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| Roadside Table Oklahoma |
Waking up in Arkansas, after a whirl wind trip up to Missouri we took showers, packed up and headed for the first Cafe we could find before hitting the TAT. Western omelet for Trixie, bacon, egg and cheese croissant for me. We gulped down a pot of coffee and were ready to hit the trail. Just out of Scotland AR. we caught up with the TAT. As we climbed the hills of Arkansas, Piney Creek W.M.A. had us busy looking at the landscape. We rambled up and down the dirt and gravel roads. The scenery was incredible with tall thick woods, giving way to open meadows, steep inclines and one picture perfect overlook after another. There were plenty of deer, wild turkeys, birds and turtles to keep me alert at the wheel as Trixie called out the navigation twists and turns. We climbed 2000 ft on a rocky, well worn road passing through small homesteads while unexpected, hidden picnic stops appeared on the edge of the mountain side.
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| TAT trail-side picnic table, Ozarks |
We were entering the Ozarks and what a beautiful place it is. The mountainous terrain was gentle and beautiful. Climbing through White Rock W.M.A. had some very impressive rocks the size of houses tilting as if they would roll over on the road at any time. The trail wound through these monstrous rocks almost as if you were in the Sierras of CA.
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| On the TAT Historic Oark Cafe est. 1890 |
Coming into Oark AR. the TAT goes right through this little oasis of a stop. Bikers and country folk fill the small Cafe/Gas Station/General store called the Oark Cafe. Time for a well deserved stop to quench our thirst and fill our bellies. But save room for the pie! At least 8 different homemade pies were available the day we tripped into the Oark Cafe. My eyes fill with glee as I tried to decide which taste treat to choose while enjoying my BLT. So without a second thought when the server came to check on us I found my voice, "May I have a piece of Cherry pie and a piece of Buttermilk pie." Trixie look up from her 1/4 bacon cheeseburger at me with her mouth open in shock. "What! -you can order too," I said. She didn't!....... Good Stuff!! We rolled out of there and jumped back on the
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| Oark door stickers |
TAT, bellies full and me with a big smile and savory thoughts of Cherry and Buttermilk pie.
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| Jefe's represents |
Looking for a place to camp we got off the
TAT and headed to the outskirts of
Huntsville AR.
Withrow Springs State Park, 786-acre park of unspoiled Ozark beauty along the War Eagle Creek. Its Saturday night, the weekend before Fathers Day. We had our fingers crossed arriving late in the day. The park Ranger office was closed and we headed into the park in search of a spot, BINGO!
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| Withrow Springs State Park Campsite |
Near the comfort station we found a nice site in a almost full campground. We marked our spot and went into town a short distance away to get some provisions. Making camp we had a welcome campfire and sat as we watched the evening come while the stars peaked out of the blackening sky.
Up early the next morning we packed up and headed out to
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in
Bentonville AR. WOW!! Its a close rival to "the Getty Center" in LA. Architecture unlike many art forms, and designed as if it was part of the present landscape. The 5 year project from the start was envisioned with minimal impact and maximizing of the surrounding topography. This is a brilliant gem of northwest
Arkansas. Driving to
Bentonville was a sharp contrast to running on the trails of the TAT. Soaked in over the top "Walmart culture" seeing this museum gave a shimmer of hope that maybe all things aren't so bad from this huge box culture!
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| Open feel of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art |
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| Honey Creek State Park Campsite |
Driving on we pushed to the
Oklahoma border on state road 72 to
Maysville AR. As we crossed the
Oklahoma border we merged onto 20 west then north on 10 to
Honey Creek State Park. Located on
Grand Lake O' Cherokee we found a nice spot near a big tree and the bonus, a swimming pool for
Trixie. The hot temps drove Trixie straight into the pool until closing
time. Content we cruised over to the Parrot Bar and Grill a locally recommended spot for dinner on the lake. Cooling off at night we laughed and slept
well.
Woke early to catch the
TAT in
Salina OK.
See Y'all on the Trail.
🚙.......
