April 11, 2023
Yeah, I could have put some shoes on and gone outside to shoot this instead of through the motel window.
My Arkansas hiking guidebook didn't have that much along the route I was taking. But, the authors really liked the Coastal Plain Loop through White Oak Lake State Park. It's a three mile loop through the woods and along the lake. It seemed a good way to start the day.
Using the GPS is always an adventure. Some days it seems obsessed with getting me on an interstate, even if it's a longer way around. There are times I feel I'm driving in circles. Today, it wanted me to town this road...
And turn onto this fire road...
I was going to a state park. There had to be a better way. I found the park and went in for a trail map. The good thing is, unless you're camping, entrance is free to Arkansas state parks, even for those from out of state.
After eventually finding the lot for the trailhead, off I went. Not a bad hike at all.
Seen in the town of Bluffs...
The second stop was an hour further north on the interstate. The helpful staff at a state welcome center suggested it.
But first, a comment on Arkansas drivers. Cruising along on the interstate at 75 MPH, there was a sign, right lane closed 1/2 mile. Drivers started merging left. Others were giving them gaps. Well before we got to the actual lane closure, everyone had vacated the right lane. Traffic slowed to 25, but didn't stop cold like I'm used to. It really felt strange. But, I digress.
The second stop was Lake Catherine State Park. From the parking lot, it's a quarter mile hike to Falls Creek Falls.
First, you have to cross this bridge. There was a slight ripple as you walked across. It freaked out a few people. Personally, I find them really cool.
This family was soaked to the skin after each decided they wanted a picture under the waterfall. It took a while, but they finally decided they were done.
Continue on the trail and it takes you above the falls and another two mile loop trail back to the lot. The trails were well kept and easy to follow. A hearty thank you to the folks who suggested it.
I left the park and drove the last stretch for the day. After just a few miles, I passed the turnoff for Pine Bluff. I had considered staying there for the night. Rates were certainly reasonable. Then I found out why. According to the 2020 census, Pine Bluff is the fastest shrinking city in America. It also has one of the highest crime rates. There's a guy on youtube who travels to places like this and does driving tours. You can see his report on Pine Bluff here:
Eventually, I did get off the interstate in the outskirts of Little Rock. It was late in the afternoon and I had been waiting to eat for one very special reason.
Traffic slowed to a crawl as there was a lane closed ahead with large dump trucks. On either side of the road there were badly damaged buildings. There were others with only remnants of roofs. This is one of the places a tornado had recently touched down. You can see the ABC News report on the tornado here:
The damage seemed to go on for about six blocks. I also passed signs telling people where to dump their debris. Before leaving town I'd drive though another area where the tornado touched down a second time.
Now back to previous the story...
When I was a really little kid, someone told a tale of a restaurant where your meal is delivered to your table by toy trains. You can imagine how cool that sounds to a kid. There is such a place in Little Rock, just two blocks beyond the tornado damage.
Lunch was at a place called All Aboard Restaurant and Grill. It's your basic family style restaurant fare.
Place your order up front and they give you a small electronic device. Choose any table, place the device in the dock and wait.
Meanwhile, trains circle the track overhead with a metal tray underneath.
Your food is placed in a plastic bin, carried to your table and lowered down to you.
After the very late lunch, I stopped into Diamond Bear Brewing. They claim to be the oldest brewery in Arkansas. Great people and atmosphere. The beer was good, but I didn't feel I needed to do a return visit the next day.
My home for the night was a place called Markham House Inn. It was your basic three story motel. Nothing special, but if I ever get back to Little Rock, I'd have no problem staying here again. Besides, I discovered some interesting things on a walk through the neighborhood the next day.
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