My plans for today included driving into Little Rock, AR, to visit the President Clinton Library and Museum, and the State Capitol Building. When I got up in the morning, I just wasn’t in the mood for that. It’s kind of like shopping for me. I have to be in the mood for it. The thought of driving around a state capitol and finding a parking place just wasn’t my cup of tea this morning. I’m glad I didn’t go because it would have been a feeling of dread rather than excitement.
Instead, I just enjoyed Maumelle COE Park for most of the day. I did head out for a while to visit Pickle Gap and Toad Suck, AR, but even those two places left me flat. It just wasn’t one of those days when I could get into touring.
Since I have a more secluded site in the woods, Emma and I did take a walk down to the banks of the Arkansas River. It was a beautiful day with temps in the low 80’s, and a nice gentle breeze blowing.
I guess it was a good day to catch some rays! I’m supposed to increase the length of my walks each day, and most recently my back hasn’t been protesting too much. That’s a good thing. The hip is working just fine, so Emma and I pressed on.
We hiked the nicely paved Nuttall Trail that weaves its way through the forest above the campground. It’s a nice trail with benches as rest stops along the way to enjoy the sounds of all the birds. If you’re a dog, there are plenty of smells, too, to keep things interesting.
My other chore today was to find a grocery store, and a place to fuel up the rig when I leave here on Thursday. While I was out on the bust trip to Pickle Gap and Toad Suck, I came across a Walmart. I would rather not shop there, but I didn’t find any other grocery store along the way. As some of you may remember, finding a gas station that I can into and out of without any trauma is the thing that gives me the most heartburn of this life on the road. I was able to find an acceptable Valero station not too far away. The tank is now below 1/2, so that will be my first stop when I pull out.
Things are peaceful here tonight. Several folks left during the day, so I have the entire C loop to myself. Emma and I finished our hike on the trail, and I was happy to see our home in the distance…
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
in our lifestyle there is always tomorrow...
ReplyDeleteMust of been a down day if pickle gap and toad suck didn't raise your spirits.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pleasant day! So glad you and Emma had a nice walk and enjoyed the smells and nature! The trees look so pretty and green! That's a nice view od the Arkansas River too!
ReplyDeleteWhy go to a ho-hum place like the Clinton Library when you can visit interesting names like Pickle Gap and Toad Suck? Then again, there's a lot to be said for a peaceful day at home.
ReplyDeleteHanging out in the park is so relaxing. Glad you took a day for just you and Emma. If you get near Bentonville AK on your way back. I would highly suggest stopping at the Crystal Bridges Art Museum. It is free courtesy of Ms. Walton. and a fantastic place to visit. Google it!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice secluded place. And the trail looks nice and even.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the tourist blahs. I get them some times too. I can also imagine that it was hard to get fired up about Toad Suck.
ReplyDeleteToad Suck had me laughing out loud. What kind of folks must live in a town where you write Toad Suck Alabama as your address. Still laughing.
ReplyDeleteI have a rather anti touring attitude most of the time. I just can't get excited about it very often. So as you notice most of my posts are just about the things I do in the campground I'm in. Looks like you and Emma had a fine day doing just that. Glad to hear the hip is good and the back better.
Been past Toad Suck, AR several times on my way to Shirley, AR.
ReplyDeletePickle Gap and Toad Suck, huh? I'd think just saying the names would bring a smile!! Really I think you and Emma make the right choice - that path looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteThere must be a good joke about Toad Suck, AR and leaving you flat but it is staying just beyond my stream of consciousness.
ReplyDeleteToad Suck also has toad racing when Toad Suck Days is in full swing. It's a big festival every year.They really do race toads. LOL Enjoy your time there. It's suppose to rain so stay dry.
ReplyDeleteSome times the most enjoyable days are those days just enjoying the current surroundings.
ReplyDeleteNice to see photos of Emma out enjoying your walk together.
We totally enjoy spending time with our two dogs walking in the campgrounds we are staying in, very relaxing and love the fresh air.
