Lake Greeson, Arkansas

After a nice visit with Al’s daughter and her family in Malvern, Arkansas, we headed south to see Crater of Diamonds State Park. We arrived rather late and found that the park closed at 6:00 pm, which didn’t really give us much time to look around. We toured the gift shop and watched a couple of videos, but decided not to pay the entrance fee to the diamond field, since time was so short. The attendants recommended a nearby campground that we reached after dark. We initially paid for a five day stay at Lake Greeson Campground, but this turned into a lengthier stay when we decided not to take the planned trip further south to the Gulf Coast just yet. It turned out to be a wise decision, since a hurricane had chose to hit the same time we had planned to be there.

The fall weather cooperated for the most part with warm temperatures, very little rain, and only small breezes. It was perfect weather for me to get in a couple of paintings of the lake and surrounding scenery. Lake Greeson is the result of the Narrows Dam across the Little Missouri River near Murfreesboro, Arkansas. It is a beautiful area consisting of stone bluffs, pine, hickory and oak trees, and plenty of wildlife. Deer were common visitors, as well as several squirrels and a few crows. Al saw one Pileated Woodpecker and we heard Blue Jays most mornings. The buzzards around the area take advantage of the warm updrafts coming from the dam area to reach greater heights.

We enjoyed taking walks among the fallen leaves and acorns, and even gathered a few hickory nuts. Al took the opportunity to do a little maintenance on the bus, which seems to be a never ending chore. We had neighboring campers off and on during our stay. With hunting season starting, the weekends seemed quite a bit busier than other days. Al especially enjoys when the other campers arrive since it gives him a chance to speak to others from around the country. We met several locals, people from Texas, Wisconsin, and Florida. Of course, many people stay here when heading out to the diamond mine, since the campground for Crater of Diamonds is closed for maintenance this year.

The marina on the lake offered a small store, boat rentals and cabins. A few people decided to winterize their boats during the mild weather, but we did see people out on the lake enjoying the weather and fishing. Because of the rains before we got here, the dam was open letting water out much of the time and fishing was affected.

Internet service was not available around the campground, but we could go into Murfreesboro every few days to catch up on emails and such. The sites were only equipped with electricity, but there were showers, toilets, water, and a dump station available. Our winter rate was only $10, which was cut in half with Al’s Golden Age Passport. Not a bad price for the amenities offered, and a very enjoyable stay in southwestern Arkansas.

On The Road Again - South We Go

We’ve had a nice visit with my dad and sister; and have made sure the two younger kids are all situated. Heili is the one I wanted to make sure would be okay, though. She is only fourteen, and I wanted to give her every opportunity to change her mind about staying with my dad. She is a very determined young woman, which makes me very proud of her. As parents, we all have our doubts and hopes with our children. It’s good to get the reassurance that our children are headed on a good path through life.
On our way once more, we are headed into Arkansas towards Malvern to visit with one of Al’s daughters and her two youngsters. We stopped off at Siloam Springs along highway 412 to play at the Cherokee Casino and have dinner. Neither of us are really gamblers, which I believe I’ve stated before, but we both enjoy the entertainment of the slot machines. We limit ourselves to $10 each, which isn’t but the price of a night out at the movies. The buffet at the casino was excellent. Southern cooking at its best, with Mexican, Asian, Barbecue, a Local Favorites, Salad, and Dessert bars; the selection just about covered every taste. They even had a nice selection of sugar free desserts, a must for Al who is diabetic.
We continued on the first night to I540 until we reached the Hilltop Truck Stop to spend the night. Free Wi-Fi was a bonus to be able to check e-mails and play on Facebook. Both of our families subscribe to this internet community, so it is an easy way to see updates on family members and friends, see the latest pictures of grandkids, and post our own comings and goings. I am heavily addicted to Farmville, a game sponsored on the site, since my eldest daughter sent me a virtual cow. Now I grow virtual crops, care for virtual livestock, and build or expand my virtual farm. I also can help my virtual neighbors who are also friends and family. My only problem is playing a little too long sometimes. When Al and I looked at the clock and it was 3:00am, we figured we’d better head to bed.
The next morning found us only a few miles from I40. Al spent some time outside the bus checking things over and chatting with neighboring truckers. I did some last minute e-mails, and then it was off again. It was slightly greener along our route but the leaves are definitely turning and some trees are already bare. I love the Ozarks anyway for their absolute beauty, but fall is really a time they shine. The “hills and hollers” with farmsteads and little towns provide a picturesque scene. My fingers itch to paint them, but not while we’re moving. Al can take some pictures for me to paint from before we leave the area. Just off I30 and south of Little Rock, Malvern is a bustling community. We stayed parked at the Wal-Mart near the interstate, since maneuvering the bus through city streets is not for the faint of heart.