tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66346754682916495632024-03-13T15:49:51.039-07:00A Walk in the WoodsRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-35390645631879791692011-10-14T23:01:00.001-07:002011-10-14T23:37:24.889-07:00White Rock Rim LoopLast weekend, I took my 7 year old out for a hike on the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/%21ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6IeDdGCqCPOBqwDLG-AAjgb6fh75uan6BdnZaY6OiooA1tkqlQ%21%21/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjBNMDAwMDAwMDA%21/?ss=110810&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003853&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=main&pname=Ozark-St.%20Francis%20National%20Forests-%20Home">White Rock Rim Loop</a>. I have been eying this hike for some time. I knew the tree colors would be peaking soon and was eager to go. The one part that concerned me a bit was the many "cautions" I had read about the bluffs and children. Then I had a nightmare that we took our puppy and she went over one of the bluffs too. In the end, it all worked out. Hubby ended up twisting his ankle the night before, so he stayed home with the other kids and the pup while I took Little Miss with me...she is my hiking buddy.<br /><br />I will not lie. The drive there was a challenge. The first part of the drive was breathtaking due to the fall trees. And it was paved. The second part of the drive consisted of narrow dirt roads climbing a mountain. There were a few parts I was nervous on, either due to the lack of a shoulder or to the nature of the people who lived along the route (from what I could tell). But I was determined, so we pressed on.<br /><br />Thankfully there was wonderful signage on the way up the mountain. Between that and Google Maps, I had NO trouble finding White Rock. Finding the hiking trail was a bit more challenging but thankfully it is not that big of an area. We finally found the parking spots for the trail. There were some bathrooms (nothing fancy) at the site. Then we headed out for the 2 mile hike.<br /><br />This is the first sign that greeted us.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3gbBs9nMrk/Tpkk3PPUokI/AAAAAAAANjg/od4K5RE4Fzs/s1600/DSC07821.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3gbBs9nMrk/Tpkk3PPUokI/AAAAAAAANjg/od4K5RE4Fzs/s320/DSC07821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663598537797313090" border="0" /></a>Not only is there a warning about the cliffs but also one about black bears. I would love to see a bear at some point but I don't know that I want to be on a cliff when I do. :)<br /><br />We hiked down a trail (very wide) that had numerous picnic tables along the way. I was beginning to wonder where we were headed when this view greeted us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJUZlGRns-4/TpkkQXSv20I/AAAAAAAANjI/WKtO1A6hxBY/s1600/DSC07836.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJUZlGRns-4/TpkkQXSv20I/AAAAAAAANjI/WKtO1A6hxBY/s320/DSC07836.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663597869944265538" border="0" /></a>I was a bit confused about which way to go. The trail was not clearly marked (though there was a definite trail once we found it). Thankfully we saw some people who gave us a brief description of where to go. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIaGAMIFORs/TpkkQNwgwGI/AAAAAAAANi8/VTduIt5B3EQ/s1600/DSC07839.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIaGAMIFORs/TpkkQNwgwGI/AAAAAAAANi8/VTduIt5B3EQ/s320/DSC07839.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663597867384750178" border="0" /></a>The trail really does consist of walking around the rim of White Rock Mountain. And the view was just breathtaking. There were several high cliffs. I would be very cautious about taking young children. I think we could have taken the youngest but we would have held his hand the entire time. My 7 year old is very cautious and would only step out partway on the cliffs. I was a little braver which is a bit ironic considering my fear of heights. I would have been a wreck if the puppy had been with us even on her leash.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NufPZsH7bgE/TpkkPGg_XYI/AAAAAAAANi0/NA3LSx7c1s4/s1600/DSC07851.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NufPZsH7bgE/TpkkPGg_XYI/AAAAAAAANi0/NA3LSx7c1s4/s320/DSC07851.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663597848260730242" border="0" /></a>There were several areas that made me think there could be a creek or some running water but it was very dry when we were there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUHAiI0L9YY/TpkkO_qpEsI/AAAAAAAANik/S-fef07aW9I/s1600/DSC07884.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUHAiI0L9YY/TpkkO_qpEsI/AAAAAAAANik/S-fef07aW9I/s320/DSC07884.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663597846422164162" border="0" /></a>Along the trail there were pavilions every so often with benches and rails. It was nice to stop and truly take in the view.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYcSFxB7RO0/TpkkQzdw5fI/AAAAAAAANjU/UXsSJTIUa3Q/s1600/DSC07889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYcSFxB7RO0/TpkkQzdw5fI/AAAAAAAANjU/UXsSJTIUa3Q/s320/DSC07889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663597877506663922" border="0" /></a>The colors were beautiful.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3V2lmD9KcU/Tpki8paoIcI/AAAAAAAANiI/vdeaqn5_Mpk/s1600/DSC07930.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YPp6SehxSic/Tpki8LcX7yI/AAAAAAAANh8/xRSuyC6HOsk/s1600/DSC07947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YPp6SehxSic/Tpki8LcX7yI/AAAAAAAANh8/xRSuyC6HOsk/s320/DSC07947.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663596423654403874" border="0" /></a>We also enjoyed the rock formations along the way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbMRF-LzunQ/Tpki7cNClSI/AAAAAAAANh0/rKzS3CgX3kQ/s1600/DSC07952.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbMRF-LzunQ/Tpki7cNClSI/AAAAAAAANh0/rKzS3CgX3kQ/s320/DSC07952.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663596410973623586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XxK-vVC12oA/Tpki7AwoH3I/AAAAAAAANhk/zhANh03AEmQ/s1600/DSC07962.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XxK-vVC12oA/Tpki7AwoH3I/AAAAAAAANhk/zhANh03AEmQ/s320/DSC07962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663596403606691698" border="0" /></a>At one point, we had to cross the road (one of the few "non scenic" parts of the trail) but thankfully it was marked with signs. What was interesting to me was that this trail marker was kind of in the middle of nowhere. Not sure why.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YwIfii7kEg/Tpki9A_dX9I/AAAAAAAANiU/wK8T2aBHVAI/s1600/DSC07965.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ubHcACLeZk/TpkiJGYcFeI/AAAAAAAANhM/nqIK7qlABik/s1600/DSC07973.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ubHcACLeZk/TpkiJGYcFeI/AAAAAAAANhM/nqIK7qlABik/s320/DSC07973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663595546122393058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2Z2TqmSRyc/TpkiImXNFFI/AAAAAAAANhA/i79cN9AnS7s/s1600/DSC07980.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2Z2TqmSRyc/TpkiImXNFFI/AAAAAAAANhA/i79cN9AnS7s/s320/DSC07980.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663595537527280722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Nj-06MIH1I/TpkiH-PlUAI/AAAAAAAANg0/Od3Gu3dUD3Y/s1600/DSC07988.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Nj-06MIH1I/TpkiH-PlUAI/AAAAAAAANg0/Od3Gu3dUD3Y/s320/DSC07988.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663595526757896194" border="0" /></a>At the end of the hike (or could be the beginning depending on the way you hiked it) there was a pavilion with an incredible view. One neat thing was the direction/mileage markers along the "rock railing" of the overlook. It was neat to see how far we were from other places in the state. The funny thing is that this shows us as being about half an hour from home (if we could have gone straight there) but with the roads and curves, it was an hour and a half drive.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVBxrpTdsSY/TpkiHsLp26I/AAAAAAAANgo/EkSdqAAZR2U/s1600/DSC07988.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-35-jjTy6Wx0/TpkiJf3KfZI/AAAAAAAANhY/0bFEpAQYGeg/s1600/DSC07994.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-35-jjTy6Wx0/TpkiJf3KfZI/AAAAAAAANhY/0bFEpAQYGeg/s320/DSC07994.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663595552962149778" border="0" /></a>I imagine this trail would be incredible at sunrise or sunset.<br /><br />I would characterize this trail as easy except for the hill out (though it wasn't as steep as others I have been on). It was fairly even all the way around. The part of the trail that was more difficult was that the plants were overgrown. We often had to push our way through plants that crowded the narrow paths. It is probably one of the more dangerous paths I have hiked with a child though I didn't feel like my daughter was in danger. I just encouraged her to stay to the side and away from the edge. As far as scenery goes, it was an amazing view almost all of the time. Well worth the drive (though I did have to have a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">carwash</span> afterwards). We (daughter and I) give it two thumbs up.<br /><br />Happy Hiking!Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-4987084159472362652011-10-10T22:12:00.000-07:002011-10-11T20:21:14.539-07:00Alum Cove Natural BridgeAbout a week ago, we took a little drive over to<a href="http://www.arkansas.com/outdoors/hiking/trail-detail.aspx?trail_id=113&type=H"> Alum Cove Recreation Area</a> to hike the "Natural Bridge". It took us a little longer to get there than it should have, but it was well worth the drive. (Hint: Find the SHORTEST way possible BEFORE you leave the house. Once near the Buffalo River, cell service is scant and so are your chances of searching for the next direction...)<br /><br />I have to say, a good GPS (or in our case, our phone when it would work) helped a lot because the signage to get to this was NOT easy.<br /><br />But we were determined, and we finally made it.<br /><br />This hike is a short hike...1.1 miles. It is also not particularly strenuous other than a few inclines. However, I will list it as moderate due to those. (To get an "easy" label, it has to be about as flat as a pancake which is near impossible in our state) It was a kid friendly hike though, as well as dog friendly. We took our pup for the first time; she LOVED it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhsQEzPdZRs/TpPThmrVeJI/AAAAAAAANgE/-BNIGBIlFOg/s1600/DSC07634.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhsQEzPdZRs/TpPThmrVeJI/AAAAAAAANgE/-BNIGBIlFOg/s320/DSC07634.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662101730806298770" border="0" /></a>After making our way down the hill (gradually and with several benches along the way), we came to the Natural Bridge almost immediately. I wasn't expecting that! This bridge is really neat; it is over 130 feet long and one of the longest natural bridges in the area. There should be a creek beneath it but we have been without rain for quite a while. When you are on the bridge, you don't realize how incredible and vast it is until later when you are UNDER it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43RBymtrmBo/TpPThZ_el8I/AAAAAAAANf4/1fYfUu_ujLM/s1600/DSC07651.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43RBymtrmBo/TpPThZ_el8I/AAAAAAAANf4/1fYfUu_ujLM/s320/DSC07651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662101727401121730" border="0" /></a>The path is fairly narrow and mostly dirt/rocks. But we didn't have any difficulty maneuvering it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90pUHoUDMvs/TpPTiPGcTdI/AAAAAAAANgU/7xwWIN4wMcs/s1600/DSC07653.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90pUHoUDMvs/TpPTiPGcTdI/AAAAAAAANgU/7xwWIN4wMcs/s320/DSC07653.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662101741657411026" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ9TI03gcuY/TpPTCwCqOII/AAAAAAAANfc/i7Uwm2sPHk8/s1600/DSC07662.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ9TI03gcuY/TpPTCwCqOII/AAAAAAAANfc/i7Uwm2sPHk8/s320/DSC07662.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662101200744102018" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LV9OyT3cQrk/TpPTBruvmuI/AAAAAAAANfQ/kNO760IIMTg/s1600/DSC07667.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LV9OyT3cQrk/TpPTBruvmuI/AAAAAAAANfQ/kNO760IIMTg/s320/DSC07667.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662101182406957794" border="0" /></a>There were typically "stairs" if you had to go up or down. That helped quite a bit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYoeJrekmPI/TpPTBe-kt9I/AAAAAAAANfA/bSiDwVVJ-Kw/s1600/DSC07669.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYoeJrekmPI/TpPTBe-kt9I/AAAAAAAANfA/bSiDwVVJ-Kw/s320/DSC07669.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662101178983692242" border="0" /></a>The scenery throughout the hike was beautiful.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zde2-7VVRPk/TpPTBAEFdTI/AAAAAAAANe4/k_grqpmUlbU/s1600/DSC07677.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zde2-7VVRPk/TpPTBAEFdTI/AAAAAAAANe4/k_grqpmUlbU/s320/DSC07677.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662101170685310258" border="0" /></a>There were several "bluffs" to walk around/through.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTNq-YQ-eiI/TpPTDGxvdyI/AAAAAAAANfs/25c-ZDQxdok/s1600/DSC07680.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTNq-YQ-eiI/TpPTDGxvdyI/AAAAAAAANfs/25c-ZDQxdok/s320/DSC07680.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662101206847158050" border="0" /></a>Just look at these rocks...amazing!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jKTQ1hvDCuE/TpPSNSTrFsI/AAAAAAAANeg/FxBAC_qvRHU/s1600/DSC07703.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jKTQ1hvDCuE/TpPSNSTrFsI/AAAAAAAANeg/FxBAC_qvRHU/s320/DSC07703.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662100282229331650" border="0" /></a>The kids had a grand time running through and climbing some of the rock formations.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sH63Kb9E3Ak/TpPSMfVwinI/AAAAAAAANeY/dXkli4PPK4w/s1600/DSC07706.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sH63Kb9E3Ak/TpPSMfVwinI/AAAAAAAANeY/dXkli4PPK4w/s320/DSC07706.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662100268547869298" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZpFJNzmovA/TpPSLw7WN1I/AAAAAAAANeE/l5s6PQMWfVQ/s1600/DSC07741.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZpFJNzmovA/TpPSLw7WN1I/AAAAAAAANeE/l5s6PQMWfVQ/s320/DSC07741.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662100256089061202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIAWWX-pIAM/TpPSLs910EI/AAAAAAAANd8/13XnaTv2aAE/s1600/DSC07744.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIAWWX-pIAM/TpPSLs910EI/AAAAAAAANd8/13XnaTv2aAE/s320/DSC07744.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662100255025778754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvYlqS--j4I/TpPSNznVzOI/AAAAAAAANew/AFALFDvS2Oo/s1600/DSC07752.