"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, 
or opened a new doorway for the human spirit."  - Helen Keller
"To laugh often and love much . . to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to give of one's self . . this is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sunday, April 12, 2009

National Parks should have Recycle Bins

Heading south and west just a bit, the first stop was just south of Nashville, TN.  I stayed with the Kerri's family, a good friend of mine from Sweet Briar.  Sadly, Kerri was not there - she is serving as a missionary this year in Columbia.  Please keep her safety and ministry in your prayers!  I had a few wrong turns once darkness fell, but eventually made my way to her house (hint: drive until you think you're in the middle of nowhere, then drive some more).  


 The next morning I headed into Arkansas, and stayed the night in Hot Springs, AR - the childhood home of President Bill Clinton.  So I went around town and took the touristy photos of his home, favorite movie theatre, burger joint, etc.  I also went and took pictures of the large hotel in downtown - where the Pres. had his senior prom.  Coincidentally, there was a prom going on!  It was neat to see the current fashions (well high school fashions).   I also checked out "Bathhouse Row", which was made famous in the 1800s-1900s as a health retreat.  The town was named for its natural hot springs, which unfortunately have been funneled through pipes to the bathhouses for centuries now . . no natural hot springs bathing here.   I camped in Hot Springs National Park, nice spot near a river, but sadly there were no recycle bins at the campsite!  

Next morning, I headed on - cross the border into Oklahoma!  Lots of cows, wind turbines, fields, and more cows.  Then crossed into Texas, where some ominous weather was waiting - lots of lightning.  Made a call to the campsite where I was supposed to stay - Palo Duro Canyon State Park (the second largest canyon in the USA); and they were having flood warnings.  So I ended up in a hotel in Amarillo, TX . . . complete with hot tub & pool, shower, internet, king bed, and breakfast . . . it was a rough trade.  Actually given the city noises, I think I would have preferred the tent.  But oh well, it gave me a chance to update the blog.  I'll upload photos from the hostel in Flagstaff, AZ.  


2 comments:

  1. Lauren MWednesday, April 15, 2009

    Woo hoo, can't wait to see pictures of your newest adventure! How long will you be on the West Coast for?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Welcome to my blog!Thursday, April 16, 2009

    Ah, that's the unknown question. The alure of the west coast is strong. My internship lasts until October, but I may stick around somewhere on the west coast.

    ReplyDelete

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