2017 Fall Trip--Hot Springs Arkansas

On Saturday November 11th we moved to Hot springs Arkansas. For those following along on a map, here is the link to Google Maps. 
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=34.50654,-93.01049&ll=34.50654,-93.01049&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1 

We arrived in early afternoon, so after setting up camp we headed into town for dinner.  We found the Superior Bathhouse Brewery.  It's in one of the restored bathhouse buildings.  We walked around town a bit after dinner, but it was getting dark so we headed back to camp.

 They use hot water from the springs to produce their beer.  Wayne gave it a thumbs up.

 We returned the next morning to spend time walking around town.  This mural is on Main Street.

Hot Springs National Park is an unusual blend of highly developed park and small town. Preservation of the remaining buildings is a park priority. 

People have been using the springs forever. In 1803 when the US acquired the area as part of the Louisiana Purchase more settlers arrived after hearing the reports from an expedition to the area.  As more and more people came to soak in the water, the idea of "reserving" the area for the nation took root.  In 1832 the federal government took the unprecedented step of setting aside for section of land here, establishing the first US reservation created to protect a natural resource.  Of course even then, they neglected to put money in the budget to enforce this, so people came in and filed claims and counter claims on the springs.

The first bathhouses were crude canvas and lumber structures. Soon wooden buildings were built but they frequently burned or collapsed due to continued exposure to water and steam.  In 1877 the government took active control, finally.  It approved blueprints and building materials. Around 1900 the marble and brick buildings began to replace wood buildings. It became the 18th National Park in 1921.

 Eight of the buildings on Bathhouse Row are standing, many are restored, two are still actually spas with bathing available.  The Park's visitor center is located in one, along with their museum.  Another is the brewery, one an Art Museum.

 Along with 'taking the waters' exercise was recommended.  Many of the trails are now part of the park.  The CCC must have been very busy in this area as their trademark brick and stone work is all around.

 Pools and fountains are sprinkled all over town.

 We also took the drive up to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, for the view.  This 216-foot tower has 2 observation floors and is open all year round.

 You can look down into the park's main street, although bathhouse row sits across the street from the building on the left and is obscured by trees.

Monday we decided to ride. This was supposed to be the best day, but as it turned out Sunday was actually better.

We were mostly to the west of town.  I was disappointed that none of the through roads were close enough to see the lake.

 It was a sort of gray day, but still a nice ride

We stopped in a city park near Mena, AR for lunch

 We thought about leaving on Tuesday but the RV Park owner, Jay convinced us that we needed to go to Mount Magazine and Petit Jean State Parks.  The forecast was for mostly cloudy and a 20% chance of 0.0" rain.  Usually that would be OK.

 We started on the Ouachita (Wa-shi-tah) Scenic Biway.  We had to check out the trail.

 It wanders through dense forest of oak, hickory and pine trees.

About this time the sprinkles became rain.  We got so wet that we decided to skip Mt Magazine as that was an out and back, and go directly to Petit Jean.

 We stood on the rock outcroppings and looked over the forested Arkansas River Valley.

 We stopped at Mather's Lodge for warm food.  Even though we were soaking wet, they let us in!!
Proof that they like bikers, this was one of several copies of RoadRunner Magazine that were laying around on coffee tables.  RoadRunner printed about 12 rides in Arkansas that we based our trip on!!

Then it was back on the bikes, warm from the inside.  The rain managed to hold off until we got close to camp, so we enjoyed the rest of our ride.

We planned to be at or leaving our turn around point of Birmingham Alabama by the next day.  Oh well, the best laid plans, and all of that. We are still a two day drive from there.  After talking about our choices, we decided to stop midway and take a day to ride, so our next stop will be the Natchez Trace Parkway near Tupelo MS.