Tuesday 11/07/06
Hot Springs, AR to Oklahoma City, OK
As the day began, the sun was brining off the fog and clouds were melting away to a promising day. I was anxious to pick up Gabby who I'd dropped off with the Vet the previous morning. After a myriad of tests, the diagnosis is Diabetes Insipitus – treatable with a med a day the rest of her life.
Wishing I could stay longer and linger in the hot mineral waters around town, it was time to get back on the road. The Vet, having grown up in the area, proposed a scenic route through the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests and mountains. Not sure where my fascination for this area originated, but I had a profound desire to check this entire area out. (Route described at bottom)
One thing most of you know about me is my intense interests in maps. So you won't be surprised to read that I had highlighted the route on the map and was ready for a day of exploring. Then how was it the van found itself in the middle of a state park, off my proposed route? I'd followed the signs exactly (?) Well, either the signage was wrong (I doubt it) or I had become lost (more likely). I stopped at what looked to be a park HQ office and asked just where I might be. A friendly ranger came out and started pointed distances and road names when I politely stopped him and asked if there was a map he could use to show me the way back to the main road. I found 2 things funny about this exchange: 1) during the entire time the ranger had a huge piece of what looked like grapefruit or other unidentifiable food item stuck to his reading glasses – that while it did not seem to bother him in the least was a constant distraction to me while he continued with his direction and 2) after hearing his directions, and that I needed to turn on "EARL" road, I repeated the instructions, he saw me write down the directions on the map….and yet when I got to the road it was "OWEL" ….and that was my introduction to understanding the southern accent t!
The route took me through beautiful rural farmland and lots of recreational areas. The temperatures in the area are still warm and many folks have gardens next to their home. What a great place to return for some hiking and camping. Lots of lakes and interesting paths to investigate. As I crossed up into the Ozark National Forest, I thought I had the entire place to myself. In a stretch of about 30 miles I passed 2 motorcycles and 3 cars – that was it! The foliage was just a tad past peak, but still in full glory. I stopped at one overlook and couldn't even count the number of mountain ranges – quite a sight.
Saw my first Armadillo today – it was road kill, but all the same, it was an Armadillo! Imagine, all that shiny silver armor they have, but still not resistant to cars when crossing the road. Strange animals. Best gas prices: Hot Springs starting at $2.01/gal.
Long about sunset I found my back to Interstate 40 and continued West to Oklahoma City where I stayed the night.
Route Details:
- West on Route 270 out of Hot Springs to Mount Ida
- North at Mt Ida on Route 27: Very rural area, all part of the Ouchita (pronounced Wha-choo-ta) National Forest.
- East on Route 60 to Plainview
- North on Scenic By-Way Route 7 up into the Ozark National Forest
- West on Route 16
- South on Route 21 to Interstate 40 West
