| Being an ex-Texas city girl, life in Arkansas has been quite an adventure. I'm enjoying the "natural state" to it's fullest. My husband, Ray and I gave each other kayaks for Christmas and have floated 3 of the 7 lakes here in the Village. Ray had his all decked out for fishing - it's camouflauged and mine is bright orange. I WANT other boaters to see me! This past week (April 26, 2004), Ray, his Dad from Midland, Texas and I went on my first fishing trip. We drove up to Heber Springs, Arkansas (about 2 1/2 hours from the Village) to fish on the Little Red River. We stayed at Lindsey's Resort in a 2 bedroom log cabin right on the river. We arrived about 4:30 and got settled in. We were sitting on the patio just enjoying the beauty of the river when all of the sudden an eagle flew right in front of us! It was incredible! It just swooped down and caught a fish in it's claws and flew back down the river towards the island where we assumed his mate was waiting. The next morning we rented a small boat and took off down the river towards the shoal. It wasn't long before we were catching trout. I was using a hot pink power bait. Ray was fly fishing. My father-in-law was using corn. We all caught 1 each to keep and the guys caught 2. We took a lunch break then headed back the other direction towards the island and waited for the fish to get hungry again around 5:00. I was casting for the 500th time and felt a tug on my line. I got all excited and started reeling in and then it just went limp. So I thought I lost it. So I started reeling it in again to cast for the 501st time and dang if there wasn't at least a 16 " German Brown on the end! Then it started fighting.... Ray was yelling - "Give it slack!" He grabbed the line and ...you know the rest of the story.....it got away! In spite of losing the biggest fish and having a very sore right arm, I had the time of my life and I am now hooked on fishing! I can't wait to get out in my kayak and do some fishing here in the Village. For more information on Lindsey's Resort go to www.lindseysresort.com or for reservations call:1-800-305-8790. November 2008 My church care group from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church made a day trip to Mount Magazine State Park. This is the highest point in Arkansas and has an awesome view of Blue Mountain Lake and the Petite Jean River Valley below. It took a little over an hour to get to Mount Magazine. We first stopped at the Ranger station/gift shop then headed on over to the resort for lunch. The lodge is just spectacular with a 2 story fireplace that really felt good since it was about 35 degrees outside. We had lunch at the Skycrest Restaurant. I just had a hamburger and fries that were very good. This would be a perfect place to spend a weekend. They have cabins or you can stay in the lodge. Check their website www.mountmagazinestatepark.com |