Northern Arkansas

Dates: 4-03-21 to 4-05-21

With a few family events finished, we stopped a few days for mail and maintenance, then spent a few days visiting northern Arkansas state parks.  Included were Mt Nebo, Lee Creek Reservoir, Sam’s Throne, and Ozark National Forest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intermission

Dates: 01-01-2021 through 03-03-2021

We arrived back in Northern Arkansas to take care of some maintenance and feature changes.   First up was testing out our new inflatable kayak.  With drop-stitched high pressure construction, it was a significant upgrade over our old model.

 

 

Jen made up a digital controller for the fridge which gave us more control over the freezer temperatures.

 

 

 

 

Winter is the best time for hiking in the Ozarks, so we took a break to visit the area Buffalo National River.  Lots of fun limestone topography.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The mild winter gave way to brutal cold and snow with a giant wave of polar air that descended for a week.  (Thanks, climate change!)  It was warmer at the north pole than at 45 degrees north latitude!  The winter mods got a good test at 10F. They worked great, and nothing froze.  Though we had some condensation issues in a few spots, which will need to be remedied at some point.

 

Minor Adventures

By Jen.

After months of being basically housebound, we were ready to get out and travel some as we were still willfully unemployed. Unfortunately, it was spring break for many students, so everything was packed. So, instead of going out and seeing the sights, we visited family and friends. We did get some hiking in though. After months of being housebound, I was thrilled to be out and taking pictures again, even if the sights were filled with dormant trees and weren’t that impressive.

Ozark Highlands Trail, Sylamore Section, in Arkansas. 

We kept walking. And, while Jonathan had kept fit during our break, I had not. I was surprised to find I could do 3.75 miles with only sore feet.

In Missouri, we did high to the highest point in Missouri: Taum Sauk Mountain. The area had recently experienced a prescribed burn, but it did have a bit of a waterfall.

Mina Sauk Falls.

The highest point in Missouri.

Much less colorful than Kansas' high point, but a bit more dignified. 

 We then came back for a couple of birthdays.