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvYlqS--j4I/TpPSNznVzOI/AAAAAAAANew/AFALFDvS2Oo/s320/DSC07752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662100291170192610" border="0" /></a>I imagine this is a creek during the wet times of the year...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WO-zaoxultE/TpPRFOw8mjI/AAAAAAAANdk/tRt_unbwfS8/s1600/DSC07757.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WO-zaoxultE/TpPRFOw8mjI/AAAAAAAANdk/tRt_unbwfS8/s320/DSC07757.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662099044327791154" border="0" /></a>Absolutely beautiful<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wvj50R59YcA/TpPRE8Obu6I/AAAAAAAANdY/u8INjKeRFWA/s1600/DSC07764.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wvj50R59YcA/TpPRE8Obu6I/AAAAAAAANdY/u8INjKeRFWA/s320/DSC07764.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662099039351192482" border="0" /></a>This is a view (a sneak peek) UNDER the natural bridge. I told you, you can't get the full awesomeness unless you go under it...)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1L0jS7gtJ4/TpPREMJslzI/AAAAAAAANdQ/W7L1lrx2_iQ/s1600/DSC07771.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1L0jS7gtJ4/TpPREMJslzI/AAAAAAAANdQ/W7L1lrx2_iQ/s320/DSC07771.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662099026446423858" border="0" /></a>And one more view from the top of the bridge before we headed back up the hill (which to me was the hardest part of the hike :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8JV_B-_WfQ/TpPRD319DyI/AAAAAAAANdA/onrYDsaMH4g/s1600/DSC07792.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8JV_B-_WfQ/TpPRD319DyI/AAAAAAAANdA/onrYDsaMH4g/s320/DSC07792.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662099020994907938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N67FVlSnS30/TpPRF4Unt8I/AAAAAAAANdw/lDETY7FeK5Q/s1600/DSC07796.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N67FVlSnS30/TpPRF4Unt8I/AAAAAAAANdw/lDETY7FeK5Q/s320/DSC07796.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662099055483271106" border="0" /></a>All in all, this was a kid friendly hike. In terms of scenery, it was one of my favorites. I think there is even a waterfall IF we had had any rain). It was very peaceful (other than when my kids were all talking at once) and a good starting hike for the pup who had no trouble keeping up even with her short little legs.<br /><br />I hope we get to go back!<br /><br />Happy hiking!Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-53623699362192125382011-10-01T06:20:00.001-07:002011-10-01T07:00:04.741-07:00Devil's Den: The Lake Trail<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ho8Z5e4ALsE/TocXcGvMmVI/AAAAAAAANXU/XeqlxxNvn_M/s1600/DSC07530.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ho8Z5e4ALsE/TocXcGvMmVI/AAAAAAAANXU/XeqlxxNvn_M/s320/DSC07530.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658517228426664274" border="0" /></a>Last weekend, I was ready to be out in some fall weather. But our time was fairly limited. So we hopped in the car and drove on over to Devil's Den. We have been there several times, but I was determined to try a new trail. The Lake Trail sounded perfect. It is 1 mile round trip (not a loop), and is on the "easy" list.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I failed to read the fine print on the <a href="http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/devilsden/">Devil's Den State Park</a> site. The lake has been drained for some repair. Oops!<br /><br />The path itself follows Lee Creek to Lake Devil (when there is a lake).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KRVSGNvjYWU/TocXcSKo50I/AAAAAAAANXc/6xNgTzNLrCk/s1600/DSC07534.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KRVSGNvjYWU/TocXcSKo50I/AAAAAAAANXc/6xNgTzNLrCk/s320/DSC07534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658517231494555458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AwlmTNCv1Vk/TocWfD7009I/AAAAAAAANXA/u8VQpbDUNno/s1600/DSC07540.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AwlmTNCv1Vk/TocWfD7009I/AAAAAAAANXA/u8VQpbDUNno/s320/DSC07540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658516179702305746" border="0" /></a>The one part of the trail I was really looking forward to was the suspension bridge. I saw a perfect "photo" op in my future. Apparently I didn't read the fine print on that one either. I had totally forgotten about the whole flooding issue we had in the spring when we had some torrential rains. As we approached the bridge, I noticed it looked a little...out of sorts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5QTfk3IcG8/TocWe3TJsEI/AAAAAAAANW4/UAnIQ94zcok/s1600/DSC07543.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5QTfk3IcG8/TocWe3TJsEI/AAAAAAAANW4/UAnIQ94zcok/s320/DSC07543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658516176310480962" border="0" /></a>Then I realized it was completely taped off due to the debris still left from the floods. No photo ops here, at least not the kind I had planned on. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5yudqx-f6U/TocWeNFvfpI/AAAAAAAANWw/mL8qNHwWPC8/s1600/DSC07544.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5yudqx-f6U/TocWeNFvfpI/AAAAAAAANWw/mL8qNHwWPC8/s320/DSC07544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658516164979949202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HblXy0dbm1E/TocWd6W7AXI/AAAAAAAANWo/8vE3m6e5nhI/s1600/DSC07546.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HblXy0dbm1E/TocWd6W7AXI/AAAAAAAANWo/8vE3m6e5nhI/s320/DSC07546.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658516159951733106" border="0" /></a>As you approach the dam, you can't help but be struck with the beautiful rocks they used to build it. The water near the dam is typically a blue/green color from what I have read. But for right now, it is a very deep brown.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXAH8cwWNnw/TocWfd-fR2I/AAAAAAAANXI/RO5ub4ZqOvE/s1600/DSC07550.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXAH8cwWNnw/TocWfd-fR2I/AAAAAAAANXI/RO5ub4ZqOvE/s320/DSC07550.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658516186692798306" border="0" /></a>Here is Lake Devil. Well, where Lake Devil normally would be...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEgm7Q2NY6E/TocUI9yDKhI/AAAAAAAANWY/AIHOzqcEBo4/s1600/DSC07558.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEgm7Q2NY6E/TocUI9yDKhI/AAAAAAAANWY/AIHOzqcEBo4/s320/DSC07558.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658513601070311954" border="0" /></a>Looking out toward Lee Creek<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MbaExrljxAQ/TocUIjMrUPI/AAAAAAAANWQ/q3p8-ZGBOLc/s1600/DSC07559.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MbaExrljxAQ/TocUIjMrUPI/AAAAAAAANWQ/q3p8-ZGBOLc/s320/DSC07559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658513593934237938" border="0" /></a>We saw a lot of what I would guess was flood damage. Even then, it was beautiful. I imagine when we have had more rain, water would be flowing along some of these areas.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkOYMK9UEDE/TocUIcTYcNI/AAAAAAAANWI/pso250OqTjg/s1600/DSC07566.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkOYMK9UEDE/TocUIcTYcNI/AAAAAAAANWI/pso250OqTjg/s320/DSC07566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658513592083312850" border="0" /></a>On our return to the car, my oldest son remarked how beautiful the trees were lining the path. I agree! He insisted I take a picture.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06FBzfK-hqM/TocUIJXv1mI/AAAAAAAANWA/rjd0sZFPimg/s1600/DSC07573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06FBzfK-hqM/TocUIJXv1mI/AAAAAAAANWA/rjd0sZFPimg/s320/DSC07573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658513587001349730" border="0" /></a>This wasn't actually on the trail but as we drove away from the trail to visit another one, this guy (about as big as my hand) was crossing the road. I had to take a picture but I did use zoom...it gave me the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">heebie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jeebies</span>!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo4NzP78Q1U/TocUJFTs_MI/AAAAAAAANWg/GnOFU3zgf60/s1600/DSC07578.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo4NzP78Q1U/TocUJFTs_MI/AAAAAAAANWg/GnOFU3zgf60/s320/DSC07578.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658513603090513090" border="0" /></a><br />The trail itself was easy and probably is fairly scenic when there is no flood damage and no drained lake. Very kid friendly. However, it wasn't quite enough for my kids. They wanted more adventure. So we headed over to our usual Devil's Den trail (which I cannot believe I haven't posted about before; I will have to fix that this week) for some rock climbing and more hiking fun.<br /><br />As I emerged from the end of the trail, I was struck again at how beautiful our state is...especially in the fall!<br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAM03ZVAfy8/TocbPw3_JKI/AAAAAAAANXk/0jcUCfwTjdY/s320/DSC07625.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658521414446032034" border="0" /><br />Happy hiking!<br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-70142814411030968932011-06-29T20:54:00.001-07:002011-06-29T22:17:48.340-07:00Kings River FallsOn Father's Day, we decided to take a little hike. The weather was actually cloudy and a bit cool when we left our house, so I was a little nervous we would drive and then get rained out. I had been wanting to combine a hike with a little waterplay, so I thought Kings River Falls would be a good place to explore. I have seen it listed in several hiking books and a swimming hole book. It was time to check it out ourselves. I wish I could tell you directions to get there. It was not easy, and I would have you ending up in another state. I will say if you head to Huntsville, then head out of town, it is that direction. It was a LOT of driving on very rocky dirt roads too. Just when you think you won't ever get there, there is the trailhead. The books all say that is only 1.2 miles long, round trip. My husband and I don't agree with that but I have no evidence to tell you otherwise. I wish I had worn my pedometer. It was more walking than I had planned on. It is also listed as an easy hike. I don't know if I totally agree with that either. It wasn't difficult or overly hilly. But it wasn't smooth sailing either. It is a very rocky trail and there were some slight inclines. I was fairly worried about twisted ankles. But then I have been on tougher; I wasn't overly out of breath at any point. I would call it a moderate easy. :) Here is the only sign that there is a trail. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YcGlC_-2eUM/Tgv2MM70qJI/AAAAAAAAMlw/BLhWc1FfcUc/s1600/DSC04361.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YcGlC_-2eUM/Tgv2MM70qJI/AAAAAAAAMlw/BLhWc1FfcUc/s320/DSC04361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623859249193199762" border="0" /></a>The trail is not very wide and is surrounded by really tall weeds. I would do a tick check after leaving there. And watch for slithery creatures...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1UXzZB9WQI/Tgv2LrPp9QI/AAAAAAAAMlo/HSS8-7Td0Rw/s1600/DSC04364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1UXzZB9WQI/Tgv2LrPp9QI/AAAAAAAAMlo/HSS8-7Td0Rw/s320/DSC04364.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623859240149579010" border="0" /></a>The first part of the trail you are walking along the edge of a field (private property) on one side, a creek (which was pretty dry) on the other.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmaZ5iTyh0k/Tgv1zxGDJ_I/AAAAAAAAMlY/T2kOTdsuIHU/s1600/DSC04374.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmaZ5iTyh0k/Tgv1zxGDJ_I/AAAAAAAAMlY/T2kOTdsuIHU/s320/DSC04374.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623858829403039730" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrc5SKjmQ6g/Tgv1zch53pI/AAAAAAAAMlQ/Yo-1XoNHF00/s1600/DSC04393.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrc5SKjmQ6g/Tgv1zch53pI/AAAAAAAAMlQ/Yo-1XoNHF00/s320/DSC04393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623858823882727058" border="0" /></a>At one point, you come across a rock wall between you and the field. Apparently the wall is from a long time ago. I wonder how much time it took to build it?<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BIYd14tUwUU/Tgv_M9gqdXI/AAAAAAAAMl4/abD1AFzjoM8/s320/DSC04385.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623869157837272434" border="0" />There were also some pretty bluffs (not very big) in the area. Then finally you come to the waterhole and the "falls". From pictures I have seen, the water was VERY low this visit due to lack of rain in the area. But there was still a nice little area to swim. I think the waterfall is typically much wider.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDMHJ8kctw8/Tgv1xwU8MQI/AAAAAAAAMlA/5ehNNkwwvEA/s1600/DSC04463.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDMHJ8kctw8/Tgv1xwU8MQI/AAAAAAAAMlA/5ehNNkwwvEA/s320/DSC04463.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623858794837324034" border="0" /></a>There were some nice little bluffs to jump from. If you jumped toward the center, the water was deep enough to not break any bones. :) Oh, the water was a bit chilly but that didn't stop my kids from jumping in repeatedly.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7M2jd6DT8w/Tgv1ycS_RrI/AAAAAAAAMlI/75HEMG79QdE/s1600/DSC04455.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7M2jd6DT8w/Tgv1ycS_RrI/AAAAAAAAMlI/75HEMG79QdE/s320/DSC04455.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623858806640297650" border="0" /></a>It wasn't the biggest swimming hole but it was quite popular. By the time we left, there were several people there swimming, jumping, laying in the sun, and exploring.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEf6FxZrvgE/Tgv10We8I_I/AAAAAAAAMlg/SgspbWJXIx4/s1600/DSC04503.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEf6FxZrvgE/Tgv10We8I_I/AAAAAAAAMlg/SgspbWJXIx4/s320/DSC04503.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623858839439549426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cyemuc1I8oA/Tgv0MCcKuJI/AAAAAAAAMk4/4UsRDSOV4m4/s1600/DSC04514.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cyemuc1I8oA/Tgv0MCcKuJI/AAAAAAAAMk4/4UsRDSOV4m4/s320/DSC04514.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623857047352817810" border="0" /></a>I knew with woods and water and warm weather, seeing a snake was a very real possibility. Sure enough, there was one (and supposedly another) swimming in the swimming hole too. It was just a water snake that tried to stay away from people as much as possible. I also saw a really large black snake along the trail on the way out. However, as soon as it heard us, it slithered away as quickly as possible.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnUtgZYju7M/Tgv0LkH8vjI/AAAAAAAAMkw/VgWL-TJI3e0/s1600/DSC04515.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnUtgZYju7M/Tgv0LkH8vjI/AAAAAAAAMkw/VgWL-TJI3e0/s320/DSC04515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623857039214951986" border="0" /></a>One of the sights on the way back to the car. It was more beautiful than the picture shows.