Eureka Springs - Arkansas

Lake Tenkiller: my home for the night

Rest of our camp under the trees

Lake Tenkiller

Bluffs across the lake

Turkey vulture in the trees above camp in early morning

Eureka Springs: Indian restaurant on the right

Huge samosa and oh so tasty

Ginger reliving memories

Muriel on one of the walls

High street - very different layout to the town to other American Victorian townships

Tuesday night spent camping along side Lake Tenkiller, Arkansas. Beautiful and picturesque spot for the night, did take some deciding which pitch to settle on so had a good look round the whole site as the 2G's had not been here before. Enjoyed the evening sunset and watched the boats up and down the lake, including a small craft with strong flashlight either hunting frogs or fish. Earlier we had seen two very different size planes in very close proximity to each other - all we could think of was that they were refueling mid flight, all over in a few seconds. With all the noise of the boats up and down shattering the peace and tranquility I did suggest we set up a shore battery and lob a few mortar bombs and such like to liven things up, Ginger not that appreciative, don't know why?

Morning came all to soon and we had our usual coffee/tea plus cereal breakfast. Joined this morning by half a dozen or so geese, honking and walking around our camp and not really that concerned. I think we also had a turkey vulture roost in the trees above the 2G's tent over night, certainly was there first thing before the heat of the day gave rise to the thermals they require to soar on. About 8 in total flew in to a nearby tree by the waters edge, sort of a meeting place really. We ended up with two of these joining our bird.

Struck camp and moved onto Eureka Springs a very Victorian township - architecturally speaking. We walked around the shops after having lunch in an Indian restaurant - not a burger or spare rib in sight - bliss. Had a samosa for lunch, what a size and very enjoyable it was too. In a way this was a real tourist town but with some very expensive shops selling arts and crafts. Afterwards we took the car and drove the suggested tour route which takes you through the residential area with all the Victorian properties. Very colourful and a number of properties with gingerbread facades, this is something we do not really have in the UK. I have seen Victorian townships before such as in California but not with so many and varied private residences.

Originally, before the Victorian period the spring waters were known for their supposed healing properties, from Indian times through the civil war period and onto the 1880's. I was told many times that the Americans do not have history but how can you say that when there are tales of Jesse James having a hide out in the locale, then knowing that Bonnie and Clyde drove through the town? The town grew up as a spa town but is now renowned for it's art galleries and down town shops, all individual, no malls in sight. You are obliged to park your car and walk around the streets and shops - shock horror to most Americans I am sure - certainly a novel way for the average American to shop.

We went in a bric-a-brac shop, did buy a few things to bring home (american origin) and could have repatriated much more :-). Shop was absolutely full to the gunnel's of both new and old paraphernalia. Next shop we had a good look round was mostly of frog bronzes and blown glass, what a riot of colour - no prices on the pieces!! Then it was back to the car but just time for Ginger to buy some sweets - salt water taffy to be precise. In the window of the shop they had a machine that was looping and stretching the corn syrup and sugar mixture. The Internet says that salt water is not used in the recipe but it does contain salt, which could be tasted. Since Eureka Springs I bought a box of salt water taffy in Boston, I love it and have to ration myself to a few pieces a day just so I can maximise the enjoyment; and whilst writing this have the box in front of me yum yum - one more!!

Off now to Cosmic cavern for another treat.