Lake Poinsett State Park

Arkansas

January 2014



We had our first negative run in with a human while stopping at a convenience store on our way to Lake Poinsett State Park in Arkansas. While paying for some snacks and beverages for our hike, the man behind us asked if Laurel was my daughter and I answered, "yes". However, he would not let it go and said, "I just don't see it, how can she be your daughter"? My first instinct was to hit the guy, but I ignored him hoping that Laurel wouldn't ask any questions. He kept mumbling in his disbelief as I hurried out to protect Laurel.

 

There's a time and place for her questions and this was neither. Luckily, the usually perceptive Laurel was more interested in our goodies for our hike and I don't think she picked up on the comments. Since this was the first verbal encounter of this type, I've had some time to think about it and discuss the situation with Lisa. I'll be a million times more prepared for the next inappropriate comment.  

 

(Pictures from Lake Poinsett State Park)

Village Creek State Park

Village Creek State Park

Arkansas

March 2013

The Trail of Tears

Along the Memphis to Little Rock Military Road

I wanted to hike a short section of the very sad Trail of Tears through Village Creek State Park in Arkansas. 

A 20% chance of rain for the afternoon turned into a 100% guarantee as we neared Village Creek State Park.  I was prepared for Kellisa because I just purchased a rain canopy for the Freedom Push Chair. However, I wasn't prepared because I didn't bring my rain jacket. I paid a cold, wet price all afternoon.

After the short lakeside hike, we were met with a real challenge. The small trail next to the stairs was too narrow and would have been too dangerous and slippery. My only choice was to push, lift and carry Kellisa up the stairs in the rain:

Looking down the stairs we just climbed:

Kellisa's rain canopy:

The trail is eroded out of the ridgeline from so many before us as we enter a section of the Trail of Tears:

The trail is turning into a creek:

The rain turns to a slight drizzle. I remove the rain canopy to let Kellisa enjoy some fresh air:

The trail cuts through the ridge with a narrow set of stairs. Kellisa's chair was wider than the stairs, so I went alone to look on the other side. It was worse and I didn't feel comfortable taking Kellisa down the other side. I made the decision to play it safe and turn this hike into an out and back.

Looking down the stairs we needed to descend:

Nothing like a narrow twist in the middle of the stairs to make it interesting:

Miles hiked:       2.66

Low Elevation:   261ft.

High Elevation:   414ft.