June 26th

Well here is the update from yesterday. I could not even write it because we had zero service.

We got up and left Cabool by 8 am. We did not want to get caught back on the dirt roads in the rain. Bless Dave's heart for getting us all packed up and ready in the rain. It had startled to puddle where we were camped so we wanted out! All was well and we only drove in the rain about an hour. Definitely had to use the defrost on the car to keep the windshield dry.

We headed south toward the Arkansas Ozarks again.

Beautiful drive. I never knew how truly hilly it is and you find yourself on the top of these ridges with quite the wooded cliff like hillside next to you.

We found we were on poultry farming country. Of course that led me to Google to research. We saw the state of the art grain and food processing plant for Butterball Turkeys. Built in 2018. We saw so many turkey farms. We picked a few great ones for the holidays. We had a semi truck full of them ahead of us this morning headed to freezer camp! We got a turkey feather bath from them.

We learned there are 2 large chicken processors here. We finally drove past one this morning. Huge business. Also a huge Tyson presence here.

We have both noticed a flash back, condom dispensers in the bathrooms!

Good deal at .75 cents if they are fresh.

We drove through a small town in Arkansas, Harrison we could not imagine why the trees were all topless. As we continued we realized the town had been damaged by a tornado. There were piles of torn metal, wood and if course trees uprooted. And topped for a few miles. It was just a couple weeks ago 🧡

Please pray for these people.

We only saw 14 f

DollarGenerals yesterday. But we know it's a good day when we see our first one!

We were set up at our campsite in Whitlow State Park by 1 pm. Beautiful spot and not horrible heat or humidity.

We left and took just the car to Eureka Springs. A beautiful city atop all the rolling hills of the Ozarks. We were both starving. We stopped at Sparky's. Both thinking it was a burger joint. We were pleasantly surprised with some amazing Cuban food. Great blackened chicken with onion and black beans. So tender and huge portions. Nice little nostalgic place.

We drove through the town. It is the land of hotels and vacation rental cabins. So cute. It is also home to the Passion Play. Had I known and remembered we would have stayed for the play. It is Fri, Sat and Tuesday. We did drive to the theatre park where the passion play is held. Pretty amazing. The Holy Land recreated. Bible library and the Statue of Christ of the Ozarks. 70 feet wide and 70 feet tall. Just a beautiful place. Nicest people too.

Definitely on the bucket list to return!

We then traveled to the east side of t the to the Thorn Crown Chapel. Built literally on the side of the hill. It has over 400 pieces of glass in the windows. It blends in to the natural look of the hillside. Stunning. Very calming and much needed moments with the grace of God present.

We drove out to Pivot Rock.

The drive was beautiful through green trees and on a very steep hillside. They are giving Colorado roads a run for the money.

Then we drove to the other end of town. Both astonished by the abundance of hotel rooms and cabin rentals. We are glad we missed the weekend rush of tourists.

We checked out a crazy castle some one had built. Good drive.

Went back to to campground. I took a nap. Dave read. I needed to replenish after a couple emotional days and was just wiped out.

Of course the Skipbo challenge continues, I sadly am loosing theses last few days 2/9. Saving it up for another slaughter! Haha

Nice cool evening, Dave took advantage and sT outside reading. I slept,!

We continue to stay on the back roads and secondary local highways. We have seen the way people really live and what makes each town unique.

We traveled a beautiful road full of barns that we both said would give Kristina barn envy. As a Colorado AZ girl the rivers we cross just tickle me each time! They actually have water in them.

As we travel we notice the type of trees and vegetation change. We have seen amazing gardens in yards.

Some yards have every car that family has ever owned in different stages of rust and disrepair. We see more American flags than I ever see in the west. Makes my heart happy. The small VFW's and American Legion buildings where our veterans can join together. The heartland of America.

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