Whoever thought up with the idea designating Arkansas "the natural state" got it right. The nation's 25th state, at least the parts we've seen, is spectacular!
We've been parked at Starkey Campground on the banks of Beaver Lake (near Eureka Springs) since Wednesday. The lake is situated in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, an area probably better known for touting its folksy culture than for the splendor of its dense forests, spectacular limestone hills and sparkling blue waters.
True, Ozarks promoters do their share to preserve the area's image as a kind of Hillbilly haven.
Featured attractions include opries with lots of banjos and corny jokes told by comics with blacked-out teeth, rickety log cabin rentals that sometimes look like they're straight out of the movie "Deliverance," and meals of butter-fried everything. But all of that mixes with updated offerings: spa retreats, gourmet dining and jet skis, activities that any modern-day Hillbilly (a nickname given the Scots-Irish who settled here) can appreciate and enjoy for a fraction of what it would cost in the "big city." To my mind, the Ozarks is one of the United States' hidden gems.
Leonard and I chose this campground
as it was the only one with spaces large enough to hold our 5th wheel. Mobile Suites' 36-foot models actually measure
a bit over 37 feet on the outside. At 8'5" wide (without the sliding rooms extended), they're also wider than most.
Although our campground options will be limited - most older public sites were built before these bigger models came into use - we will have more flexibility than if we'd selected a longer model.
Frankly, we became so comfortable with the small-space living approach we adopted during our days in Costa Rica that we feel no need for more area. As long as there's a bathroom door and enough counter space to cook a decent stir fry, we're happy!
Small-space living (in our case, 390 sq. ft.) doesn't necessarily mean leading a Spartan existence. In fact, what we're doing, a mix of glamour and camping, is what I've taken to calling, "glamping." The term seems appropriate given that we sleep on a queen bed with real sheets, wake up to freshly brewed hot coffee then wash the dirty breakfast dishes in our very own dishwasher. To the purists among you who say, "That's not camping!" I say, don't knock it 'til you've tried it.
Better still is the fact that we are enjoying our current woodland retreat for just $10.50 per night (including electricity, water and sewer hookup) courtesy of a federal program that lets U.S. citizens and permanent residents ages 62 and over visit participating public facilities for a 50% discount. We made up the $10 cost of Leonard's senior pass our first night here. Turns out age really does have some privileges after all.
Before closing, I want to thank Julie of Rob and Me in our Little RV for enlightening me about adding widgets that make it easier for friends and family to follow this blog. Julie, your help is much appreciated!
Tomorrow, it's off to accept delivery of our personal effects from Costa Rica. Topeka, here we come!
We've been parked at Starkey Campground on the banks of Beaver Lake (near Eureka Springs) since Wednesday. The lake is situated in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, an area probably better known for touting its folksy culture than for the splendor of its dense forests, spectacular limestone hills and sparkling blue waters.
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| A pair of Canada geese enjoy a peaceful morning at Beaver Lake. |
Featured attractions include opries with lots of banjos and corny jokes told by comics with blacked-out teeth, rickety log cabin rentals that sometimes look like they're straight out of the movie "Deliverance," and meals of butter-fried everything. But all of that mixes with updated offerings: spa retreats, gourmet dining and jet skis, activities that any modern-day Hillbilly (a nickname given the Scots-Irish who settled here) can appreciate and enjoy for a fraction of what it would cost in the "big city." To my mind, the Ozarks is one of the United States' hidden gems.
 |
| Given its size and weight, we've named the 5th wheel "Kong." This camping spot is just barely big enough for Kong & Truckzilla. |
as it was the only one with spaces large enough to hold our 5th wheel. Mobile Suites' 36-foot models actually measure
a bit over 37 feet on the outside. At 8'5" wide (without the sliding rooms extended), they're also wider than most.
Although our campground options will be limited - most older public sites were built before these bigger models came into use - we will have more flexibility than if we'd selected a longer model.
Frankly, we became so comfortable with the small-space living approach we adopted during our days in Costa Rica that we feel no need for more area. As long as there's a bathroom door and enough counter space to cook a decent stir fry, we're happy!
 |
| The heat is real; the flames are not. |
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| Look at those happy campers! |
Before closing, I want to thank Julie of Rob and Me in our Little RV for enlightening me about adding widgets that make it easier for friends and family to follow this blog. Julie, your help is much appreciated!
Tomorrow, it's off to accept delivery of our personal effects from Costa Rica. Topeka, here we come!
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