Between the Ouachita and the Ozark Mountains lies Petit Jean Mountain standing 1,100 feet above sea level. There are panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley. The natural beauty of Petit Jean inspired the creation of the Arkansas State Park system in 1923 and Petit Jean became the first state park.
Toad Suck Daze Don and Paul didn't waste any time finding lunch at the corn dog stand.
Paul was amazed at the crowd that gathered. It did not remind him of Minnesota.
And the toad race if the highlight of the day for many youngsters.
Don and Betty enjoy the stop and shopping at Pickles' Gap on the way back to Petit Jean.
Fly Fishing 101
Don and I decided to take up tying flies. Here we tied some wooley buggers by the book. Grizz was our instructor.
We were successful.
The snake tried to eat early!
Grizz catches a few more fish
Robbie filets
Susan filets
Betty filets
Grizz filets
We finally had a fish fry which included bream from Petit Jean and trout from Mountain View.
The FreeRoaders have taken the turtle for a "mascot" as we resemble them when we travel.
Just Camping
FreeRoaders pretty much have a routine when they have a get together. Each morning brings a new day and we do it all again.
WE EAT
WE PLAY
WE REST
Legend has it that a young Frenchman named Chavet came to explore the Louisiana Territory leaving in Paris a young girl to whom he was engaged. The girl, however, disguised herself as a boy and applied to the captain of Chavet's ship as a cabin boy called Jean. The sailors called her Petit Jean.
Chavet and his men spent the following summer with the Indians on the mountain. The night before Chavet was to return to France, Petit Jean became ill. The departure was postponed and her identity was discovered. She requested to be carried back to the mountain top to spend her final hours where she died at sundown.
Many years later a mound of earth was found on the east point with rocks that fitted so perfectly they could not have been there by accident. This is believed to have been the grave of Petit Jean. Legend has it that the spirit of Petit Jean hovers over the Mountain.
The Bear Cave
Vickie, Mike, Mary and Myra took a snack break at the Bear Cave.
Cedar Falls Trail
Don ventured over to get behind the waterfall.
Going back up the trail we ran into Chuck Dovish who was filming for a PBS program. We never checked to see if we were on tv.
After the sun set on Petit Jean we all went our separate ways. Don, Grizz and I headed to Hot Springs.
WE VISIT
The Legend of Petit Jean
Legend has it that a young Frenchman named Chavet came to explore the Louisiana Territory leaving in Paris a young girl to whom he was engaged. The girl, however, disguised herself as a boy and applied to the captain of Chavet's ship as a cabin boy called Jean. The sailors called her Petit Jean.Chavet and his men spent the following summer with the Indians on the mountain. The night before Chavet was to return to France, Petit Jean became ill. The departure was postponed and her identity was discovered. She requested to be carried back to the mountain top to spend her final hours where she died at sundown.
Many years later a mound of earth was found on the east point with rocks that fitted so perfectly they could not have been there by accident. This is believed to have been the grave of Petit Jean. Legend has it that the spirit of Petit Jean hovers over the Mountain.
Vickie and Bounder Bob stand at the nearby overlook with a view of the Arkansas River Valley below.
The Rock House
The Rock House is a large cave with pictographs that provide evidence that the Indians lived there long ago. This group convened to take the short hike. I also learned here to carry extra batteries for my camera. Kneeling: Robbie, Alice, Susan. Standing Maryvw, Vickie, Mike, Mary, Myra, Paul, Mary Clark and Bob.
On the way we crossed many rocks that resemble turtles, also known as the turtle rocks!
The Bear Cave
Another favorite spot is the Bear Cave which was so named as this is the area where the last bear was killed on Petit Jean Mountain. Knowing that, Don was not afraid to sit at the entrance.
Huge rocks form narrow passageways and several rock shelters. Mary found herself between a rock and a hard place.
Vickie, Mike, Mary and Myra took a snack break at the Bear Cave.Cedar Falls Trail
Cedar Falls Trail is a steep 2.2 mile trail that descends into Cedar Creek Canyon and follows along Cedar Creek to the Cedar Falls. The waterfall cascades more than 90 feet to the floor of the canyon. Paul, Bob, Mary and Mary admire the falls.
Don ventured over to get behind the waterfall. Going back up the trail we ran into Chuck Dovish who was filming for a PBS program. We never checked to see if we were on tv.After the sun set on Petit Jean we all went our separate ways. Don, Grizz and I headed to Hot Springs.
No comments:
Post a Comment