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ZFeA8nPdWw/Tgv0LE60uNI/AAAAAAAAMko/F1GovQKpR0k/s1600/DSC04524.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ZFeA8nPdWw/Tgv0LE60uNI/AAAAAAAAMko/F1GovQKpR0k/s320/DSC04524.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623857030838401234" border="0" /></a>Walking along the creek...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g4IscWdTKXc/Tgv0KsLQGSI/AAAAAAAAMkg/PVwp_AojhbA/s1600/DSC04530.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g4IscWdTKXc/Tgv0KsLQGSI/AAAAAAAAMkg/PVwp_AojhbA/s320/DSC04530.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623857024196417826" border="0" /></a>A neat little bridge to cross (which probably comes in handy when there is more water flowing).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMdPbC1Yjh8/Tgv0KPYJUxI/AAAAAAAAMkY/TcacAni6ujw/s1600/DSC04531.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMdPbC1Yjh8/Tgv0KPYJUxI/AAAAAAAAMkY/TcacAni6ujw/s320/DSC04531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623857016465871634" border="0" /></a>Overall, it was a fun little hike (just longer than we expected). I would love to go back after a really good rainfall. My kids thoroughly enjoyed it and have already asked to return. We would probably frequent it more often if it were a bit closer and not such a bumpy ride. But I have a feeling we will be going back. In terms of kid safety, it was very safe. No dangerous spots during the hike. Just be careful at the swimming hole/waterfall (or any body of water). The water does get deep pretty quickly.<br /><br />Happy hiking!<br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-88601646452102962662011-05-11T19:34:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:26:07.533-07:00Crack in RockFor Mother's Day, my request was to take a walk in the <a href="http://thecloudchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/05/queen-for-day-warninglots-of-photos.html">woods with my family</a>. After church and lunch, we headed out the door and down the road to Van Buren to the Lee Creek Reservoir. I had read about a trail called Crack in Rock (sometimes called Split Rock). I think it is about a mile and a half long.<br /><br />It was a warm day but this was a good trail for that. The creek runs next to the trail, so the kids had some waterplay. I am very thankful that we saw no snakes. We saw raccoon and deer tracks, several birds, crawfish, and ticks (ick). But nothing slithering in the water...<br /><br />Anyway, the reservoir recreation has three trails I think. Two of them start at the same place...to the right of the restrooms.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKaEVkr5jWw/TctU12rED_I/AAAAAAAAMUw/sujYSZs0Wio/s1600/DSC03676.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKaEVkr5jWw/TctU12rED_I/AAAAAAAAMUw/sujYSZs0Wio/s320/DSC03676.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605667445378650098" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBV9PVQlNMk/TctU1l3oCLI/AAAAAAAAMUo/ZxaRvHkmLbM/s1600/DSC03677.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBV9PVQlNMk/TctU1l3oCLI/AAAAAAAAMUo/ZxaRvHkmLbM/s320/DSC03677.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605667440867936434" border="0" /></a>The trails are clearly marked though which helped.<br /><br />After all of the train, there was a pretty nice creek flowing and everything was green, green, green. And there were LOTS of ticks. We did a thorough check later. One of my kids found one the next day (crawling around). Other than that, I loved this trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AA5hoZleZMI/TctU1kMZelI/AAAAAAAAMUg/fQaZQjifBrg/s1600/DSC03747.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AA5hoZleZMI/TctU1kMZelI/AAAAAAAAMUg/fQaZQjifBrg/s320/DSC03747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605667440418191954" border="0" /></a>My kids spent a LONG time wading in the creek. It was obvious there had been some flooding but thankfully most of it had gone down. And it wasn't flowing too terribly fast. The water was very clear which helped.<br /><br />Here is a picture partway down the trail where the water was a little deeper.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mZhmpwVqEc/TctT2F0OsgI/AAAAAAAAMUY/J7IQoZm2Iz0/s1600/DSC03749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mZhmpwVqEc/TctT2F0OsgI/AAAAAAAAMUY/J7IQoZm2Iz0/s320/DSC03749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605666349931999746" border="0" /></a>One of the things I enjoyed was the variety of plant life. For instance, there were patches of cactus plants everywhere...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dOlHu0x9kkI/TctT1QgJfnI/AAAAAAAAMUQ/cFRn-u9HhCg/s1600/DSC03769.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dOlHu0x9kkI/TctT1QgJfnI/AAAAAAAAMUQ/cFRn-u9HhCg/s320/DSC03769.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605666335620693618" border="0" /></a>This is the top of the waterfall. I am sure there is a way to the base to get a better look but we stuck to the trail this time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-8Tci7E-gg/TctT1MP3xCI/AAAAAAAAMUI/c8kWqxLx5iQ/s1600/DSC03780.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-8Tci7E-gg/TctT1MP3xCI/AAAAAAAAMUI/c8kWqxLx5iQ/s320/DSC03780.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605666334478681122" border="0" /></a>Lots of beautiful green<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLYgmLouoTo/TctT0639cSI/AAAAAAAAMUA/qRcFsA7e8Yk/s1600/DSC03781.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLYgmLouoTo/TctT0639cSI/AAAAAAAAMUA/qRcFsA7e8Yk/s320/DSC03781.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605666329814987042" border="0" /></a>There were short bluffs along the creek...never ceases to amaze me at how beautiful they are!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2zQUX_CbSU/TctT0s0oDFI/AAAAAAAAMT4/cznbIQJD9Jw/s1600/DSC03782.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2zQUX_CbSU/TctT0s0oDFI/AAAAAAAAMT4/cznbIQJD9Jw/s320/DSC03782.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605666326042905682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DIQrPjXHoo/TctRwb__ZQI/AAAAAAAAMTw/J47L9lVN44w/s1600/DSC03788.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DIQrPjXHoo/TctRwb__ZQI/AAAAAAAAMTw/J47L9lVN44w/s320/DSC03788.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605664053784438018" border="0" /></a>We kept saying, "Did we miss the Crack in Rock?" Then we went around a curve and saw this...Bingo!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaG_jeKP7iA/TctRvx0UpWI/AAAAAAAAMTo/CwlRMRfOGds/s1600/DSC03793.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaG_jeKP7iA/TctRvx0UpWI/AAAAAAAAMTo/CwlRMRfOGds/s320/DSC03793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605664042461209954" border="0" /></a>The scenery was beautiful the whole trail. The trail does loop, so you end up back at the creek when you finish.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i36QcmQebzw/TctRvksiH6I/AAAAAAAAMTg/_qmlUYXX6VY/s1600/DSC03815.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i36QcmQebzw/TctRvksiH6I/AAAAAAAAMTg/_qmlUYXX6VY/s320/DSC03815.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605664038938877858" border="0" /></a>A marker (some were on trees)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgwtwaGmoqQ/TctRvWZsSTI/AAAAAAAAMTY/g7-JIGzevms/s1600/DSC03818.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgwtwaGmoqQ/TctRvWZsSTI/AAAAAAAAMTY/g7-JIGzevms/s320/DSC03818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605664035101755698" border="0" /></a>Beautiful<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irEeQSY43wY/TctRvE15c1I/AAAAAAAAMTQ/ZGUKJs-CRfg/s1600/DSC03844.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irEeQSY43wY/TctRvE15c1I/AAAAAAAAMTQ/ZGUKJs-CRfg/s320/DSC03844.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605664030388220754" border="0" /></a>I would rate this trail pretty easy. There was one real incline in it that had me huffing and puffing, but overall it was fairly flat, lots of views/scenery, and just the right length for my little people...<br /><br />Now I am ready to go back and explore some more!<br /><br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-12338097941923000692011-04-18T22:07:00.001-07:002011-07-10T06:09:59.013-07:00Lost ValleySad note/update:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Due to torrential rains this past rain which lead to some serious flooding, the trail at Lost Valley is closed until further notice.</span><br /><br />On Sunday afternoon, I was in the mood for a hiking adventure. Out next two weekends are kind of busy, and I was afraid we would miss that "good weather" window for hiking. Mark had some church obligations at home, and Joshua needed a nap. The other two seemed content being at home. So I asked Maria to join me. Down the road we went...<br /><br />We went to a waterfall I will blog about soon but it was a very short hike. So we headed over to Lost Valley. Lost Valley is right outside of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ponca</span> near the Buffalo River. It is a 2 mile trail. I would rate it moderate. We went a year ago, and had I blogged about it the past few months, I would have listed it as easy. Apparently in all of the excitement, I had forgotten certain things like the gazillion steps you walk up to get to some of the higher points...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zW4uWFGfq2M/Ta0blS1c_HI/AAAAAAAAMIQ/z6mi2ZHOCiQ/s1600/DSC03323.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zW4uWFGfq2M/Ta0blS1c_HI/AAAAAAAAMIQ/z6mi2ZHOCiQ/s320/DSC03323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597160239416540274" border="0" /></a>The start of the trail is very easy and stroller friendly (if you need that). It is a wide path and fairly flat.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8KeN6wnPf4/Ta0bkzkeAJI/AAAAAAAAMII/_snl3QnjWMc/s1600/DSC03244.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8KeN6wnPf4/Ta0bkzkeAJI/AAAAAAAAMII/_snl3QnjWMc/s320/DSC03244.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597160231023804562" border="0" /></a>I was so happy to see how green everything was. I was getting a little distressed on our recent hikes...there hasn't been much green. Apparently our heavy rains in the last week helped a lot. It was like the world came alive. I needed that this weekend.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCW-tcVZPNY/Ta0bknEPJBI/AAAAAAAAMIA/2AgKLicr8M4/s1600/DSC03245.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCW-tcVZPNY/Ta0bknEPJBI/AAAAAAAAMIA/2AgKLicr8M4/s320/DSC03245.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597160227667387410" border="0" /></a>The first part of the trail is like I said...fairly flat and wide. It is like a beautiful stroll in the woods. We did constantly watch for snakes since I have seen more than one picture of a copperhead hanging out in Lost Valley. Thankfully, we didn't see any.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QmaEUjZqby4/Ta0bkYInwwI/AAAAAAAAMH4/bvB8UUo25h8/s1600/DSC03246.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QmaEUjZqby4/Ta0bkYInwwI/AAAAAAAAMH4/bvB8UUo25h8/s320/DSC03246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597160223659246338" border="0" /></a>One thing we did see...butterflies. They were everywhere. We counted them for a while but lost count eventually. There were a lot of these (I know no butterfly names) plus some other kinds. I think God knew my heart needed that too...butterflies always lift my spirit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JCy1tjRlV08/Ta0as8c0apI/AAAAAAAAMHw/gYcTztbI0bg/s1600/DSC03248.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JCy1tjRlV08/Ta0as8c0apI/AAAAAAAAMHw/gYcTztbI0bg/s320/DSC03248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597159271334963858" border="0" /></a>The creek wasn't as full as I thought it would be with our recent rains, but there was some water flowing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3K70g0qF4fg/Ta0asVyJYoI/AAAAAAAAMHo/qPc3v0kCQek/s1600/DSC03259.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3K70g0qF4fg/Ta0asVyJYoI/AAAAAAAAMHo/qPc3v0kCQek/s320/DSC03259.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597159260955435650" border="0" /></a>This is the point we picked up the pace...we started "climbing" on rock steps from this point on. I still feel it in my thighs...<br /><br />We decided to check out "Natural Bridge" first which was just right off this path.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yl6eJP9txSY/Ta0asD5fFRI/AAAAAAAAMHg/eIP_61CNGaw/s1600/DSC03273.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yl6eJP9txSY/Ta0asD5fFRI/AAAAAAAAMHg/eIP_61CNGaw/s320/DSC03273.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597159256154379538" border="0" /></a>I have to admit, I never see a natural bridge. I just see this "waterfall" which is actually one part of a waterfall...it is like it is in phases.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkHY9_R5-xI/Ta0ar1523iI/AAAAAAAAMHY/J33ppm-23gI/s1600/DSC03266.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkHY9_R5-xI/Ta0ar1523iI/AAAAAAAAMHY/J33ppm-23gI/s320/DSC03266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597159252397841954" border="0" /></a>Okay, maybe this is the "natural bridge".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrYIZLNDkpc/Ta0armuK8UI/AAAAAAAAMHQ/6vr1jLM6wHo/s1600/DSC03278.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrYIZLNDkpc/Ta0armuK8UI/AAAAAAAAMHQ/6vr1jLM6wHo/s320/DSC03278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597159248322294082" border="0" /></a>I really wish I knew more about flowers. These were so pretty and not a flower I typically see on hikes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4gjKI4COSkk/Ta0aBv1Y63I/AAAAAAAAMHA/BavSA4OPNAk/s1600/DSC03281.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4gjKI4COSkk/Ta0aBv1Y63I/AAAAAAAAMHA/BavSA4OPNAk/s320/DSC03281.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597158529213983602" border="0" /></a>Beautiful. It was all just beautiful.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBRlAs_Fl-A/Ta0aBUJwzAI/AAAAAAAAMG4/V2VRNXwZ2sc/s1600/DSC03284.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBRlAs_Fl-A/Ta0aBUJwzAI/AAAAAAAAMG4/V2VRNXwZ2sc/s320/DSC03284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597158521783241730" border="0" /></a>There is the middle section of the water fall. It is rather high and was flowing well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzKcmqwEcKY/Ta0aBOuIs4I/AAAAAAAAMGw/r4NpRqK93Qg/s1600/DSC03298.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzKcmqwEcKY/Ta0aBOuIs4I/AAAAAAAAMGw/r4NpRqK93Qg/s320/DSC03298.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597158520325190530" border="0" /></a>Here is a look at the waterfall from above. At this point, we were climbing the steps to the cave. Part of the waterfall is actually INSIDE the cave. I went in there last time but didn't this time. It is a TIGHT squeeze (think "commando crawl") and very dark. So even being in there, I could hear the waterfall but couldn't really see it. We just climbed to the entrance this time which is a hike in itself. If there is any dangerous part at all, this is it. It is a fairly narrow climb up. I know people have fallen but I think there was horseplay involved...