It’s finally time to pick up Tommy.  Since he had to go to school this morning we weren’t able to pick him up till noon.  Once picked up we are off to REI.  I know you are probably saying, again?  I don’t know that we could come to Dallas without going to REI.  After shopping for a couple of hours, and getting some great deals, we are back in the car and off to Speedzone.  It is an arcade and go cart racing place, with several tracks to drive on.  Check out there website…  Once there, we realize the tracks are closed due to the fact that it is raining and you can only imagine how crazy and dangerous it would be if they didn’t.  So instead we played around for a couple of hours inside in the arcade.  I think all the kids had a good time, even Mike.  Afterwards we head to dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill and back to the hotel.

The plan with morning was to get up early enough to get packed up and breakfast eaten and to the Dallas World Aquarium by 10:00am when they open.  Now that didn’t happen!  I guess we got up ok, a little slow going after Mike reset the alarm on the cell phone a few times.  And as for breakfast, that didn’t happen either.  We were going to stop by IHOP and grab a quick breakfast, but at 10:30 on a Sunday morning… nothing is quick at IHOP.  As a matter of fact we just drove through the parking lot and didn’t stop when we saw the line of people waiting outside.  So after taking the wrong route to the aquarium, the long way, we stop at McDonalds for a quick early lunch.  Again, the Mapquest directions left something to be desired, but with a little luck we found it!  The aquarium was more then that, there was a Rain Forrest, Penguin Exhibit, Shark Tank, White Alligator pool, Snakes (yuck), Pink Flamingos, Birds, Monkeys, and much much more.  A lot of work and money was put in to make this Aquarium what it is.  If you like this kind of stuff, I think it’s worth a visit.  Well it’s time to drop Tommy off back in McKinney and head back to home.  The next time we’ll see Tommy, he’ll be coming home for a visit during his spring break.  I like those visits better, cause it allows him to get to see his Gramps and his Granny.

It’s a gorgeous day and since its Presidents Day, it’s a Holiday for my work.  So after goofing off a lot of the day I head home, and meet Mike.  We are anxious for spring and to be able to start riding our bikes again.  We load and we are off to the river.  Today we are riding from the River bridge to Murray Lock & Dam and back, on my bike computer it recorded 15.3 miles, and 1 hour and 25 minutes.  Not too fast, but then we aren’t in it for the speed.  I am so ready for Springtime, and more bike rides!

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March 2005

I can’t believe it, but tonight we are off to a Musical Production.  When Mike mentioned that he would like to go, I jumped on it and bought the tickets that immediately before he had a chance to change his mind.  So if he doesn’t like it he can only blame himself.  Well after a dinner at Irianna’a we were off to Robinson Auditorium and the show.  I thought it was excellent, very upbeat and energetic, and I do believe Mike enjoyed it too.  We are going to be looking into season passes for next year…  a little art never hurt anybody!

I have always thought of myself as a fairly healthy person, but here lately it doesn’t seem that way.  Today we are off to the hospital for a minor diagnostic procedure.  So I will be off work for the rest of the week, hopefully will get some quality web site time.  Once out of recovery, Mike informs me that I get to go through this again.  Female things are never easy to take care of…  Next time it will be for 6 weeks, instead of one. 

Well its not a good morning…  I woke with severe pain to my back and shoulders.  Went to the GP Doc and he thinks it’s an air bubble from the procedure that was done on Monday.  I don’t care what it is, it’s the most painful thing I have ever had to endure.   

The stitches come out and I am off “restricted duty” till the next surgery which will be on the 28^th of this month.  The next recovery won’t be so easy… it will be six weeks off work then.  The pain still persists in my shoulders and back, though it’s getting a little better.  Now my Doc thinks it’s a pinched nerve, and it’s causing numbness in my fingers.  I am really tired of it.   

Tonight we are off to the airport.  Tommy is coming in for a few days for his spring break.  Not sure what all we will do, but I bet it won’t be boring!

