Arkansas Day 3, continued.

We decided to catch the ferry into Missouri.




As we pulled out, I noticed a disabled ferry with an interesting name.

After disembarking on the MO side, we rode past a demonstration of just how much rain they've had lately. Can't we get a bit of that down in Central TX, pretty please?
On to Table Rock park in Branson for the evening's campsite.

The tower at Shepherd of the Hills had an eerie look with giant birds circling it.We stopped at Old Matt's cabin to smoke a cigar.

Then back to the campsite just in time for the sunset.

Arkansas Day 3

We had a delicious breakfast at the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, along with a little jelly.


Then we suited up to continue Northward.

The road down the mountain into Mena is beautiful.

Mena had just had a tornado pass through town a few weeks before, and the buildings still showed the damage.

We headed North up the "Pig Trail," i.e. 23. Considering that were were riding big heavy pigs, the name was apt.

Arkansas 2009, Day 2

(Click on any of the photos to see the full width--some of them aren't showing the full image.)


Early on, we passed into Oklahoma (home of some OK riding, if you'll forgive me).


Okay riding.






No, that mark is not from the Viking's rear tire!


Until we reached Queen Wilhelmina State Park and Lodge. This place always feels like home to me.


And they feed you like home too!






The Viking had never worn a Tilly hat; I convinced him to try mine. Looks so good on him, I think he's a convert.

Arkansas 2009. Day 1.

(Click on any of the photos to see the full width--some of them aren't showing the full image.)


Dog is my co-pilot? Preparing to depart.



Big Bertha and the Viking.


I love the hill country! The Viking seems to like it too.


Entering the final stretch of the 365 miles done since 1pm.


We stayed with some old friends in Longview. Ummm, let me rephrase that. Not OLD friends, but friends from long ago.

Love my Ma, Love my Pa ....

But I just love old Arkansas.

Lee and Tom and I decided to get an, "Old gang back on the road" tour going.

And by "old gang," I don't mean that we are getting long in the tooth. What it means is that we've been riding together for over 15 years now. Our first big road trip together was to Arkansas, and we thought a little trip down memory lane might be fun.

Here's a teaser of the architectural highlights ...

Then (1997):


And now:

Total Eclipse of the Heart - the literal version.

Class three beverage alert! (with apologies to Lawdog)

Do not attempt to drink while watching this.

Amy had a coughing fit, and nearly had to be heimliched.

All gave some...

Some gave all.

Box cat.

The Return of Box Cat - watch more funny videos

Luckenbach Ride

Ron, the Longhorn whisperer took our picture.

Holy moly!

Emergency landing on Florida road:

Anti-Tax Tea Party in Boerne

I rode by the Tea Party anti-tax demonstration in Boerne on my home from work. I don't know what I expected to see, but here's what I did see:

About 50 people lining Boerne's main street, holding protest signs. Ages ranged from teens to 80 year-olds. They were smiling and waving. Many people honked and waved as they drove past.

I didn't have much time, but I pulled the bike over, and walked a lap around the park. I estimated about 200 people were gathered in groups, lined up to sign up on the mailing lists, and sitting under the trees in folding chairs. American flags, protest signs, and "Don't tread on me" flags were everywhere.

The mood of those gathered seemed to be, "Thank God there are others who feel the same way!" It wasn't an angry rally, just a large group of folks who think that when it comes to government, less is more. I asked a few folks, "Do think this will lead to less government spending?" Most said something to the effect of, "Probably not, but it's a start!"

Now this is just nice

Whoop it up.

Amy and Niko and I took a trip to Rockport to see the Whooping Cranes. I think I have the names right, but please don't quote me to an ornithologist.

In front of our ride, the MV Skimmer.

 

Amy and a Common Egret.

 

Common Egret and Gull. Photo by Amy.

 

An Orange-Beaked whatchamacallit. (Update--it's an American Oystercatcher.)

 

A Belted Kingfisher. (Extra credit if you can name the bird in the background.)

 

A Great Blue Heron.

 

Niko and Whooping Crane (The white spot above his left shoulder.)

 

Close up of the Whooper.

 

Pelicans attacking?

 

Nope, just getting a closer look at us. Is it my imagination, or are they reminiscent of Heckle and Jeckle? Or Spy vs Spy?

 

Island full of nesting Great Blue Herons.

 

Bottlenose Dolphin checking us out.

 

We saw lots more Whoopers than I show here, and I highly recommend the trip!

Alaska Bound!

It's been too long since we've taken a "big" vacation (almost a year), and the hiatus is over!

We'll be visiting the 50th state this summer, and looking forward to another series of exciting travel blog entries (just hopefully not along the lines of, "Wow, that bear sure looks close.")

Heh

Wish I'd thought of it...

From Smallest Minority