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi5WB9aqQ84/Ta0aAxyQaSI/AAAAAAAAMGo/0zFvLLCBUAM/s1600/DSC03300.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi5WB9aqQ84/Ta0aAxyQaSI/AAAAAAAAMGo/0zFvLLCBUAM/s320/DSC03300.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597158512557844770" border="0" /></a>On our way back down, we had to stop by the waterfall one more time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ba_mW7p_j6E/Ta0aAiMIxUI/AAAAAAAAMGg/p5glevzmlqU/s1600/DSC03304.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ba_mW7p_j6E/Ta0aAiMIxUI/AAAAAAAAMGg/p5glevzmlqU/s320/DSC03304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597158508371428674" border="0" /></a>Just think green...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZiLag6rNgM/Ta0ZQHVpTrI/AAAAAAAAMGY/szlKITv1Fd8/s1600/DSC03309.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZiLag6rNgM/Ta0ZQHVpTrI/AAAAAAAAMGY/szlKITv1Fd8/s320/DSC03309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597157676529831602" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCQXwkw11N4/Ta0ZPuzCyaI/AAAAAAAAMGQ/xI2IqZE-bnc/s1600/DSC03315.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCQXwkw11N4/Ta0ZPuzCyaI/AAAAAAAAMGQ/xI2IqZE-bnc/s320/DSC03315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597157669942249890" border="0" /></a>I almost stepped on this "green leaf" which turned out to be a moth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7CZpVoSeKo/Ta0ZPhSVYqI/AAAAAAAAMGI/_Bo50gYEM5s/s1600/DSC03316.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7CZpVoSeKo/Ta0ZPhSVYqI/AAAAAAAAMGI/_Bo50gYEM5s/s320/DSC03316.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597157666315395746" border="0" /></a>This trail loops. It is shaped like a needle. The first part of the path "in" is also the path out. But partway in, you loop around until you are back at that main path heading out. Make sense?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KN0l4DJtaF0/Ta0ZPcl1o4I/AAAAAAAAMGA/cvCr5agzHGs/s1600/DSC03319.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KN0l4DJtaF0/Ta0ZPcl1o4I/AAAAAAAAMGA/cvCr5agzHGs/s320/DSC03319.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597157665055024002" border="0" /></a>Saw these feathers on our way out. I don't think this bird had a happy ending but the feathers were beautiful.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcbjKXOmWME/Ta0ZPHe92nI/AAAAAAAAMF4/xwF4rxsTNsk/s1600/DSC03321.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcbjKXOmWME/Ta0ZPHe92nI/AAAAAAAAMF4/xwF4rxsTNsk/s320/DSC03321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597157659389057650" border="0" /></a>It really is a neat hike. Other than some climbing (walking up numerous steps) and that one danger area by the cave, it is a very family friendly hike. I recommend it for beginner hikers (in good shape :).<br /><br />A bonus? If you leave the trail close to sunset, you might catch a glimpse of the elk that live in the area. They are a popular tourist sight.<br /><br />Happy hiking!<br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-42280574967723723902011-04-10T14:51:00.000-07:002011-04-10T19:37:38.131-07:00Lost Bridge by Beaver LakeIt was a warm day yesterday, but after not getting out for a hike last week due to circumstances, we decided to head out anyway. I was in the mood to try something new, so we drove over to Lost Bridge after reading a little about it.<br /><br />Lost Bridge is over by Beaver Lake. If you take 62 out of Rogers like you are driving to Eureka Springs, take a right on 127 in Garfield. You will drive this very curvy road for about six miles. At one point, you will come to a fork. Take the left (the 127s) and turn in at Lost Bridge. There will be signs for the marina.<br /><br />Warning: This is one of the few times we paid to hike. It cost 4 dollars for our car. That is for a day use fee. We didn't realize it would cost but thankfully had some money on us.<br /><br />After you enter the park, drive down toward the marina. When you can see the marina straight ahead, look for a hiking sign on the right like the one below. Park beside it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TK4598v77C8/TaIxLyFIOII/AAAAAAAAL8Y/-uQCWydZsB0/s1600/DSC03001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TK4598v77C8/TaIxLyFIOII/AAAAAAAAL8Y/-uQCWydZsB0/s320/DSC03001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594087765639182466" border="0" /></a>We saw different lengths for this trail. Most of what I read said it is a five mile trail, though the sign at the trail said 7 miles. We knew we weren't going to make the whole route with our three year old plus the heat, so we just chose to start here and head back when needed. I think we only walked about a mile and a half of the trail (which was three miles round trip...pushing it with the three year old) and still didn't make it to the "highlights" of the trail. I want to go back and see those some day. But the walk was still a lot of fun.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_q3fCNhvZCo/TaIxLr-WS-I/AAAAAAAAL8Q/3WjeGml62Pw/s1600/DSC03005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_q3fCNhvZCo/TaIxLr-WS-I/AAAAAAAAL8Q/3WjeGml62Pw/s320/DSC03005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594087764000132066" border="0" /></a>The part we walked was right on the edge of the lake the whole time which just added to the beauty. We had woods on one side, lake on the other.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zG6bldDFY8Q/TaIxLsuSP-I/AAAAAAAAL8I/BH04BRlHDO4/s1600/DSC03009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zG6bldDFY8Q/TaIxLsuSP-I/AAAAAAAAL8I/BH04BRlHDO4/s320/DSC03009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594087764201193442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7SDLwT47VWs/TaIxLLNuGLI/AAAAAAAAL8A/DhoL5hwdMGg/s1600/DSC03010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7SDLwT47VWs/TaIxLLNuGLI/AAAAAAAAL8A/DhoL5hwdMGg/s320/DSC03010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594087755206236338" border="0" /></a>I don't know why the rock formations continue to awe me but they do. I am just always astounded to see these huge rocks just lying there in the middle of the woods. The kids wanted to "climb" but we knew we were pushing it with time. Maybe next time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OSh9PWnaTKQ/TaIxLCKrBTI/AAAAAAAAL74/yz3TrhVCiOU/s1600/DSC03027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OSh9PWnaTKQ/TaIxLCKrBTI/AAAAAAAAL74/yz3TrhVCiOU/s320/DSC03027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594087752777532722" border="0" /></a>At one point, we were very close to the lake, so we decided to stop and play there for a bit. One of the kids' favorite parts were the shells. They were everywhere. I used to go to the lake with my grandfather to go fishing and had forgotten how prevalent shells were.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80h9M0Sifc0/TaIwMhzCYpI/AAAAAAAAL7w/nfliB-Dpdbw/s1600/DSC03029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80h9M0Sifc0/TaIwMhzCYpI/AAAAAAAAL7w/nfliB-Dpdbw/s320/DSC03029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594086678936576658" border="0" /></a>This is looking toward the marina. It was such a beautiful day. I was really surprised there wasn't more boat traffic going on.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmQZ7ptW0xc/TaIwMIrYQ7I/AAAAAAAAL7o/hT1jxudYtKo/s1600/DSC03054.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmQZ7ptW0xc/TaIwMIrYQ7I/AAAAAAAAL7o/hT1jxudYtKo/s320/DSC03054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594086672193569714" border="0" /></a>This is looking the other direction at the cove...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlzfbgSD3lA/TaIwL12U2XI/AAAAAAAAL7Y/3qONSJpoLDo/s1600/DSC03059.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlzfbgSD3lA/TaIwL12U2XI/AAAAAAAAL7Y/3qONSJpoLDo/s320/DSC03059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594086667139209586" border="0" /></a>I would classify this hike as moderate (and possibly strenuous since I didn't do the whole thing). There were definite areas of incline. I was huffing and puffing a few times and did count it as my exercise for the day!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zvIxmhF-Ps/TaIwLtuUDEI/AAAAAAAAL7Q/ftlvO9tg8yw/s1600/DSC03061.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zvIxmhF-Ps/TaIwLtuUDEI/AAAAAAAAL7Q/ftlvO9tg8yw/s320/DSC03061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594086664958118978" border="0" /></a>More rock formations<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8iMvLbxcwU/TaIujYhzhCI/AAAAAAAAL7I/G1ly8WcSPZc/s1600/DSC03063.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8iMvLbxcwU/TaIujYhzhCI/AAAAAAAAL7I/G1ly8WcSPZc/s320/DSC03063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594084872562115618" border="0" /></a>The trail was fairly well defined. It did "snake" quite a bit adding to the length of at least what we hiked.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frYi5tL-Tv4/TaIujH-9-EI/AAAAAAAAL7A/Bh_IcJlhrPk/s1600/DSC03098.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frYi5tL-Tv4/TaIujH-9-EI/AAAAAAAAL7A/Bh_IcJlhrPk/s320/DSC03098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594084868121032770" border="0" /></a>I guess I expected more to be in bloom at this point. The trees are just starting to bud. Not a lot of green out there. But there were some pretty trees...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OZwJfWxVcY/TaIwMAbwRvI/AAAAAAAAL7g/ILAUjMAISYM/s1600/DSC03080.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OZwJfWxVcY/TaIwMAbwRvI/AAAAAAAAL7g/ILAUjMAISYM/s320/DSC03080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594086669980550898" border="0" /></a>This was a fun little area. It was like a mini bluff, a rock shelf, etc. It was a fun place to hang out (and climb).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpAls1aNFlg/TaIuio-sJ2I/AAAAAAAAL64/4RHnwWJ2X8U/s1600/DSC03108.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpAls1aNFlg/TaIuio-sJ2I/AAAAAAAAL64/4RHnwWJ2X8U/s320/DSC03108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594084859798366050" border="0" /></a>This was just about the point we turned around. If Joshua hadn't been so tired, we would have gone on because there were some overlooks/bluffs ahead. Of course, that would have involved climbing which I am not sure I was up for at that point. :) There is also an old homestead (or remnants of) on this trail but it was a few miles down the trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WHjWI1IMozQ/TaIuiX5JcYI/AAAAAAAAL6w/Y2q_6vsi_xk/s1600/DSC03113.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WHjWI1IMozQ/TaIuiX5JcYI/AAAAAAAAL6w/Y2q_6vsi_xk/s320/DSC03113.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594084855211716994" border="0" /></a>We had fun watching the geese hanging out on the boat docks. They were noisy. Thankfully, other than some butterflies, bees, ants, fish, and geese, we didn't see any other nature (a.k.a. snakes).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sX4KchILaKI/TaIuiClLFDI/AAAAAAAAL6o/kYFxlrMwFRI/s1600/DSC03119.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sX4KchILaKI/TaIuiClLFDI/AAAAAAAAL6o/kYFxlrMwFRI/s320/DSC03119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594084849490793522" border="0" /></a>Overall it was a fun trail, though the weather was a bit warm. It was longer than what our little one can handle at this point but I definitely want to go back. Anytime we can have water, woods, and rocks, we have a fun time!<br /><br />It was a safe trail...at least the parts we hiked. I am guessing you would have to be careful by the bluffs but we didn't make it to that part.<br /><br />Happy hiking!<br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-73721835110866461962011-04-08T21:03:00.000-07:002011-04-08T21:47:17.495-07:00Pedestal RocksFor our anniversary last October, we took a day off from work and headed along the curvy road to a tiny town in Arkansas called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pelsor</span>. (If we had gone too much further, we would have ended up in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Russellville</span>.) We went "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">kidless</span>" this time around because I had heard mixed reviews about how dangerous it was. Plus, it was our anniversary. Why would we take kids? :)<br /><br />When we finally arrived (it was about 2 to 2 1/2 hours), we pulled into this tiny little parking lot and headed down the trail. There are actually two trails here...Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff. We only had time for Pedestal Rock, a 2.2 mile hike, since we had to get back to pick up kids from school.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFLzlTvCXL4/TZ_dmm5djsI/AAAAAAAAL5A/XTUvncibtIA/s1600/DSC00433.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFLzlTvCXL4/TZ_dmm5djsI/AAAAAAAAL5A/XTUvncibtIA/s320/DSC00433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593432917563772610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RccBfDPfzv8/TZ_dmS-SNgI/AAAAAAAAL44/Tax02GlSjCI/s1600/DSC00309.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RccBfDPfzv8/TZ_dmS-SNgI/AAAAAAAAL44/Tax02GlSjCI/s320/DSC00309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593432912215291394" border="0" /></a>I was kind of excited when I saw this sign. I have been kind of secretly hoping to see a bear. Not close, close, but close enough to get a picture without making it mad. Two different friends I have saw bears last year on hikes. I was not one of them...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmHIXeGaa74/TZ_dmJyL6rI/AAAAAAAAL4w/zCYDXK0W89c/s1600/DSC00310.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmHIXeGaa74/TZ_dmJyL6rI/AAAAAAAAL4w/zCYDXK0W89c/s320/DSC00310.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593432909748628146" border="0" /></a>Finally we came out to our first overlook. I think sometimes there is a waterfall in this area. However, we had a really dry fall so there was nothing but leaves falling...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8MiyPtCtkQU/TZ_dSK4Y6uI/AAAAAAAAL4o/PWazxinE_kk/s1600/DSC00312.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8MiyPtCtkQU/TZ_dSK4Y6uI/AAAAAAAAL4o/PWazxinE_kk/s320/DSC00312.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593432566445697762" border="0" /></a>The rock formations were just beautiful. Some of the cliffs had rails, others didn't. After seeing the trail though, I would take the kids. There are a few "scary" areas but I never felt like I was in total danger unless I put myself there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWkwONCiQMM/TZ_dR1Ab2BI/AAAAAAAAL4g/HYJH0vbvTZI/s1600/DSC00318.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWkwONCiQMM/TZ_dR1Ab2BI/AAAAAAAAL4g/HYJH0vbvTZI/s320/DSC00318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593432560573863954" border="0" /></a>The colors were amazing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pq2DYK9fZX4/TZ_dRnnDiMI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/xA-tamPHkoI/s1600/DSC00336.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pq2DYK9fZX4/TZ_dRnnDiMI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/xA-tamPHkoI/s320/DSC00336.