Leaving the Ozarks

Sunflowers, Ducks and an Angel Food Cake!

Did you know that the Ozark Mountains are believed to be named from the derivative of the French "aux Arks" short for "aux Arkanasas" or 'towards Arkansas'. It could also mean 'towards arches' as there are many natural arches in the region caused by erosion. Either way, Branson Missouri was nestled right in amongst the Ozarks, and our route south to Arkansas took us through the remainder of the Ozark mountains. Mainly just undulating hills rather than lofty mountains. Parked next to us in the RV park in Branson was a family we only got to talk to the day they pulled out...they invited us to call in and visit with them at their home in Mountainview, Arkansas. Our route took us through their town, and as we were keen to get to know them a bit better and learn a bit more about life in the Ozarks, we took them up on their kind offer. We are so glad we did as they are lovely people and we had a very pleasant stay. They live in a converted barn which is now a beautiful 2 level home. The wood panelling used throughout the home was from pine and cedar that was felled from their property and then cut and treated to use in the building. The kitchen is filled with collectibles of sunflowers, corn and ducks that I tried to capture in the pictures! While I took these photos, Jim took Murray out with his Beagles to show him how the dogs hunt rabbits.

Jolene wanted us to experience a home cooked meal, so made all the fixin's of a great dinner. We had her own southern cooked chicken (which I have to say was finger lickin' good), served with white pan gravy, green beans and mashed potatoes. For dessert, she baked an angel food cake (like meringue mixed with cake mix - so light and fluffy) served with custard and fruit. Delicious.

The next morning it was time to move on, so we waved goodbye to Jolene, Jim & Tina and headed south. Although it wasn't in the plan just yet, we felt the need for some down time after 5 months on the road, plus we wanted to catch the last week of the Olympics. So rather than check into a State Park that doesn't have cable TV, we drove to Hot Springs, Arkansas which is about 50 miles SW of Little Rock, the boyhood home of Bill Clinton and Billy Bob Thornton. It is also a tourist mecca with people attracted to the natural thermal springs and the Oaklawn horse thoroughbred stud. We will leave here on Tuesday and check out some State Parks, dig for diamonds, fish and sail in the lake and re-unite with two different families. One family we met last year during a tour of the Kentucky Horse Park and the other family are Americans whose husband was on a 12 month Officer course with me in Aus in 1999 and who we have seen regularly since then. Unfortunately my course colleague is currrently serving in Iraq at the moment and cannot join his family with us, but he remains in our thoughts and prayers.