Today we are going to Center Ridge AR, for another Spaghetti Super.  This time we are bringing my dad along, to get him out of the house for a while.  We had a good time, and I am not sure that I have ever seen my dad eat so much. 

We are having lunch today at Granny’s.  We wanted to do something while Tommy is here, so she will get to spend some time with him.  Wendy and Jerry have brought his kids today, so that will give Tommy someone to play with.  We all had a great time, and I think Granny really like having the company.  I was afraid it would be too much for her, and make her tired, but I think it did the opposite.  She was really “up” and full of herself. 

Its off to the airport again, Tommy is going back home to Texas.  On the way I realized that I was off by 30 minutes on the time his flight leaves…  we had to hustle bigtime to get him checked in and to the gate in time.  Once at the gate I realized that Tommy’s gameboy is missing.  He had left it in the rush, at the ticket counter.  Luckily they found and brought it to the gate in plenty of time.  It wouldn’t have been pretty if he had to leave without it. 

Well since I am going to be down and out of it for a while, we decided that we would make a quick trip somewhere.  Originally we were going to Taos to do some skiing, but since I have this pinched nerve that its driving me crazy.  Instead we decide to go to new Orleans for a little party time.

Departed Lonoke at 12:10, and arrived in New Orleans, after misdirection from the highway markers, 8:30.  This weekend we are staying in a Bed and Breakfast, The Andrew Jackson Hotel on Royal Street, one block off of Bourbon.  Of course we had to drive forever to find a street that wasn’t one way the wrong way.  I think all of the streets in New Orleans are one way, except for Canal, and they are always one way, the opposite of where you want to go.  Now we understand why there are so many bicycles…  Once checked in, we are off to Bourbon Street.  Its Friday night, and the crowd begins to grow.  You can see all sorts of people, so don’t be surprised at what you might see.  After making a trip down the street, and a couple of drinks, we find this place called the Famous Door.  The band playing is amazing, they are the best club band we think we have ever heard.  Rockbox is there name, and as I understand it, they are regulars there, from 9:00pm on.  Playing just about anything you could ask.  From the 70’s, 80’s, and Alternative rock, from the Eagles to Journey, to Van Halen and so much more.  They are definitely worth checking out and hanging out with for hours…  Well its 12:00am and its time to make our way back to the hotel.  Tomorrow is a new day, and there is so much more to see and do.

Well the plan was when we woke this morning at 8:00, to go down and take advantage of the hotels continental breakfast.  But after laying in bed for a few too many minutes we fell back asleep and didn’t get up till 10:00.  Oh well at least it sounded good at the time.  Instead we take a stroll down Royal at check out some of the nicer shops.  The classier stuff of course is off of Bourbon.  We make it to Canal Street, then down toward the Riverwalk, which we never make it into, guess that will have to wait for the next trip.  We go down past the Audubon Aquarium, and along the river for a while.  People are boarding the ship for a river cruise.  Today is definitely not the day for that, it is so foggy that the visibility is probably no more then ¼ of a mile.  Even though its foggy, looking down the streets and seeing the fog covering the tops of the buildings was actually pretty cool looking.  Well since we didn’t make it for breakfast we both are getting pretty hungry so we decide to go have a big lunch at Bubba Gumps.  This will be my 3^rd one to eat at and Mike’s 2^nd.  After a little wait we are seated out on the balcony so we can see the goings on down on Decatur.  We order an appetizer of “Hush Pups”, very good, but very rich.  And for our entrees of course it’s gotta be shrimp.  Can’t ever go wrong with the fried shrimp, and Mike got the stuffed shrimp.  The stuffed shrimp was good but very rich.  I don’t think you go wrong with anything on that menu.  After a few bites into our meals, it begins to rain, and we high tail it indoors.  With lunch done we are back at it…  down Decatur and to the Flea Market.  This place is open 7 days a week.  You know its got the typical cheap t-shirts and gifts, but it also has to nice jewelry, artistic crafts, Cajun spices and foods.  After souvenirs are purchased and we make a quick stop at Central Grocery, the home of the original Mufelletta, its back to the hotel to drop the stuff off and take a nap for a couple of hours, then we are back to Bourbon Street.  You know a long weekend is great for a trip to New Orleans, wouldn’t want to do it for a whole week, but it will take several trips to see everything.  But then the way things change I doubt you could ever see it all.  We spend the rest of the night listening to the band, having a few drinks, and watching the characters on the street.  From the desperate individuals in search of the free beads to the drunk individuals that may not make it back to their beds tonight…  As for the bead searchers, we all know how we earn the beads now don’t we?  Well if you don’t, let me educate…  Its usually guys that are on the balconies along Bourbon Street and they watch all the pretty and some not so pretty girls go by.  As the girls an guys stroll pass, the ones on the balconies throw beads down to those on the street.  The bead giver, usually “pays” the girls who show off their boobs.  But usually you can acquire some beads without that favor.   Usually there are other desperate guys standing under the balconies with cameras ready for perfect shot of those uncovered breasts.  After obtaining some beads for ourselves, we head back toward our hotel.  On the way, we pass by a bar that was showing a strange version of the Wizard of Oz, on the TV monitors.  Once we looked closer we realize that this bar is filled with nothing but men, arm and arm, and some liplocked.  This was not a bar for us and we just pass on by.  Now if you have lived a sheltered lifestyle, New Orleans is not the place for you.  From gays and lesbians walking hand in hand, to the topless and bottomless bars…  you will see it all!