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593432556977752258" border="0" /></a>It took a little walking to find "Pedestal Rocks". Once we saw them though, the name made perfect sense.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cL_9YMntNnc/TZ_dRtO96kI/AAAAAAAAL4Q/YEDykLuC2os/s1600/DSC00358.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cL_9YMntNnc/TZ_dRtO96kI/AAAAAAAAL4Q/YEDykLuC2os/s320/DSC00358.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593432558487333442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4a6Gt7cmbcY/TZ_dRRbYA-I/AAAAAAAAL4I/o4mDf-1aHcw/s1600/DSC00371.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4a6Gt7cmbcY/TZ_dRRbYA-I/AAAAAAAAL4I/o4mDf-1aHcw/s320/DSC00371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593432551023182818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uPpQMYuFl-w/TZ_byx-XxKI/AAAAAAAAL4A/1TW_Te8GAgE/s1600/DSC00386.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uPpQMYuFl-w/TZ_byx-XxKI/AAAAAAAAL4A/1TW_Te8GAgE/s320/DSC00386.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593430927672329378" border="0" /></a>Apparently, per the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm8_042807.pdf">website</a> for the trail, the pedestal rocks were formed by weathering. No matter how they were formed, they were just amazing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1S7B2nZxfo/TZ_bymXmR0I/AAAAAAAAL34/JbVTSL028Lw/s1600/DSC00392.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1S7B2nZxfo/TZ_bymXmR0I/AAAAAAAAL34/JbVTSL028Lw/s320/DSC00392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593430924556912450" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8EmzjjuVC4/TZ_byXMx2MI/AAAAAAAAL3w/hY1DDQIa_fQ/s1600/DSC00403.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8EmzjjuVC4/TZ_byXMx2MI/AAAAAAAAL3w/hY1DDQIa_fQ/s320/DSC00403.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593430920485001410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9_z1gqhW70/TZ_byFTu31I/AAAAAAAAL3o/fNz2WQu2IGw/s1600/DSC00411.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9_z1gqhW70/TZ_byFTu31I/AAAAAAAAL3o/fNz2WQu2IGw/s320/DSC00411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593430915682328402" border="0" /></a>There was an area where you could get down by the bases of the rocks which is probably what we would do if we took the kids that way. Much less of a height to fall. :) Plus, they love playing around rocks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-pbAi-JymQ/TZ_byGsiLcI/AAAAAAAAL3g/C6jAagMLrvk/s1600/DSC00430.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-pbAi-JymQ/TZ_byGsiLcI/AAAAAAAAL3g/C6jAagMLrvk/s320/DSC00430.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593430916054789570" border="0" /></a>I really wish we had had more time to explore. And I would love to hike the Kings Bluff trail at some point. Hopefully we will be back!<br /><br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-25333503350184742452011-03-27T15:09:00.001-07:002011-03-27T15:48:18.386-07:00Robbers CaveTechnically this blog is "Hiking in Arkansas", but because of our location (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NWArkansas</span>), we actually have fairly easy access to Missouri and Oklahoma. We do have amazing trails here we have yet to discover, but once in a while we venture over to other states. That is what we did yesterday.<br /><br />Robbers Cave State Park is about three hours from us (maybe 2 1/2...we stopped for lunch along the way) in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wilburton</span>, OK. If I remember correctly, we took 540 to 271 then near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wilburton</span> we took 270. That is the simplified version. :)<br /><br />Once you get to the State Park, just go in the main entrance and follow the signs to the trail.<br /><br />The trail is only about a half mile long but it is a workout. It involves a lot of climbing, so I am classifying it as strenuous. I am feeling every bit of it in my legs today!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxgrZSFKV68/TY-4rSyhckI/AAAAAAAALzs/KSiwtQd4OJU/s1600/DSC02796.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxgrZSFKV68/TY-4rSyhckI/AAAAAAAALzs/KSiwtQd4OJU/s320/DSC02796.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588888716507705922" border="0" /></a>The good news is that you barely have to walk onto the trail to find the fun stuff. It is like a giant playground for kids...rocks everywhere. My kids have become mini rock climbers and eat this stuff up. Right off the bat, we ran into the "Devil's Slide".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRb2O8wjXHQ/TY-4q1h7jcI/AAAAAAAALzk/VjQnlBubai4/s1600/DSC02798.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRb2O8wjXHQ/TY-4q1h7jcI/AAAAAAAALzk/VjQnlBubai4/s320/DSC02798.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588888708653485506" border="0" /></a>One child (and his daddy) successfully climbed up this "Devil's Slide". The rest of us took the stairs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykavG2ZyItw/TY-4qeeXhFI/AAAAAAAALzc/tZTm1QaSJtc/s1600/DSC02801.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykavG2ZyItw/TY-4qeeXhFI/AAAAAAAALzc/tZTm1QaSJtc/s320/DSC02801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588888702464525394" border="0" /></a>I think OK has a little more in bloom than we do. Seems like spring is slow in coming this year. But this tree was beautiful!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_iuoJbczkg4/TY-4qIPIw5I/AAAAAAAALzU/eif1TJ37mf4/s1600/DSC02808.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_iuoJbczkg4/TY-4qIPIw5I/AAAAAAAALzU/eif1TJ37mf4/s320/DSC02808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588888696495063954" border="0" /></a>Here are the "stairs" (they are rocks) up the trail. It was very steep, though we all did it without a lot of huffing and puffing. I do think there is a gentler way up the trail, but either way, you are climbing about 80 feet. We just stuck to this one.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIgOUGGLo_M/TY-4CYMqRFI/AAAAAAAALzI/1zSVnWf3dFY/s1600/DSC02809.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIgOUGGLo_M/TY-4CYMqRFI/AAAAAAAALzI/1zSVnWf3dFY/s320/DSC02809.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588888013584876626" border="0" /></a>If you are a spelunker, I don't think I would go expecting much of a cave to explore. This "cave" was a hideout years ago for some of the more famous outlaws, such as the James brothers. It is not very deep but it is very steep inside.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxo5q1UVQ3k/TY-4CEq4poI/AAAAAAAALzA/tj0Z8Tciwi0/s1600/DSC02822.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxo5q1UVQ3k/TY-4CEq4poI/AAAAAAAALzA/tj0Z8Tciwi0/s320/DSC02822.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588888008342939266" border="0" /></a>After you leave the "cave", you continue along the trail to a beautiful overlook. I will say this was a very popular trail. We saw several large groups along the way. We also got to watch some rock climbers/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rappellers</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jxnyio_h_iU/TY-4BoRMG_I/AAAAAAAALy4/eEXNjlO-MKo/s1600/DSC02825.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jxnyio_h_iU/TY-4BoRMG_I/AAAAAAAALy4/eEXNjlO-MKo/s320/DSC02825.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588888000718969842" border="0" /></a>The overlook was beautiful. Obviously these are bluffs so you want to be careful with your kids. That being said, there was plenty of space to look without being right on the edge, so I never felt nervous.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvptApUxDYA/TY-4BbwyHYI/AAAAAAAALyw/2C2KfHBgw7w/s1600/DSC02843.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvptApUxDYA/TY-4BbwyHYI/AAAAAAAALyw/2C2KfHBgw7w/s320/DSC02843.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588887997361823106" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d97gqfxUwmI/TY-4BJia91I/AAAAAAAALyo/hhlaxx0Sr7w/s1600/DSC02854.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d97gqfxUwmI/TY-4BJia91I/AAAAAAAALyo/hhlaxx0Sr7w/s320/DSC02854.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588887992469747538" border="0" /></a>The trail continues through the woods. After the large rocks, the kids were disappointed with this part, though they found some smaller bluffs to explore. It was pretty though, and I am sure when everything is in full bloom, it is quite lovely. The good part was that is was DOWNHILL.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhDgiJo8ip8/TY-3UqUa4cI/AAAAAAAALyg/eStPl9KRlEE/s1600/DSC02860.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhDgiJo8ip8/TY-3UqUa4cI/AAAAAAAALyg/eStPl9KRlEE/s320/DSC02860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588887228175278530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0gIkYWqL0w/TY-3UTAWq5I/AAAAAAAALyY/yRTRLo5-NFg/s1600/DSC02867.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0gIkYWqL0w/TY-3UTAWq5I/AAAAAAAALyY/yRTRLo5-NFg/s320/DSC02867.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588887221917100946" border="0" /></a>After following the yellow markers (which clearly marked the trail), we returned to the other side of the large rock hideout. This part was equally fun, if not more since it wasn't as high off the ground. LOTS of areas to explore.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmN3y0gWAhY/TY-3TzFKq5I/AAAAAAAALyQ/HyXtjppF0OA/s1600/DSC02870.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmN3y0gWAhY/TY-3TzFKq5I/AAAAAAAALyQ/HyXtjppF0OA/s320/DSC02870.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588887213347351442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FR5n7YHdFjU/TY-3TiKyOXI/AAAAAAAALyI/LUmmG1m5cqg/s1600/DSC02872.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FR5n7YHdFjU/TY-3TiKyOXI/AAAAAAAALyI/LUmmG1m5cqg/s320/DSC02872.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588887208807512434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SC5Yyd3kuCY/TY-3Tdk643I/AAAAAAAALyA/i6IiOdR-75k/s1600/DSC02878.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SC5Yyd3kuCY/TY-3Tdk643I/AAAAAAAALyA/i6IiOdR-75k/s320/DSC02878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588887207574954866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0LeMRnSBXgY/TY-2nwPZAYI/AAAAAAAALx4/pi92hsbnDGE/s1600/DSC02880.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0LeMRnSBXgY/TY-2nwPZAYI/AAAAAAAALx4/pi92hsbnDGE/s320/DSC02880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588886456670683522" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSCFge0lI8U/TY-2nBTXksI/AAAAAAAALxw/ywlmAoZhf14/s1600/DSC02881.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSCFge0lI8U/TY-2nBTXksI/AAAAAAAALxw/ywlmAoZhf14/s320/DSC02881.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588886444070900418" border="0" /></a>You can see the yellow arrow below which shows which way to go. I found those helpful and comforting when I couldn't keep up with the kids. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj7P80p1GWY/TY-2mtseJvI/AAAAAAAALxo/ES7S_tf-r68/s1600/DSC02887.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj7P80p1GWY/TY-2mtseJvI/AAAAAAAALxo/ES7S_tf-r68/s320/DSC02887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588886438807480050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIYk_J5s0l0/TY-2mGMXtfI/AAAAAAAALxg/opB4AXhARPQ/s1600/DSC02892.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIYk_J5s0l0/TY-2mGMXtfI/AAAAAAAALxg/opB4AXhARPQ/s320/DSC02892.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588886428203857394" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pjhj2NC-Rgw/TY-2l-kzbsI/AAAAAAAALxY/Kx7-3BeDU9g/s1600/DSC02901.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pjhj2NC-Rgw/TY-2l-kzbsI/AAAAAAAALxY/Kx7-3BeDU9g/s320/DSC02901.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588886426158853826" border="0" /></a>It was a fun little trail...a good workout and plenty of places to explore. We didn't really see any wildlife other than lots of kids. :) I would recommend it for most...I would probably hesitate to take someone very young on the trail due to the rocks and bluffs. Joshua though did enjoy it and could climb much of it with ease. There were only a couple places that we insisted on holding the hands of the little ones.<br /><br />We did take part of another trail but didn't get to finish it. Joshua was done at that point. So I guess I will have to go back sometime and try it. :)<br /><br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-71661649202030795182011-03-24T22:56:00.001-07:002011-03-24T23:27:22.567-07:00Withrow Springs Park- War Eagle TrailAfter our experience with the Dogwood Trail (last post), we knew we needed to do something "outdoorsy" to feel satisfied on this outing. So we decided to go on the War Eagle Trail. We had actually been on this trail a LONG time ago, though I don't remember hiking the whole thing.<br /><br />I don't remember if I mentioned how to get to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Withrow</span> Springs from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Springdale</span>. Take 412 toward Harrison. Once you near Huntsville, take the exit for Highway 23. You will want to go to the left of 412, though you have to take a right to loop to the left. Just head on down 23 until you see the signs on the left for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Withrow</span> Springs.<br /><br />Actually this trail is before you actually get to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Withrow</span> Springs sign. You will pass a farm on the right, then see a creek. Take a left into the parking lot and park. When you get out, you will be looking at War Eagle Creek. You will want to take a left by the creek and head under the road.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ8CnIInZ2M/TYwwtQ3PEBI/AAAAAAAALpg/YZoHvzloxm0/s1600/DSC02309.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ8CnIInZ2M/TYwwtQ3PEBI/AAAAAAAALpg/YZoHvzloxm0/s320/DSC02309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587894791838830610" border="0" /></a>Then you will see the actual trail sign...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijYdguWPIjo/TYwwtOWNh8I/AAAAAAAALpY/rLy7EljD4UU/s1600/DSC02311.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijYdguWPIjo/TYwwtOWNh8I/AAAAAAAALpY/rLy7EljD4UU/s320/DSC02311.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587894791163447234" border="0" /></a>You do climb a bit at first but it isn't overly strenuous. I don't remember being winded or more so than usual. :) There are several beautiful bluff/rock formations to the left, the creek below to the right.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KLgnvxspuo/TYwwsz6PPZI/AAAAAAAALpQ/-MsZhJzuWUE/s1600/DSC02313.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KLgnvxspuo/TYwwsz6PPZI/AAAAAAAALpQ/-MsZhJzuWUE/s320/DSC02313.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587894784066796946" border="0" /></a>Here is a small "cave". All caves are closed in state parks right now due to some bat disease (for them, not for people). So we just peeked in without going in.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fOD2hMZxtLU/TYwwS1r6aFI/AAAAAAAALpI/UHY2UBrlhIc/s1600/DSC02317.