Candlewood Suites Fort Smith

So the day started with a visit to the doctor to get a shot for Ethan. The poison ivy on his face from his hike through the woods was getting dangerously near his eyes. So we didn't leave Tupelo until almost lunchtime. Passed through Memphis, then crossed the Mississippi into Arkansas. We stopped in Alma. The campground here was a pretty scary place, like something from a Friday the 13th movie.

So so tired. Today was a reeeeeally long day. IT was a really stressful drive through the Ozarks in the rain and dark I was driving the car and Juan following in the truck. Tomorrow we pick up the trailer from Nancy's and then off to the QT farm to drop the trailer then drive to Dallas to return the car.

... to stop in the road on a sharp (15 MPH "Z" corner ) and hope nothing comes at you. I went as far as the Turner Bend Store, rested a bit, bought a few things and headed back home.
The rest of the trip was on and off rain till around Clarksville. Then the sun almost came out and the roads almost got dry...almost. I wanted to ride the Arkansas Dragon on this trip, but the rain changed that. Maybe next time I come this way some of my friends will try it with me.

... for the weekend as well, which was another reason I headed to Fort Smith when I did. I played my first video game in a few months (Super Smash Bros. FTW!) and we had a great time hanging out. The rest of the weekend was spent either doing stuff at the apartment, like more video games or board games, or checking out the historic downtowns of Fort Smith and Van Buren. It ...

... until there were enough to make a layer, then laid them all out on the mound and covered everything with dirt.) Also, they burned the dead leader's home and covered it with soil to make a mound. The next leader's home was built on top of that same mound, and so on. Their homes were built around cedar posts, with cane and grass woven to create walls, and clay packed on both sides like stucco. After the clay dried ...

... up the hill things started to get freaky. Lots of switchbacks and what appeared to be bushes along the road that were actually treetops. All I kept thinking was "okay, this is a challenge, and that's what I'm here for" and "how in the heck can I handle Colorado if I can't do this?". So I drove right by the two pull-offs and made it to the top. Of course, it was misty and foggy, but I made it! Whew. Oh, hell, now I have to drive down... All I'm ...

... on a tour of the building he's renovating and turning into a museum and historical center. It, and he, was so interesting! I loved hearing about the history of the building, which was a hotel and restaurant, cafe and soda fountain. The intricate tile work in each bathroom was beautiful, and laid in the days when they did each piece individually. I regret it every time I don't have my camera, so I may have to repeat some of this tomorrow to get a few shots...

... collectively called the Cherokee, but in fact a combination of four tribes/group and the original native inhabitants of the area . The fact the Europeans settlers had pushed the Native tenants out towards the west thus causing the conflict, was lost on the Army or controlling politicians. The dispute between the Natives was settled with a peace agreement penned by the Army, this land then became the Indian Territories. The lawlessness created by the whites and the broken ...

Klein aber fein........... Nach 5 Stunden Fahrt durch den Regen sind wir am Ziel angekommen....etwas nass aber immer noch mit einer sehr guten Laune. Am Abend goennten wir uns ein saftiges Steak und typische Suedstaatenmusik in einer Bar.... natuerlich erst, nachdem wir ueber eine Stunde im Kaff umhergeirrt sind, und uns wegen des aufkommenden Regens (je) einen Regenschirm gekauft haben!!!! :-0 :-))))) CU Martin & Reto

... ranch. We walked along a path in the middle of a cornfield that led to the landmark. We quickly busted out the "raspberry pink" Krylon and got to work! (see pics) Next stop, Shamrock, TX. A town of 2000, one main street one, McDonalds yet several antique shops. After a quick stop at an antique shop, chatting with a local and taking pictures at the Fighting Irish baseball field in this Irish themed town, we hit the highway. Along I-40 on the way out of Texas we noticed ...