Hot Springs, Akansas

South of Asheville we met up with friends from NH who were staying at a cabin at a small resort near Hendersonville.

Luck was with us as we had a brake problem while staying there and could get it repaired locally before setting out to Hot Springs.  The cabin sat right on the edge of the Pisgah National Forest and we were able to get in a couple of quick hikes to see some of the marvelous waterfalls that North Carolina is known for.

This is the local version of squirrel in this part of North Carolina.  These are not albinos as they have dark eyes and all the squirrels in the area had the same unique coloration.

The easiest way to Hot Springs, well maybe not the easiest but certainly the funnest, was through Great Smoky Mountaains National Park.  Great Smoky has been on our bucket list for a long time but until now has eluded us.  We camped at Elkmont and Cades Cove campgrounds, both just fine.

Old Barn at homestead in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

⇐ Friends

And Lovers   ⇒

Our friend Bruce was along for part of the trip.  Bruce is interested in Civil War History so we stopped at Stones River National Military Park in Tennesee
and Shiloh National Military Park, also in Tennessee

So with multiple stops in North Carolina and Tennessee it only took us about 6 days to reach Hot Springs, Arkansas.  

Our destination in Hot Springs (aside from a soak in the hot springs, that is) was Garvan Woodland Gardens.  Garvan is an extensive botanical park under the aegis of the University of Arkansas and this time we managed to catch the tulips in bloom.

Cheryl and Bruce on Full Moon Bridge - Garvan Woodland Gardens, Arkansas

From Hot Springs we will head west to Lake Ouachita (Wash - it - AH') State Park and, hopefully, a chance for some kayaking.