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fOD2hMZxtLU/TYwwS1r6aFI/AAAAAAAALpI/UHY2UBrlhIc/s320/DSC02317.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587894337866983506" border="0" /></a>A little further down is the big cave. Last time we went we could go in. Not this time. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBDNNVZZLhU/TYwwSjxTi4I/AAAAAAAALpA/Mv8sjzPTQj8/s1600/DSC02321.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBDNNVZZLhU/TYwwSjxTi4I/AAAAAAAALpA/Mv8sjzPTQj8/s320/DSC02321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587894333057764226" border="0" /></a>You then have another area to climb, but it was moderate. The creek is still to the right.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1IYPzpQo98/TYwwR4ry3iI/AAAAAAAALo4/OGDBinTn7Mk/s1600/DSC02325.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1IYPzpQo98/TYwwR4ry3iI/AAAAAAAALo4/OGDBinTn7Mk/s320/DSC02325.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587894321491926562" border="0" /></a>There were a couple narrow areas, though thankfully for much of it, there were safety cables to the right so we didn't tumble into the water below. If you have kids, make sure that you hold onto their hands.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eCWOvxLMaU/TYwwRlnEdjI/AAAAAAAALow/_ukcDplF1r8/s1600/DSC02329.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eCWOvxLMaU/TYwwRlnEdjI/AAAAAAAALow/_ukcDplF1r8/s320/DSC02329.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587894316371834418" border="0" /></a>We decided to go off trail (which we rarely do) to check out the creek. Hunter was itching to fish. We took this elaborate off trail route only to find there was a very direct path to visit the creek if we had waited a couple more minutes. Oh well. The view was beautiful. You can't really tell but the water is very green. It was very calm, just gently flowing. And the "bluffs" were amazing. It was a very serene spot; we spent quite a bit of time here skipping rocks and exploring.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EASFFrDtwaE/TYwwRsEf6wI/AAAAAAAALoo/Vdbjt8d5SH8/s1600/DSC02335.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EASFFrDtwaE/TYwwRsEf6wI/AAAAAAAALoo/Vdbjt8d5SH8/s320/DSC02335.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587894318105881346" border="0" /></a>We even saw some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">canoers</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">kayakers</span>. I think I would like to try that!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFiHIlFHh2k/TYwvKxrDmNI/AAAAAAAALog/pMvAiQIWTB8/s1600/DSC02350.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFiHIlFHh2k/TYwvKxrDmNI/AAAAAAAALog/pMvAiQIWTB8/s320/DSC02350.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587893099839068370" border="0" /></a>We had a close encounter while sitting by the creek. We had been there for a while without seeing any wildlife when suddenly this little face popped up. It totally surprised us. Yes, it is a snake. Maybe a moccasin. I didn't get close enough to find out. We couldn't see its body, just its head, so that made the whole thing stranger. It stared at us, opened its mouth once to show off its little teeth, then disappeared back in the rocks. The same rocks the kids had been running around on, splashing in the water. Ugh!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgvEdUZ4Osg/TYwvI2XurhI/AAAAAAAALoY/NOXDp20O-LM/s1600/DSC02357.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgvEdUZ4Osg/TYwvI2XurhI/AAAAAAAALoY/NOXDp20O-LM/s320/DSC02357.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587893066740444690" border="0" /></a>When you continue on the trail, you continue to climb, offering some amazing lookouts of the creek and the farmland in the area. I never felt like it was overly dangerous. We just didn't let the kids venture out too much on the cliffs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lgM0kAxgQN4/TYwvI5FO6kI/AAAAAAAALoQ/1MFremc2Cpc/s1600/DSC02367.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lgM0kAxgQN4/TYwvI5FO6kI/AAAAAAAALoQ/1MFremc2Cpc/s320/DSC02367.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587893067468171842" border="0" /></a>Yes, third snake (second on this trail) for the day. A little brown one that looked like a big worm.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JGV2C_OBSc/TYwvIBLrAuI/AAAAAAAALoI/rqCY0E-6KOw/s1600/DSC02369.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JGV2C_OBSc/TYwvIBLrAuI/AAAAAAAALoI/rqCY0E-6KOw/s320/DSC02369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587893052462793442" border="0" /></a>Here is a note from an experienced hiker (for this trail). When you see this sign (next to a wooden bench), turn around and go back the way you came. Then I think it is an easy 1 mile hike. We didn't know this. We went to the left because it looked like the trail went that way. We ended up coming out on Highway 23, still a distance from our car. Walking by the side of a curvy road with children was NOT fun. The trail going back (and downhill) would have been MUCH more scenic. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gXWNOrH9cs/TYwvIJfZZZI/AAAAAAAALoA/prfBoM-sRjk/s1600/DSC02370.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gXWNOrH9cs/TYwvIJfZZZI/AAAAAAAALoA/prfBoM-sRjk/s320/DSC02370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587893054693008786" border="0" /></a>This was a wonderful hike and totally redeemed the park after the Dogwood Trail. (There is still one more trail I think we haven't tried) It SHOULD be a one mile hike. I would consider it moderate due to the inclines. And while I wouldn't consider it dangerous, there are definitely some points you need to hold on to your children. The view though was worth it. And if you have some time, I would encourage you to take some time to hang out by the creek. Just watch for creatures that might be lurking there. There are no bathrooms on this trail but there are some in the park.<br /><br />Happy hiking!<br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-6386880889468526352011-03-22T20:26:00.001-07:002011-03-22T20:41:05.367-07:00Dogwood Trail- Withrow SpringsLast Sunday, we headed over to Withrow Springs which is in/near Huntsville. We had camped there once before but it has been several years. (I think that was our one and only family camping trip :)<br /><br />We decided to start off with an easy trail. The Dogwood Trail. It is a 3/4 mile loop. <br /><br />Since spring is starting to spring, we thought it might be a scenic route...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--PNDNHYH9zs/TYlo98vIYaI/AAAAAAAALgk/L1QtREkPq-M/s1600/DSC02296.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--PNDNHYH9zs/TYlo98vIYaI/AAAAAAAALgk/L1QtREkPq-M/s320/DSC02296.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587112226214928802" border="0" /></a>First of all, I am listing this trail as moderate. It is a short trail but the first part of it is rather steep. Okay, maybe not steep but it was definitely uphill and not easy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0AvWQXIgEM/TYlo9q2BYHI/AAAAAAAALgc/9SjP3oOrLkQ/s1600/DSC02299.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0AvWQXIgEM/TYlo9q2BYHI/AAAAAAAALgc/9SjP3oOrLkQ/s320/DSC02299.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587112221411991666" border="0" /></a>The one good thing about going up is that likely you will be going down at some point! However, it was kind of tough going downhill due to the rocks...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_MGXEsZiGU/TYlo9SVJcKI/AAAAAAAALgU/oUKkwaVmxwQ/s1600/DSC02302.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_MGXEsZiGU/TYlo9SVJcKI/AAAAAAAALgU/oUKkwaVmxwQ/s320/DSC02302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587112214831657122" border="0" /></a>Sadly, other than a few wildflowers, there wasn't much blooming. Definitely not any dogwoods. In fact, a lot of the trail still has a lot of ice storm damage from two years ago. It was a rather unscenic trail. Our favorite part might have been the garter snake we saw slithering through the leaves. <br /><br />This was the one part of the trail that I liked. The end of it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uI0Q6XpYDY/TYlo9FdGZeI/AAAAAAAALgM/KeeZi1KF7J8/s1600/DSC02304.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uI0Q6XpYDY/TYlo9FdGZeI/AAAAAAAALgM/KeeZi1KF7J8/s320/DSC02304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587112211375351266" border="0" /></a>As you can probably guess, we give this two thumbs down. Maybe later in the spring when things are blooming, it might be more fun to walk. But overall, we were not impressed...<br /><br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-60384573594344805032011-03-21T19:21:00.001-07:002011-03-21T19:22:23.851-07:00One More Day...Until my spring break!<br /><br />I have two hikes alone from this past weekend to blog about.<br /><br />So HOPEFULLY this week, I can get caught up.<br /><br />We aren't going anywhere for spring break, though I hope there might be a hike in the future.<br /><br />Can't wait to share about our hike this past weekend...<br /><br />3 snakes...<br /><br />:)<br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-57353071178138141932011-03-12T19:27:00.001-08:002011-03-12T20:04:25.539-08:00Lincoln Lake- Eagle LoopA couple weeks ago we discovered Lincoln Lake which is ironically located just outside of Lincoln. :) I have directions in my earlier post...just scroll down a bit. Anyway, when we realized what a beautiful day it was going to be, we had no doubt we needed to get outside. Even though we were just there, we were eager to hike that area again. So we headed down the road to Lincoln Lake.<br /><br />Last time we went, we hiked the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Piney</span> Loop, though we regret we didn't hike it all. This time around, we decided to try the Eagle Loop. <br /><br />The first several feet I was questioning our decision. There was a switchback or two which means INCLINE. Then once we had gotten up to where the trail was, the first part of the trail was an old service road. It just doesn't feel as much like hiking when it is a service road...<br /><br />However, we were treated to a sign of spring!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj-hleNd0hg/TXw704FrpnI/AAAAAAAALY4/6vOHd4v_CLs/s1600/DSC02179.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj-hleNd0hg/TXw704FrpnI/AAAAAAAALY4/6vOHd4v_CLs/s320/DSC02179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583403417628026482" border="0" /></a><br />The views of the lake were just beautiful. It was a very warm day and there wasn't much of a wind, so the lake was very calm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yvS58OTd6WY/TXw70iZeYwI/AAAAAAAALYw/xtQFwJ0ZZBI/s1600/DSC02182.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yvS58OTd6WY/TXw70iZeYwI/AAAAAAAALYw/xtQFwJ0ZZBI/s320/DSC02182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583403411805463298" border="0" /></a>We did walk along some of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bluffline</span>. Don't worry, we keep the kids close. Mark is kind of a drill sergeant about bluffs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2bii2aH6V8/TXw70FUsTjI/AAAAAAAALYo/9OTHrmri3ok/s1600/DSC02192.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2bii2aH6V8/TXw70FUsTjI/AAAAAAAALYo/9OTHrmri3ok/s320/DSC02192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583403404000775730" border="0" /></a>We visited some of the overlooks. They were just beautiful. We had amazing views of the lake. We saw several boats out and heard a lot of geese in the area.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sz8LiQ7DtgU/TXw7zwje70I/AAAAAAAALYg/NO6BIcIoI7w/s1600/DSC02203.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sz8LiQ7DtgU/TXw7zwje70I/AAAAAAAALYg/NO6BIcIoI7w/s320/DSC02203.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583403398425669442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHtR76FmjTE/TXw7RRZhNRI/AAAAAAAALYY/3dvBAtGG1O0/s1600/DSC02207.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHtR76FmjTE/TXw7RRZhNRI/AAAAAAAALYY/3dvBAtGG1O0/s320/DSC02207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583402805946823954" border="0" /></a>I really wish I knew more about flowers. We saw several of these along the path. They looked like a lily (which is my favorite flower ever) but all were "bowed" down to the ground. They were really pretty though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_A4ob82ShU/TXw7RKRfZAI/AAAAAAAALYQ/biYYQA7zKyA/s1600/DSC02211.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_A4ob82ShU/TXw7RKRfZAI/AAAAAAAALYQ/biYYQA7zKyA/s320/DSC02211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583402804034102274" border="0" /></a>You would think I would be used to it, but I cannot get over the beautiful bluffs and rock areas in our state. They are like a ready made playground for the kids and just some of the most interesting formations I have ever seen!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghyg6pAI8as/TXw7Q5nfKbI/AAAAAAAALYI/t7KR-TSYAvs/s1600/DSC02220.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghyg6pAI8as/TXw7Q5nfKbI/AAAAAAAALYI/t7KR-TSYAvs/s320/DSC02220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583402799562959282" border="0" /></a>I actually climbed up this rock. It was like a large flat rock lying on its side. It was at just the right incline to climb up carefully but not feel scared (obviously if I did it too...I just don't have picture proof for me).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UIdokoNy2sY/TXw7Qs4f0_I/AAAAAAAALYA/vnWJqZltadg/s1600/DSC02234.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UIdokoNy2sY/TXw7Qs4f0_I/AAAAAAAALYA/vnWJqZltadg/s320/DSC02234.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583402796144645106" border="0" /></a>This is another view of the lake from the rock.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmFnwTwI_N0/TXw7QeOsdRI/AAAAAAAALX4/oIkWtl72iBA/s1600/DSC02247.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmFnwTwI_N0/TXw7QeOsdRI/AAAAAAAALX4/oIkWtl72iBA/s320/DSC02247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583402792211215634" border="0" /></a>I should add that there were two parts of Eagle Loop. This was the lower part, and actually the above pictures are taken a bit off the path (we were encouraged by a park employee to do that...it is a big rock climbing area for real rock climbers). If you ever go, just ask me, I think I can tell you where it is.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ri6rz81CS2c/TXw6jBn4a8I/AAAAAAAALXw/_QQQE-AtRe0/s1600/DSC02255.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ri6rz81CS2c/TXw6jBn4a8I/AAAAAAAALXw/_QQQE-AtRe0/s320/DSC02255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583402011438115778" border="0" /></a>We really thought this picture (below) looked like an elephant's head...it was a tree against one of the bluffs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZW0LirMx4pI/TXw6i_bxS0I/AAAAAAAALXo/qssq8iVnIbM/s1600/DSC02258.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZW0LirMx4pI/TXw6i_bxS0I/AAAAAAAALXo/qssq8iVnIbM/s320/DSC02258.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583402010850446146" border="0" /></a>Again, I know nothing about plants, but this looked like some sort of cactus.