This morning we have to get up early…  We have reservations at the world-renowned restaurant Brennan’s.  “Breakfast at Brennan’s” is probably the most-famous meal in the world.  Founded in 1946 by Owen Edward Brennan and is located in a historic 1795 mansion, 417 Royal Street.  Today we have baked apples in cream for an appetizer, Mike has poached eggs over lump crab meat and mine is poached eggs with sautéed tomatoes and shallots in a pastry shell for our main courses.  I would tell you the names, but they were too fancy for me to remember.  Check out the website for the menu.  And for dessert, I have key lime pie which probably the one dessert I have a weakness for.  Mike on the other hand gets the international favorite, Banana’s Foster, which consists of bananas of course, sautéed in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and banana liqueur and flamed in rum, this all served over ice cream.  Its pretty impressive when they cook it there are your table.   With our meal finished we are off to get the car out of the parking lot and to check out of the hotel.  NOTE:  parking is very limited in New Orleans, so your best bet is to stay some place that has “secured” parking, and once you unload your car, leave it parked till its time to leave for home.  If you want to go someplace that is not in walking distance, the trolley system will take you most anyplace you would want to go.  Had a friend that had taken his brand new Corvette to Mardis Gras one year, went to dinner and we came out, his car was gone.  So its best to leave it parked.  There are secured parking lots along Decatur, around Jackson Brewery.  We’re back on the road now and headed for home, with a quick stop in Memphis for some dinner.  Tomorrow is a big day, I will be back under the knife again…  So the weekend was a nice funfilled trip before my 6 week recovery period.  Bet it won’t take me 6 weeks to recuperate, will probably be back at in 2, searching for our next adventure.

Well today we are back at yet another hospital, its St. Vincents North this time.  Today I am going in for a partial hysterectomy, and I will be off work for another 6 weeks.  I won’t mind the time off I don’t believe, but it’s the stuff that warrants the time off that I am not looking forward to.  I will be in the hospital for a couple of days, and I am sure it will be just loads of fun.

The surgery went well and now I am in my lovely room, luckily I don’t have a roomy.  Never have been much for having another sick person in the room with me when I have been in the hospital before. 

Today is check out day, and boy will I be glad to get home.  Once home, its straight to bed and to be pampered a bit.  Mike is wonderful taking care of me.  Of course over the year and a half we’ve been together he has had plenty of practice.  3 surgery’s, and to think I thought I was a fairly healthy individual.

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