Petit Jean State Park (cont.)

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

After exploring along Red Bluff Drive we decided to head east on Hwy. 154 out of the State Park to see what else we could see.

When we got to the tip of Petit Jean Mountain, we stopped to check out Stout's Point on the Arkansas River.

 Wow!  What a dramatic scene to behold!  Extremely steep rock mountain on one side of the Arkansas River and flat, fertile farm land on the other side.

 We were in total awe to happen upon this incredible place!

                        So much history in this place!

 What a great way to end a fun day at Petit Jean State Park soaking up the views of the Arkansas River.

  We made our way back to our campsite.  We were the only one camped in Area D which is the farthest away from the Park Office, the Lake, and the Lodge.  However, just before dark on our second night camped in the park, wouldn't you know not only did someone else pull into Area D, but out of the 30+ campsites available in Area D, they pulled in right next to us!  They were driving a U-Haul Truck and pulling a small travel trailer.  It was comical watching/listening to the back and forth instructions between the couple as they attempted to get their trailer backed in straight.  (It gets better!)  Once parked, the guy then gets out an air compressor and uses an impact wrench to level their little travel trailer!  You know what an impact wrench sounds like at your local Tire Shop?  Well you can imagine how that sound reverberated thru the quiet forest where we were camped.  Pyro and I were stifling our laughter!

Wednesday, September 21, 2016
The following morning we were up early, excited to explore another trail in Petit Jean State Park, the Seven Hollows Trail.  We drove to the Trailhead and headed out in the cool of the morning hoping to complete the 4 1/2 mile trail before the heat of the day.

The Seven Hollows Trail is one of great diversity, carved by constant stream action, each hollow abounds in its own natural beauty.

Is the rock wall holding up the tree or is the tree holding up the rock wall?

                                Surprising late Summer wild flowers!

                   We were the only ones on this trail this morning.

 The Natural Bridge, one of the many sights along the way.

 We stopped for a snack break when we reached The Grotto.

                                     
                                         This rock resembles a flower.

                           What do you suppose happen to this poor tree?

  
{I forgot to mention that yesterday after our foray over to the Arkansas River we hiked the quarter mile Bear Cave Trail before we went back to our campsite.}  Fun trail!

                                            I told you it was Fun!

Our adventures at Haw Creek Falls and the Buffalo National River, next.......