*Update – We are now in Indiana as I publish this, started writing this a month ago! Thanks to our friends who have reached out to make sure we were in a safe place with the hurricanes. We are safely north for the time being with plans to head somewhere south in November, hopefully Florida if we are able after all of their damage.
As I write this we have wrapped up our UP travels and are back visiting family in southern Michigan. I am excited to share our UP travels but I’m equally excited to share photos and memories from our spring spent in Arkansas.
Big Fir & The Total Solar Eclipse
This was truly a highlight of our spring travels back to Indiana. Although the total eclipse would be going through Indianapolis we knew we would not be back there in time to catch it. So we planned our travels around the eclipse. It just so happened one of our favorite spots in Arkansas would be in the range of totality and for almost a solid 4 minutes. Believe me every minute counts with a total.
We arrived at Big Fir almost 2 weeks prior to the Solar Eclipse to ensure we had a spot to park it. As we were anticipating the place would fill in for the eclipse. When we arrived there were only a few other campers. We snagged a great spot right on the lake. It also turned out to be a large spot, perfect to share with our road friends, Tom & Jacki, scheduled to join us. It was cooler upon arrival but the views made up for it.
I managed to catch a sunrise one morning. It was quite lovely coming up over this large lake.
Big Fir campground is on the west side of Lake Ouachita about an hour from Hot Springs. With totality also going through Hot Springs we wanted to time our visit to the town prior to the eclipse weekend. They were expecting 800,000 people +. We drove in, filling our water jugs with the most delicious spring water. Plus we needed to stock up on our liquor as we were camped in a dry county.
On our way back from our day trip to Hot Springs we stopped in at the Hickory Nut Vista overlook. Somehow we missed this on previous trips. It was overcast but the view of the lake was stunning. We will have to visit again on a nice day. And we found another campground on top overlooking the lake. Always good to have other spots in your back pocket.
My first and successful attempt at a Tuscan Salmon dish. It was quite delicious! Love that I can cook delicious food in our fully equipped small kitchen!
Just before the big weekend, our good friends Tom and Jacki arrived along with their dog Hank. We met them in Florida during our first year on the road. And we hit it off instantly. After a year apart it was wonderful to be reunited with them. To enjoy the total solar eclipse with them was such a treat.
The place filled in for the weekend with people pitching tents wherever they could. A ranger came around to hand out glasses for the big event. The vibe was electric, everyone there to witness such an amazing event.
The weather was perfect on eclipse day, warm and only a few clouds. We were treated to a nice totality.
I snapped one photo of the surrounding lake during totality. Keep in mind this occurred in the afternoon on a sunny day. It truly looked like sunset.
This was our second total solar eclipse and I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to witness two of them. It was truly an amazing experience sharing with the many others around us. I spoke to the children camped with their family next to us after the eclipse. They were going on and on about how cool it was!
By early evening the place was all but cleared out. People had packed up and were headed home. We had the place mostly to ourselves.
Plus we were treated to a beautiful rainbow the next day.
Sam’s Throne + More Fun With Road Friends
Another favorite of ours, Sam’s Throne was up next on our travels. We are big fans of this spot. The hiking and views here are stunning. However, last time we stayed we were concerned with going further in to the other camp spots. This time after evaluating the road we decided to go for it. There was a concern of the RV rubbing on the bottom. But we cleared it no problem. It was foggy the day we arrived and sunny with beautiful blue skies when we left.
During our stay we explored a lot taking some day trips to surrounding areas. This part of Arkansas is beautiful. We love the Ozarks! So much to explore. Click on the 3rd image below to make it larger to read the sign.
The wildflowers were in full bloom and quite lovely.
During our stay we went for several hikes right from our campsite. The views here make this an absolute favorite spot to camp. I love having such great hikes without needing to drive anywhere.
The mound of trees pictured here is Sam’s Throne.
To reach the top, you hike down below the cliffs through the forest and up a rock scramble to reach the top of Sam’s Throne. But the views make it all worthwhile.
Tom, Jacki, Hank and their road friend Debbie along with her dog Butter all joined us here. It was a blast hanging with them, having combined dinners and playing games in the RV when the weather was cooler.
Waterfalls abound in this area. More day trips provided opportunities for hikes to waterfalls.
The view from a pull off from one of our scenic drives.
We snagged Tom and Hank for a hike one afternoon. Jacki & Debbie stayed behind to enjoy some quiet time at camp.
We found two hikes that lead to waterfalls coming out of caves. Pretty cool!
Shane managed to slice his hand on a sharp rock in the water. Luckily Tom had a bandana in his hiking pack Shane could use as wrap for his hand.
Josie loved having her friend Hank along for the waterfall hikes. Both were passed out on the ride back.
We spent another day exploring via car when there was a forecast of rain. Due to all the rain the waterways were overflowing. We managed some dry parts of the day to get out and explore in the Richland Creek Wilderness Area.
We tried to follow a road to a scenic spot on the Buffalo River called “The Narrows” but the high river stopped our trek. Shane thought about it for a minute but decided against trying to cross. He is ever the adventurer when it comes to off roading in the Jeep. Another section of the road had some of the creek flowing over it but nothing Eddie the Jeep couldn’t handle.
While out exploring we found this cool hike at Stacked Rocks. Hiked all around the base of this massive rock structure. Turned out it was almost 2.5 miles around the base. Longer than we expected! The back half was more overgrown and a bit hard to navigate but we made it around and back to our starting point all before dark. A long but fun day of exploring and the rain cleared up for us!
Took Tom and Jacki on a nice hike nearby at Alum Cove Natural Bridge recreation area. Pretty cool area with plenty of awesome rock formations. An easy hike allowed for plenty of time to explore.
After a two and half week stay it was time to say goodbye to our friends and depart this beautiful spot. Until next time, thanks for the good memories Tom, Jacki, Debbie, Hank and Butter and of course Sam’s Throne. We will be back!
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