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUMQ7bvNBqQ/TXw6ieRyYJI/AAAAAAAALXg/BLkAvHMxkjA/s1600/DSC02261.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUMQ7bvNBqQ/TXw6ieRyYJI/AAAAAAAALXg/BLkAvHMxkjA/s320/DSC02261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583402001950204050" border="0" /></a>More of the rock formations along the trail<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_RX_lLqmpA/TXw6iJmHfUI/AAAAAAAALXY/ORc2w79QVgY/s1600/DSC02262.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_RX_lLqmpA/TXw6iJmHfUI/AAAAAAAALXY/ORc2w79QVgY/s320/DSC02262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583401996398329154" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEOLz5YXuZg/TXw6hycp91I/AAAAAAAALXQ/njhGphetu2I/s1600/DSC02266.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEOLz5YXuZg/TXw6hycp91I/AAAAAAAALXQ/njhGphetu2I/s320/DSC02266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583401990184630098" border="0" /></a>Since it was a loop, we ended up right back where we had started. It was a neat hike. Had we not had one really tired little boy with us, we might have had more time to explore. But it is something I wouldn't mind doing again. I know there are more parts to this trail and the other trail we have yet to see.<br /><br />I would consider this one a moderate just because there were a few hills/inclines. The path is not totally clear...Joshua with his little legs tripped a lot. The overlooks were my favorite part as well as the rock climbing area. Safety wise, it was moderate too. I would be careful at some of the overlooks with kids, but that was really the only time we got nervous. The only wildlife we saw this time around was a spider and some vultures. I still give it two thumbs up...three out of four kids loved it. One was too tired to truly know. :)<br /><br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-17958099037422643442011-03-05T09:19:00.000-08:002011-03-12T20:10:01.033-08:00Lake WilsonSince I don't get to go hiking today (in the 30's, blah), I might as well write about it.<br /><br />This trail is actually called the Joe Clark Trail at Lake Wilson, but we just say, "Let's go to Lake Wilson". Well two times we have said that anyway.<br /><br />We found out about this trail through our Tim Ernst book about Dayhikes for Families. I have to say, getting to it the first time was a bit daunting. The book didn't have the updated road information in it, so we had to do a little guesswork. This place is out in the middle of nowhere. I am pretty sure I heard Deliverance music playing in the background as we drove out there. Even now, I cannot tell you exactly how to get there. My suggestion: Google. :) I do know it is near the Fayetteville airport (as in Drake Field).<br /><br />We went in the fall both times, about a year apart. The biggest difference about the second trip was that we hadn't had rain in a long time so the creeks were basically dry. Not nearly as much fun for the kiddos but we still enjoyed the trail. Most of these pictures are from our first trip out there in November of 2009 (You will notice J-man is still in the backpack at that point...we also had Hunter's friend/neighbor L with us), with a couple of pictures from our second trip (October 2010) mixed in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yufHD4x9s0/TXJ0UR_OXXI/AAAAAAAALVM/7ySeHl3R9iM/s1600/DSC09452.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yufHD4x9s0/TXJ0UR_OXXI/AAAAAAAALVM/7ySeHl3R9iM/s320/DSC09452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580650780040256882" border="0" /></a><br />Not the most helpful map/information area. There is a pavilion but I don't think there are any restrooms (that I remember).<br /><br />The trailhead starts to the right of the pavilion.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0ca32XM3MA/TXJ0T9JBZCI/AAAAAAAALVE/TOFQ8EX0Tkk/s1600/DSC09453.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0ca32XM3MA/TXJ0T9JBZCI/AAAAAAAALVE/TOFQ8EX0Tkk/s320/DSC09453.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580650774444205090" border="0" /></a>The first part of the hike (which is around 1 1/2 miles depending on which paths you choose) is right by the lake. We try to keep our crew quiet because there is a good chance someone will be fishing there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLuYuqMBOhA/TXJ0TmHFjwI/AAAAAAAALU8/-7Y-S4Jb_xA/s1600/DSC09458.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLuYuqMBOhA/TXJ0TmHFjwI/AAAAAAAALU8/-7Y-S4Jb_xA/s320/DSC09458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580650768262074114" border="0" /></a>This was on our first visit. It had rained all but 7 days I think in the month of October, so there was a little water left. Second visit it was dry as a bone.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUOe-1Lb2Cc/TXJymem0gII/AAAAAAAALU0/oSoDAPGzG0k/s1600/DSC04610.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUOe-1Lb2Cc/TXJymem0gII/AAAAAAAALU0/oSoDAPGzG0k/s320/DSC04610.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580648893641949314" border="0" /></a>Another little creek area to cross<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UlIqAF6JoZI/TXJymMK15SI/AAAAAAAALUs/2OUfIfdckQw/s1600/DSC04617.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UlIqAF6JoZI/TXJymMK15SI/AAAAAAAALUs/2OUfIfdckQw/s320/DSC04617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580648888692761890" border="0" /></a>I will consider this hike moderate only because if you do the upper trail (which we did both times), it is a little bit of incline. It isn't that difficult though.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRJT5Y3vs6I/TXJyl0vdfXI/AAAAAAAALUk/tfGz7uSUbWI/s1600/DSC04619.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRJT5Y3vs6I/TXJyl0vdfXI/AAAAAAAALUk/tfGz7uSUbWI/s320/DSC04619.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580648882403900786" border="0" /></a>The kids favorite part was the rock area. There were several "bluffs" up above the lake but most were not too tall. So the kids had a fun time scrambling on them. The first time we went, we didn't get as much "rock" time because of the time/Daylight Savings, so the second time we went, that was our kids' mission. To explore, climb, and play.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZArFHzrHplA/TXJyloykFaI/AAAAAAAALUc/t9AXm0hJ36Y/s1600/DSC04621.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZArFHzrHplA/TXJyloykFaI/AAAAAAAALUc/t9AXm0hJ36Y/s320/DSC04621.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580648879195690402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAdMsz-WxpE/TXJxwY8nkxI/AAAAAAAALUQ/Ko1ahT1RgmY/s1600/DSC04625.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAdMsz-WxpE/TXJxwY8nkxI/AAAAAAAALUQ/Ko1ahT1RgmY/s320/DSC04625.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580647964409828114" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-993UGg6WyRY/TXJxwLpt0jI/AAAAAAAALUI/qA8gaERm3YU/s1600/DSC04628.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-993UGg6WyRY/TXJxwLpt0jI/AAAAAAAALUI/qA8gaERm3YU/s320/DSC04628.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580647960840884786" border="0" /></a>At one point, you are quite "high" on the trail and can look down at the lake below. It is beautiful. Especially at sunset.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySY9-oO5uDo/TXJxv0RI89I/AAAAAAAALUA/LlhfH_RPDmY/s1600/DSC04636.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySY9-oO5uDo/TXJxv0RI89I/AAAAAAAALUA/LlhfH_RPDmY/s320/DSC04636.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580647954563789778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89dSpVcCUNc/TXJxvqhAY9I/AAAAAAAALT4/9aDtNdyJ-e4/s1600/DSC04646.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89dSpVcCUNc/TXJxvqhAY9I/AAAAAAAALT4/9aDtNdyJ-e4/s320/DSC04646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580647951945982930" border="0" /></a>This trail is a loop, so you come out where you started.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0CNalm6osgg/TXJxvQzoc6I/AAAAAAAALTw/zAZ0b5EyJdQ/s1600/DSC04650.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0CNalm6osgg/TXJxvQzoc6I/AAAAAAAALTw/zAZ0b5EyJdQ/s320/DSC04650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580647945044784034" border="0" /></a>We never saw any snakes though I am sure there are times of year they are out and about. The only "wildlife" we have really seen on this trail include a tiny frog and a blue heron on the lake.<br /><br />It doesn't have any major "Wow" factors (like a cave or a waterfall), but it really is a nice little trail for a family. It is very safe and easy to walk (other than the hill you climb at the beginning). I have a feeling we will be back yet again!<br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-37760059998856905282011-03-01T20:18:00.001-08:002011-03-01T22:12:50.986-08:00Tanyard CreekEvery year our third graders go on a field trip to a place called "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tanyard</span> Creek". Hunter loved that field trip. The kids hiked, kept a field journal, and had a little scavenger hike.<br /><br />So when we started hiking (which was fall of 2009), we decided to find out what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tanyard</span> Creek was all about. So one fall afternoon we headed down the road, or rather up the road, to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tanyard</span> Creek.<br /><br />If you are in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NWArkansas</span>, it is pretty easy to get to. Just drive 540 (north) to Bella Vista. Take the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lancashire</span> Drive (340) exit. Turn left and follow the road. You will begin to see signs. Turn on the street to the left (I have no name, just look for the sign) then turn right into the parking lot. The trail starts right by the pavilion.<br /><br />The first little bit of the trail you kind of wonder what you are doing. After all, you are basically overlooking a field (and probably a golf course). Just be patient. Go a little further until you see the actual hiking sign. That is where the beauty begins. We always go to the right at the sign/map area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7IlGYyxnLE/TW3I-HGXRMI/AAAAAAAALSo/b76W9RvxXZE/s1600/DSC04320.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7IlGYyxnLE/TW3I-HGXRMI/AAAAAAAALSo/b76W9RvxXZE/s320/DSC04320.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579336482765096130" border="0" /></a>One of the neat things about the trail is that volunteers have painstakingly created signs for all sorts of plants/trees. You will also find information along the trail about the history of the area. That is probably why our third grade teachers choose it for a field trip. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHcH1CjKZqE/TW3I96Avx3I/AAAAAAAALSg/1EoUL21Oyc8/s1600/DSC04326.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHcH1CjKZqE/TW3I96Avx3I/AAAAAAAALSg/1EoUL21Oyc8/s320/DSC04326.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579336479251875698" border="0" /></a>Fall is obviously a beautiful time to go with all of the colorful leaves. I have also visited in the spring (when Lauren went on her field trip) and we went on a warm summer day as a family and played in the creek. We haven't tried going in the winter yet...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Zs14BATBY8/TW3IYSLtyJI/AAAAAAAALSY/dHk-wPtDS8c/s1600/DSC04335.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkAfTThSUuI/TW3HT7MWi5I/AAAAAAAALSQ/cTRkJ8oRkbY/s1600/DSC04327.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkAfTThSUuI/TW3HT7MWi5I/AAAAAAAALSQ/cTRkJ8oRkbY/s320/DSC04327.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579334658502855570" border="0" /></a>There are a lot of "photo" ops along the trail. In fact, this day we were there, there were photographers EVERYWHERE taking Christmas card shots. My family just got stuck with this amateur photographer...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Zs14BATBY8/TW3IYSLtyJI/AAAAAAAALSY/dHk-wPtDS8c/s1600/DSC04335.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Zs14BATBY8/TW3IYSLtyJI/AAAAAAAALSY/dHk-wPtDS8c/s320/DSC04335.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579335832905304210" border="0" /></a>This was a shallow part of the creek. The creek does get a little bit deeper, perfect for wading. You do have to watch out for snakes, though we didn't see any in the creek when we were there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0HgKQMM6QlQ/TW3HTqpwYcI/AAAAAAAALSI/dCLR2DhTIBY/s1600/DSC04352.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0HgKQMM6QlQ/TW3HTqpwYcI/AAAAAAAALSI/dCLR2DhTIBY/s320/DSC04352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579334654062780866" border="0" /></a>Most of the trail is fairly level. There are only a couple of inclines. One was to the waterfall (and we went a bit further to see the lake...that wasn't really worth the extra walk. The waterfall however is. When we have had rain, it is beautiful. When we went in the summer, it was dry as a bone. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71AYjhRjZaM/TW3HTQxoU7I/AAAAAAAALSA/J-ywFn2oS-o/s1600/DSC04354.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71AYjhRjZaM/TW3HTQxoU7I/AAAAAAAALSA/J-ywFn2oS-o/s320/DSC04354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579334647116485554" border="0" /></a>The creek is fun. We saw some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">crawfish</span> in it. There is also a "rapids" area right below the waterfall. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4S0IMW2d8qY/TW3HTMhg2QI/AAAAAAAALR4/rnDoPLuJ0Ps/s1600/DSC04370.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4S0IMW2d8qY/TW3HTMhg2QI/AAAAAAAALR4/rnDoPLuJ0Ps/s320/DSC04370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579334645975144706" border="0" /></a>This is one of three snakes I have ever seen on a hike. I think it was possibly a baby copperhead but I try not to get close enough snakes to identify them. This one was dead already though, so I didn't run out of the woods screaming. I just made sure there wasn't a momma nearby!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAUezrXUoq4/TW3HTOLjbzI/AAAAAAAALRw/sPkCW0NQPQ0/s1600/DSC04377.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAUezrXUoq4/TW3HTOLjbzI/AAAAAAAALRw/sPkCW0NQPQ0/s320/DSC04377.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579334646419910450" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tanyard</span> Creek has some beautiful rock areas, including some overhangs and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">faux</span> caves. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hXT3CNTaBK0/TW3Gi3OfEJI/AAAAAAAALRo/6dasQm-Lv8E/s1600/DSC04399.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hXT3CNTaBK0/TW3Gi3OfEJI/AAAAAAAALRo/6dasQm-Lv8E/s320/DSC04399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579333815624470674" border="0" /></a>There are some signs of civilization from long ago along the trail. This is the foundation of an old house.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWNlHAsLFrw/TW3Gip-6zLI/AAAAAAAALRg/M11IAKHDdWI/s1600/DSC04407.