Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

You know, it is always the places we know nothing about or the ones we don't think will be as exciting as others that completely surprise us. Hot Springs National Park was so cool or maybe I should say so hot. It is still speculative how 4000 year old rainwater becomes an average temperature of 143 degrees F. All we know is that the rainwater finds its way deep into the earth and then basically percolates back upward before it can cool. There are hot springs located on the east and west coast of this country but only this area in particular is world famous. Hot Springs National Park is credited for being the first National Park as it was designated first as Hot Springs Reservation in 1832. It is mostly famous because it is the birthplace of physical therapy, more commonly known then as "Americas Spa". People were sent to the hot springs for medical treatment, rejuvenation and the fountain of youth. Ailments of all kinds were welcomed, anything from polio to paralysis to internal and external diseases.

It is known as Bathhouse row. There was once a long row of bathhouses all flowing with hot water and tending to the ill. It was at the height of popularity during the prohibition era and when Jim Crow laws were still in effect. Most bathhouses were built from wood and eventually rotted or burned down. Rising levels of medical technology dismayed doctors from sending patients to the springs. The National Park Service was able to step in and restore some of the bathhouses to its original state. The bathhouses have beautiful hand laid tile floors, marble everywhere and gorgeous stained glass in every window.

Brian and I got to experience this hot springs miracle treatment first hand. We visited the Buckstaff Bathouse for the whole shebang. Back then it cost 55 cents to take a bath. It cost Brian and I a little more today but we were pampered the old fashioned way. The traditional bath involves a whirlpool bath, a steam cabinet, sitz bath, hot towels, a cooling shower and to top it off a 25 minute massage and paraffin hand treatment. It was very authentic and we both left feeling like Al Capone.

We also enjoyed other parts of town, there were a lot of funky little shops and restaurants. We totally loved the Superior Bathhouse Brewery. We paired a couple flights with a meat and cheese plate and enjoyed heaven.

We stayed at the Gulpha Gorge Campground, the park's only camping area. It was nice, we were right on a river and just outside of town. The last place we visited was the Garvan Woodland Gardens. Tulips and hyacinth were in bloom and filling the air with spring.

This was such a cool stop and we would definitely recommend it to anyone passing through.

Fordyce Bathhouse

 Garvan Woodland Gardens

There was a wedding at the gardens, I though the bride's reflection with the fish was a cool shot. 

Next Stop: Norman, OK to visit the Murphy family

New Orleans, LA

Leaving Mississippi, we drove along scenic route 90 by the coast. It was nice drive through Biloxi and Gulfport and into Louisiana. We made our way to St. Bernard State Park, where we decided to camp for the week. The campground was very nice, had great rates and was also in a good location relative to the city, about 15 miles southeast of it. The first thing we did after we got settled was to go on a hunt for a local Po-boy sandwich. We found them at the Fresh Ketch Market and ordered ourselves a couple with fried shrimp.

On Tuesday, a Louisiana native and Brian's work associate, Brett Boone (love that name) and his friend, Robbie, took us fishing for speckled trout. The speckled trout is a saltwater fish that is actually not in the trout family but in the drum family. It was a slow fishing day but we each caught one and I additionally caught a small red drum. Brian and I took home the day's catch and pan fried it in butter with just a little spice (smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper and a little chili powder). We met up with Boone and his "old lady" later for drinks in Metairie.

On Wednesday we finally ventured into the great New Orleans city. Brian has been here many times on the ship. We walked through the French Market and the French Quarters, down to Bourbon St. and along the Riverwalk. Brian and I dined on oysters for lunch, both raw on the half shell and char-broiled, which the oyster is put on the grill and covered with parmesan cheese. Delicious. Later, we reunited with some old maritime friends, who now pilot ships in the Mississippi River. We had a good night out on the town. I can't go too much in to detail but the night involved an outdoor festival, hurricane drinks, and a swanky hotel.

Thursday we recovered and Friday we headed out of town but not before we stopped for lunch at the Abita Brew Pub. Abita is the local brewery and it is Brian's favorite beer, especially the Strawberry Harvest.

 Katrina remains

 My speckled trout

hey, squints! 

 Monument to the Immigrant

Shrimp Po Boys

Next Stop: Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Gulf Islands National Seashore - FL, AL, MS

Brian and I completed our tour of the Gulf Islands as well as three states. The Gulf Islands National Seashore ranges from Florida to Mississippi. Our favorite section was definitely Florida. Just south Pensacola lies the most amazing beach. As we were driving through, we noticed the area was bustling with typical beachside attractions, restaurants and bars, mini golf, water parks, shops and marinas. But as we entered the park, it was all sand dunes, beautiful beach and gorgeous turquoise waters. We camped at Fort Pickens for only one night, it was all I could reserve. We biked around and laid on the sand like lazy seals. The only bad part about this park was 1. spending only one night and 2. fire ants. I knelt down to take a picture of a pretty purple flower and the next thing I know my whole left calf was covered in them. I probably have 50 bites on my leg and arm and I didn't even get the shot!

We moved on to Alabama the next day, which was only a short drive. As a rule, we can't say we have visited a state without staying at least one night. We camped at the Gulf State Park, which isn't a part of the National Park Service but still in the Gulf Islands. The beach was nice, but a little busier and closer to a highway. The campground was also nice, but it was funny because we seemed to be the little fish in a big pool here. Every camper was either driving a bigger truck, had a bigger camper (I mean Big-Mack style) or had tons of stuff.

Our last stop in the Gulf Islands was in Mississippi. This section was not so much beach but bayou. We stayed two nights at the Davis Bayou campground. We regrouped here and did a little exploring around the area. We also hooked up with an old high school classmate of mine, Jeff, and we tasted the local cuisine, more commonly known as BBQ. We dined at The Shed, which is locally famous for the smoked angus brisket. Brian and I split a sampler plate that included 7 meats and 3 sides. Yeah, we ate it all.

FLORIDA:

 Osprey

Fort Pickens

 Blue bird on the first day of spring

ALABAMA: AKA BAMA

Side note story - Brian and I were laying on the beach having a geek-out session about how we could go viral with our story about the trip. It really isn't that uncommon that we meet people doing the same thing we are, traveling around the country and trying to hit the lower 48 states and most National Parks. The only difference is usually age. Anyway, we were coming up with funny ideas to set us apart from the rest, for example; skinny dipping. Maybe we should take a picture of our Yankee butts jumping into various bodies of water. Though I am sure most of you would get tired of seeing those pictures! Feel free to give us some idea or challenge while we continue on!

MISSISSIPPI:

Next Stop: New Orleans, LA