Looks like a really nice park! I'm planning a trip to Arkansas for later this month. I might have to check it out. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSuch names for those towns! Nothing wrong with sticking close to home instead of touring ... in fact, we do that so much that sometimes we feel guilty for not taking advantage of the touring opportunities until we remember we can always come back ;-)
ReplyDeleteJust love that area. If you get a chance, besides seeing the Peabody ducks, stop in at Mountain Spring Valley Water Company. Cool place to visit. Lots of history.
ReplyDeleteThe Library is HUGE. Be prepared to spend many hours there. They did an excellent job.
Glad to hear I am not the only female that has to be in the mood to shop. Not one of my favorite things to do. I still have gift cards from Christmas I havent used. Looks like a great walk for you and Emma.
ReplyDeleteI, too, would much rather take a nice walk or watch interesting wildlife. Shopping is a get and get out proposition.
ReplyDeleteToad Suck - may have to check it out.
The good news is you can choose what to do! Lovely park, looked like a good day for a walk.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the trauma of finding a gas station you can fit into. We always go to Flying J or Pilot. At Flying J you know just where to go because they have rv islands. At Pilot, we just go where the truckers go. It cost more, but it has helped my nerves tremendously!!! They have a magazine you can get that has all their places and what exit to take. Just ask at the counter.
ReplyDeleteFueling up is always worrisome to me as well.
ReplyDeleteWe have two phone apps that help.
One is "My Pilot". It will show the locations close to you, or you can do a search.
We also have one for "Loves Travel centers" It's free
Another app we used is Allstays Truck and Travel. I think it cost a few dollars, but it's worth it.
Allstays also has an app for camping and rv, and they even have one for Low clearance areas!
Take advantage of that nice phone. You'll be surprised how many helpful apps there are.
Buying diesel fuel and parking our 40 foot rig were two things I did not like about living full-time in an RV. I feel your anxiety.
ReplyDeleteToad Suck?? That's even worse than Moose Jaw here in Canada!
ReplyDeleteJudy, you chose the best alternative...enjoy where you are, and what you have. How many times are we convinced to go somewhere and see something, that just doesn't hit the target with us! Glad you took "the road less traveled" and enjoyed your day. Now that's what I like about our RV life!
ReplyDeleteSure looks like Emma enjoys those walks as much as you do. You know we all have those "down" days where we put off plans to do as little as possible. That's the beauty of fulltiming-- do whatever you want-whenever.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that your hip is improving day by day and you are getting out and about. I know that Emma takes a lot of walking to keep her energy levels acceptable. Safe travels
ReplyDeleteSometimes hanging around the campground and enjoying your surroundings just seems like the thing to do. And we love having a campground "to ourselves" after folks pull out!
ReplyDeleteMark
There is a great Kroger out on Cantrell Road. When you're leaving Maumelle, go straight at the entrance. Turn right at the T. When you get to the traffic light at Cantrell, turn left. Kroger will be on your left soon after you make the turn on to Cantrell.
ReplyDeleteI was going to tell you about the Kroger but Margery beat me to it. They were building a new store next to the old one the last time we stayed at Maumelle. Don't know if the new one is open yet or not. Toad Suck Daze festival is this weekend in Conway. Free for all activities but lots and lots of people! We also like the COE park at Toad Suck.
ReplyDeleteFor a lass that didn't feel like doing much, you sure had a nice hike.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on hunting down a gas station that's easy to pull in/out. I'll even pay a little higher price if it is easier than a cheap place. After all, a couple of cents is lots cheaper than replacing body parts on your MH or car if you get squeezed into a tight spot.
Nice to hear the bionic hip is working so well. Now that all that "fun" is behind you, I hope you feel it was worth it. :c)
Looks like a real pretty place.
ReplyDeletehmmmm. . .nice to know we're not the only ones who feel that way about playing tourist sometimes. It's always nice to stay a few days. . .so you have options as to where to go. . . when to go. . .what to see!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your pics. . .
I get heartburn anytime we stop for gas...I especially HATE the WalMart Murphy USA stations ...They are always very tight to get in and out of...sometimes I have to help Dennis back up and get out of the spot...
ReplyDeleteGreat thing about fulltiming is doing what you want when you want and you always end up doing just what you needed.
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