Issue #134
Updated Sunday, June 9, 2002


Welcome to my online newsletter about the Buffalo National River, the Ozark Mountains, and Harrison. What a wonderful spring it has been so far this year. The early and continued spring rains have kept the Buffalo National River up, providing excellent conditions for canoeists and kayakers, and seems to be continuing into June, as I sit here and watch the rain come down. I have been enjoying all the wildflowers blooming along the river and creeks. Splashes of color amidst the green of the forest, clear water flowing along....spring in the Ozarks is the place to be. Summer is about 10 days away, and it is already time to be swimming in the river, and dipping in the cold, spring fed creeks.

Barefoot Traveler T-Shirts are now available. Just use the link provided at the bottom of the page.

Picture of the Week.



Waterfall At Azalea Falls Lodge


A Luxury Getaway At Azalea Falls


One of my all time favorite places to stay is Azalea Falls Lodge so it was with haste that I accepted an invitation to stay there in mid April. Of course, Alf Carter and Kathy Trimble, the owners, are very good friends of mine, and I enjoy their company alot. Alf has shown me many different places to hike over the years, most of them reported here and his lovely wife Kathy is the most charming and thoughtful of hostesses.


Entrance To Azalea Falls Lodge

I arrived after work and after unpacking, just decided to relax for a bit. The lodge has an extremely comfortable living room with a large rock fireplace, and plenty of windows for a great view of the outdoors. Next to it is the entertainment room, complete with satellite TV, VCR and stereo, plus quite a collection of books to read. Large glass windows allow the daylight and view in. Both rooms are decorated with antiques and family heirlooms, giving it an "at-home" feeling.



The Elegant and Comfortable Living Room


The Entertainment Room

After getting all my stuff out of the Blazer, I decided to move into the master bedroom suite. It is divided into two areas, a bedroom area with an entrance into the master bathroom, and a sitting area. The bed was very comfortable and relaxing, just the right amount of firmness for me. Rock and hardwood compliment the sleeping area. The sitting area had a large rock fireplace and couch, plus a big chair. Again, large windows allowed me to view the outside, and there was a private entrance onto the deck, with a table and two chairs. This arrangement of the master bedroom allows you some additional privacy and intimacy even if your sharing the lodge with family or friends. The master bathroom is also divided into a wash/powder room area and a bath area complete with a single person jacuzzi tub.


The Master Bedroom


The Adjoining Sitting Area In Master Bedroom

One of the best things about the lodge, is the kitchen. It is truly a 5 star gourmet kitchen. It has all the modern appliances you would need, stove, microwave, large fridge and freezer, electric cooktop, dishwasher, coffee pot, toaster, and just about anything else you can think of. There is enough fine flatware to serve a large group, and plenty of counter space to use. There is a nice pass through to the dining area, which can serve as a serving area. I love this kitchen! I invited my hosts down one night while I was staying there, and cooked a fine spagetti dinner, complete with meat sauce, noodles, bread, wine, and a salad. It was a real hit.



Dining Room Leads To Deck And To Kitchen


The Gourmet Kitchen

There are two other bedrooms at Azalea Falls, not shown in this article. Both are delightfully decorated and very comfortable. One of the unique features of this rock and hardwood home is the very large wraparound deck attached to the lodge. It is cantilevered over the hollow and faces the falls. It adds a great deal to the living area of this unique home. There are several different areas where tables and chairs have been set, and you can sit out in the sun and enjoy the fresh Ozark air. Around back, there are several more sitting areas for you to enjoy, hidden by rock walls, or set off in a rock garden.



Large Wrap Around Deck Adds To Living Space


Rock Wall Sitting Area Behind Lodge

I spent four nights at Azalea Falls Lodge. It was a most relaxing mini-vacation. With all the rain we have had, the waterfall was running very good, and you could hear it inside, with the screen door open. The birds were gathering around the feeders that Alf and Kathy have out, and there is birdfood there. I made sure the birds were well fed. Alf had previous hiking and rock climbing engagements, so we didn't get a chance to do much hiking together. I did go out on several day hikes. One was along the Cecil Creek Loop Trail and another along the Buffalo River Trail, between Pruitt and Ozark. Early one morning after a good rain, I took my camera and went on a drive to find some neat views. I just happened to be on top of Fire Tower Road and saw the river mist hovering in the valleys below me. I think it makes a great picture.



Eary Morning, High Atop Fire Tower Road

Azalea Falls Lodge is a Five Star Plus establishment! If you want to treat yourself to a luxury getaway, and still be close to all the activities of the Upper Buffalo River area, you will certainly enjoy this place. Azalea Falls Lodge is located in the heart of the Upper Buffalo River District, and close to all the major hiking trails and river access points. Alf Carter is probably the most knowledgable hiking guide in Northwest Arkansas and I have enjoyed many a day walking with him and friends in the woods and along the mountain tops. If you are looking for a special place for your family vacation or a romantic, luxury getaway you will not find a nicer place than Azalea Falls Lodge. Give Alf or Kathy a call, and make a reservation, you won't regret it!!


Azalea Falls Lodge
Alf Carter & Kathy Trimble, Owners & Managers
H.C. 30, Box 140
Kingston, AR 72742
Phone: (870) 420-3941
Email Azalea Falls Lodge