Day 257. April 20, 2014. Happy Easter from Arkansas!

LOCATION:   Hot Springs, Arkansas, west central part of the state

WEATHER:  beautiful.  Highs in 70s

We got up early in Oklahoma City and drove 325 miles southeast to Hot Springs.  We wanted to come here as it is one the National Parks.  It is amazing how the geography changes from state to state. We drove through the foothills of the Ozarks.  Everything is green.  

We stopped at a roadside picnic area for lunch.  Our Easter feast was canned smoked oysters on a piece of bread (out of  crackers)!

We took a wrong turn in Fort Smith, AR, and ended up in an older section of town, with genteel Southern style homes.  It was a lucky turn, as the homes had mature azaleas, tulips, irises, and wisteria, all at their peak.  Just beautiful.

There are also a lot of dogwoods along the highway interspersed with green, so they really stand out

We arrived at about 4:00 at the park's campground.  We got one of 3 sites left.  It is very nice, and only $12 per night. 

We are out of the drought area, so there is no more burn ban.  We cooked over a campfire, the first time in more than a month.  

Several folks have asked me why we had to buy new tires for the Airstream.  When we were at the Airstream rally, several "veterans" warned us to take them off.  They said that for some reason, Airstream puts cheap tires on their new products.  Also, we bought the trailer used, and the former owner had not pulled it much, so the lack of movement wore the tires town.  George did look at the old tires when they put on the new ones, and did see some signs of separation.  

DINNER:  I finished up the bag of shrimp by sautéing them with onions and jalapeños.  I seasoned with a bit of soy sauce.  The side dish was frozen Asian vegetables mixed with leftover rice.  George also made himself a salad by picking wild dandelion greens and garlic shoots from around the campsite.  I did not partake.