Road Trip, Chapter One--Arkansas

I've been a lot depressed lately and in an effort to lift the spirit around here, I convinced Him to take some time away from work and go on a 1,500 mile whirlwind drive through four states--twice through Missouri. We did it in five days, staying in different places each night.

So, early last Wednesday morning we climbed into the Corolla and left St Louis heading south on 55. Turning right at Memphis, we took 70 into Little Rock and made our way to my cousin's home

just south of it. They live on a street called Diamond Hill, so named because of the natural crystal found in the ground there. Small crystals litter the yard and glisten in the sunshine. You know I was out there digging for crystals and even found a few little ones that I pocketed and brought home.

The ancient Ouachita Mountain area of Arkansas was considered a mystical location by Native American tribes. The hot and cold springs in the "Valley of the Mists" (now the city of Hot Springs) was considered a place of peace for even warring tribes. Shaman traveled to "power points" in the mountains where the earth's energy was said to be the strongest, and the beautiful Arkansas quartz of the Ouachitas were believed to have sacred and spiritual significance.

Anyway, CC and Jerry had dinner waiting for us and we enjoyed ribs, slaw, and I forget what else--all good. And Jerry made breakfast, serving up his sausage biscuits. We were stuffed. Thanks, CC and J. Although brief, we had a great visit.

Then we were off to Hot Springs for a spa day and tour of the town. We stayed at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, a nearly 500 room resort in the Ouachita Mountains of Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. The hotel was originally built in the late 1800's but burned to the ground. It was rebuilt in 1920 and has been operating since. This is where I enjoyed a hot mineral bath, mineral wrap, pin-point mineral shower massage, sauna and a massage. The only thing that was missing was a gurney to roll me back to my room. It was the most luxurious pampering I've ever had. Although He wouldn't have any spa business for himself, He was happy to look at the old buildings, go on a historical tour through a bathouse, and do a little shopping. You can't really see in this picture, but He is wearing a silly hat with long blond hair attached to it. Cute, huh. And, I had my fortune told by Zoltar. It's all good.
to be continued...