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWNlHAsLFrw/TW3Gip-6zLI/AAAAAAAALRg/M11IAKHDdWI/s320/DSC04407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579333812069518514" border="0" /></a>This swinging bridge is one of my favorite parts. It is fun to walk on and just gives the trail a little "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">bling</span>".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-wZmxaN0eY/TW3GiaxLr4I/AAAAAAAALRY/dCP3L7qAMfA/s1600/DSC04420.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-wZmxaN0eY/TW3GiaxLr4I/AAAAAAAALRY/dCP3L7qAMfA/s320/DSC04420.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579333807985373058" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Tanyard</span> Creek is a loop. You walk around the trail and emerge back at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">trailhead</span>. The trail is around 2 miles long depending on how which parts you walk.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRd9F5C2Dr4/TW3GiL3yeNI/AAAAAAAALRQ/ghbGgqML0lM/s1600/DSC04438.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hyyJOHL6spU/TW3Gh0Ht-uI/AAAAAAAALRI/a0PqvwPUBlA/s1600/DSC04444.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hyyJOHL6spU/TW3Gh0Ht-uI/AAAAAAAALRI/a0PqvwPUBlA/s320/DSC04444.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579333797610912482" border="0" /></a>If you are just starting to hike as a family, I highly recommend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Tanyard</span> Creek. It is a nice trail, fairly easy to walk, yet has some fun history along the way. It is probably one of the more kid friendly trails we have ever been on.<br /><br />Happy Hiking!<br />The CloudsRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-65508894211114049662011-02-27T21:56:00.000-08:002011-03-12T20:08:59.087-08:00Lincoln Lake- Piney LoopYesterday the sun finally emerged halfway through the day, so we decided to venture out for a hike. I was in the mood to go to a new hiking spot. Not long ago, a friend had recommended visiting Lincoln Lake. I had never even heard of it, but we were game. So we headed on over to Lincoln (my first time there) and followed the signs to the Lake. (If you are in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NWA</span>, take the bypass until you get to the exit for Highway 62. Follow 62 through Prairie Grove. You have to watch because 62 does turn to the right at one point. When you get to Lincoln, you take a turn by the Great American Drive In (on the right) onto West. It also has a county number but I don't remember what it is. There are signs though. Follow this winding road (which is way out in the country). At one point, right after you have turned and gone down on a hill, the entrance is at the bottom of the hill on the right.<br /><br />I was a bit unsure what to expect since we were out in the middle of nowhere and I could find very little information via Google about this area. So this sight was a pleasant surprise.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0epex-Bum-c/TWs-Mu2PS3I/AAAAAAAALQQ/WPMMY5f0h_Q/s1600/DSC01988.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0epex-Bum-c/TWs-Mu2PS3I/AAAAAAAALQQ/WPMMY5f0h_Q/s320/DSC01988.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578620951883369330" border="0" /></a>There is a little map posted detailing the trails and the trail highlights. We decided to take the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Piney</span> Loop. We knew we were only going to hike part of it though due to time constraints and one tired, congested little boy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gw6A_dFgJuE/TWs-M_kXtYI/AAAAAAAALQY/_2jf2_ZaFbU/s1600/DSC01990.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gw6A_dFgJuE/TWs-M_kXtYI/AAAAAAAALQY/_2jf2_ZaFbU/s320/DSC01990.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578620956371826050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oE1peuSDhuM/TWs9MEQQDpI/AAAAAAAALQA/J4Nj_K8jOns/s1600/DSC02119.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oE1peuSDhuM/TWs9MEQQDpI/AAAAAAAALQA/J4Nj_K8jOns/s320/DSC02119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578619840938118802" border="0" /></a>I was very impressed with how well marked the trail was.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxuMUA1RYI0/TWs9L18xB6I/AAAAAAAALP4/SAPMAeD177s/s1600/DSC01991.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxuMUA1RYI0/TWs9L18xB6I/AAAAAAAALP4/SAPMAeD177s/s320/DSC01991.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578619837098297250" border="0" /></a><br />Somewhere there was a water by-pass, but my kids preferred to cross over the water via the rocks. I couldn't figure out how the vehicles got over to that little area of land all surrounded by water. We figured it out quickly. They just drive through this shallow area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5BVMCHc1rg/TWs9Lk9AZuI/AAAAAAAALPw/cFGND8eNcFg/s1600/DSC01995.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5BVMCHc1rg/TWs9Lk9AZuI/AAAAAAAALPw/cFGND8eNcFg/s320/DSC01995.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578619832535901922" border="0" /></a>I naively thought this was going to be a tiny little lake based on the water we saw. I obviously didn't have the whole picture...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijDniE-z-V8/TWs9LWxMI5I/AAAAAAAALPo/f_bd3jLCytk/s1600/DSC01998.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijDniE-z-V8/TWs9LWxMI5I/AAAAAAAALPo/f_bd3jLCytk/s320/DSC01998.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578619828728243090" border="0" /></a>This is one of the first views we had after climbing a hill. This bluff is STRAIGHT down. Did I mention this area is popular with rock climbers and "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">boulderers</span>"? We saw several. This was one of the few places we felt like there was any danger. The kids had to be right next to us, holding our hand (the young ones anyway).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3t1QlK9HbnY/TWs9LCeqlmI/AAAAAAAALPg/_KenwT5Qwno/s1600/DSC02026.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3t1QlK9HbnY/TWs9LCeqlmI/AAAAAAAALPg/_KenwT5Qwno/s320/DSC02026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578619823281837666" border="0" /></a>One of the kids' favorite parts of this hike involved all of the rocks. I just love how there are these big rocks out in the middle of the woods. The kids enjoyed scrambling all over them and doing their own rock climbing on a smaller scale.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk5-Q1nlV_M/TWs8HRy7WSI/AAAAAAAALPY/BU1GUavL5NU/s1600/DSC02037.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk5-Q1nlV_M/TWs8HRy7WSI/AAAAAAAALPY/BU1GUavL5NU/s320/DSC02037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578618659162249506" border="0" /></a>Because we visited in the winter, we had a great view of the lake as we hiked. I am guessing in the spring/summer, the view would be blocked by the leaves. There were a few slippery parts of the trail along the way, mainly due to mud, dry leaves, and moss.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ThaT9ObkOc/TWs8HToDt-I/AAAAAAAALPQ/GZiTMM849g4/s1600/DSC02044.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ThaT9ObkOc/TWs8HToDt-I/AAAAAAAALPQ/GZiTMM849g4/s320/DSC02044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578618659653531618" border="0" /></a>Speaking of moss... The rocks really were beautiful. I am not a master photographer so the pictures don't do it justice.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnaTgr8-JRE/TWs8HNvYe2I/AAAAAAAALPI/LsjqM3DWnhY/s1600/DSC02057.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnaTgr8-JRE/TWs8HNvYe2I/AAAAAAAALPI/LsjqM3DWnhY/s320/DSC02057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578618658073639778" border="0" /></a>While we didn't see much wildlife beyond ducks and geese (and one dead armadillo), we saw evidence of beavers in the area.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOYhRjg4sQE/TWs8GoPFSCI/AAAAAAAALPA/f_aoqlyCJBQ/s1600/DSC02063.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOYhRjg4sQE/TWs8GoPFSCI/AAAAAAAALPA/f_aoqlyCJBQ/s320/DSC02063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578618648006051874" border="0" /></a>This was a beautiful view of the lake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lbfpSr6MRA/TWs8GuoVi7I/AAAAAAAALO4/YYhD12a3LtY/s1600/DSC02075.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lbfpSr6MRA/TWs8GuoVi7I/AAAAAAAALO4/YYhD12a3LtY/s320/DSC02075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578618649722588082" border="0" /></a>While the trail continued, we stopped here at the "dam". We have learned with kids that if we go too far, the going back part can be difficult and miserable for all of us. Ask Maria what she loves about hiking and she will tell you, "All of it except for going back". We did take a few minutes to take in the beauty of the lake. It was just so peaceful. As for swimming, I did see a sign (with photos of snakes) that advised against swimming here.<br /><br />Oh, we saw a guy carrying a BIG pad on his back. We asked him what it was. It was a crash mat for when they climbed boulders. It really is a popular spot for that type of thing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGIrPXHE1Dg/TWs6rSq48ZI/AAAAAAAALOw/T2fKjA7yR0w/s1600/DSC02077.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGIrPXHE1Dg/TWs6rSq48ZI/AAAAAAAALOw/T2fKjA7yR0w/s320/DSC02077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578617078849008018" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oN1fNIT1iWk/TWs6raHP-uI/AAAAAAAALOo/Q7biq9XLFxc/s1600/DSC02080.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oN1fNIT1iWk/TWs6raHP-uI/AAAAAAAALOo/Q7biq9XLFxc/s320/DSC02080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578617080847006434" border="0" /></a>More lake views.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkDVI1KcxCE/TWs6rLtUfsI/AAAAAAAALOg/hTgZdWuVS8Y/s1600/DSC02083.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkDVI1KcxCE/TWs6rLtUfsI/AAAAAAAALOg/hTgZdWuVS8Y/s320/DSC02083.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578617076980154050" border="0" /></a>More rock formations as we head back.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9sMW1fEfjQ/TWs6q3nPJHI/AAAAAAAALOY/QoKOHQdBZPA/s1600/DSC02087.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9sMW1fEfjQ/TWs6q3nPJHI/AAAAAAAALOY/QoKOHQdBZPA/s320/DSC02087.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578617071585928306" border="0" /></a>We usually take a snack break mid-hike. Don't worry, we pick up our trash.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfzPm_UKvo8/TWs6qgXyF_I/AAAAAAAALOQ/q-OBkA07KmU/s1600/DSC02100.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfzPm_UKvo8/TWs6qgXyF_I/AAAAAAAALOQ/q-OBkA07KmU/s320/DSC02100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578617065347094514" border="0" /></a>This was a neat little opening among some of the rock formations.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUsR7odvEzg/TWs6Bkqm9JI/AAAAAAAALOI/DEPcSnWRYdE/s1600/DSC02101.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUsR7odvEzg/TWs6Bkqm9JI/AAAAAAAALOI/DEPcSnWRYdE/s320/DSC02101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578616362125161618" border="0" /></a>Another little walkway that was just right for J-man.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3izTxZ-uB4/TWs6BZ3LipI/AAAAAAAALOA/9tHidSSjmB0/s1600/DSC02108.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3izTxZ-uB4/TWs6BZ3LipI/AAAAAAAALOA/9tHidSSjmB0/s320/DSC02108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578616359225100946" border="0" /></a>Walking back...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ze9osKrw3Ko/TWs6BWpI25I/AAAAAAAALN4/_wBXXwiSmxA/s1600/DSC02110.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ze9osKrw3Ko/TWs6BWpI25I/AAAAAAAALN4/_wBXXwiSmxA/s320/DSC02110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578616358360898450" border="0" /></a>There were several limbs down, I am guessing still damage from the ice storm two years ago, but it never felt dangerous to me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRYNn5bS8NY/TWs6BNQBAAI/AAAAAAAALNw/8bTJ0z5JWX8/s1600/DSC02117.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRYNn5bS8NY/TWs6BNQBAAI/AAAAAAAALNw/8bTJ0z5JWX8/s320/DSC02117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578616355839606786" border="0" /></a>Another beautiful view<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NGZWy0LKu2I/TWs6A_4LzBI/AAAAAAAALNo/KVIj5N26ZXI/s1600/DSC02123.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NGZWy0LKu2I/TWs6A_4LzBI/AAAAAAAALNo/KVIj5N26ZXI/s320/DSC02123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578616352249990162" border="0" /></a>I think we hiked around 2 1/2 hours and we didn't even finish that trail.<br /><br />We will definitely be going back to try the trail that goes around the other part of the lake.<br /><br />Overall, I give this trail 2 thumbs up. All of us enjoyed it. The kids' favorite part? Rock climbing for sure (more like rock scrambling). My favorite part was the view of the lake. Mark liked it all.<br /><br />As far as difficulty, it was a fairly easy hike. I never felt totally winded. There was a little incline in some parts, but they were short sections of the trail, so I never felt tired or unable to finish. The only danger we ever felt was the bluffs section, and that was actually somewhat off the trail. After we looked at that first overlook, we got back on the trail which doesn't get near the bluffs. The only other time I got somewhat nervous was when the kids were climbing on some of the rocks. We were supervising but I still get nervous. (They didn't go very high though)<br /><br />The only other possible danger I could foresee with this hike is snakes. Since we are still coming out of winter, I didn't worry too much. But I am guessing in the spring with all of those leaves and rocks, snakes could be an issue. We haven't had any trouble with snakes on our hikes, but I advise staying on the main path and watching where you step. :)<br /><br />I do plan on adding several more hikes we have taken in the next couple of weeks. It is not my goal to make this the most popular blog out there. It is nothing fancy. I just know we get asked about family hikes, so hopefully in time it will be a good resource for families wanting to hike. (I also plan on focusing more on the scenery; I will share more family details on our family blog)<br /><br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634675468291649563.post-59986279251447497222011-02-26T22:22:00.000-08:002011-02-26T22:25:55.486-08:00A Walk in the WoodsJust a brief introduction:<br /><br />Our family likes to take advantage of good weather on the weekends with a walk in the woods (otherwise called a hike). I often post about these hikes on our <a href="http://www.thecloudchronicles.blogspot.com">family blog</a> but it is more "memory oriented". So I have decided to chronicle some of the hikes our family has taken the last year and a half in case there are other Northwest Arkansas families out there looking for a fun family activity on the weekend.<br /><br />Check back soon...the first post is coming up this week!<br /><br />RebaRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16048800531157408256noreply@blogger.com0