How To Social Distance - Ozark Style
Away From It All - Mar 29, 2020
NOTICE - April 2, 2020 - The Buffalo River National Park Is Closed
Late February and late March were the only two times I was able to get out. Our state is encouraging a shelter in place sort of thing, with the schools closed, and groups of more than 10 discouraged. I spent most of the time here at the house. I have enough supplies to last a little while before I have to go back to the stores. The initial panic buying is over with and things are a bit more normal, although some items are still hard to find. As we planned out our trips we knew to stay away from all the popular hiking trails and also the river itself. There were bound to be tons of out of state folks looking to find someplace to infect, I mean to visit and get out for a bit. For those of you who wish to visit our area, please read this before you come.
Late February and late March were the only two times I was able to get out. Our state is encouraging a shelter in place sort of thing, with the schools closed, and groups of more than 10 discouraged. I spent most of the time here at the house. I have enough supplies to last a little while before I have to go back to the stores. The initial panic buying is over with and things are a bit more normal, although some items are still hard to find. As we planned out our trips we knew to stay away from all the popular hiking trails and also the river itself. There were bound to be tons of out of state folks looking to find someplace to infect, I mean to visit and get out for a bit. For those of you who wish to visit our area, please read this before you come.
One of the things I find really interesting is how many residents of my county have never been to the local historical sites. There are many such spots sprinkled about. One of my favorite ones is Haggard Ford. My friend had invited me for a steak supper, and we had an hour or so to kill before starting the fire pit. He had never been so I drove him there, it was only 20 minutes outside of Harrison.
Bridge Bounces As You Walk |
The Haggard Ford Swinging Bridge is a historic suspension bridge located adjacent to Cottonwood Road and spans Bear Creek. It has poured concrete abutments, towers, and anchorages, and is supported by steel cables. A wooden deck, one travel lane in width, is suspended from steel hangers. It is one of the few surviving historic suspension bridges left in the state. It is one lane and used to carry car traffic over the creek. Fill surrounding the abutments was washed away in 1945 but replaced. In 1977 a community effort was made to save the bridge. Money was raised by selling planks with the donor's name on it. Some can still be read, like Curtis Heating & Cooling, a business still serving the area.
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WPA Craftsmanship Survives |
I fell back so that he could "discover" it on his own. As we crossed we could tell that some of the decking was in need of maintenance. I always marvel at the craftsmanship of the various WPA projects we have come across. Sturdy, basic construction usually out of local materials. My friend was impressed that such a bridge still existed in our county. We examined the bridge in some detail and also the creek below it. The creek was low and there was not much to see on this visit. After our short visit, we headed back to town and steaks!
It was Sunday, March 29 and temperatures were projected to be into the low 70's with plenty of sun. Bill and I decided to take a road trip, stopping at some out of the way spots to avoid the crowds that were packing the well known trails and also the river. Our plan was to take a dirt road over to Hwy 43. Then drive from 43 to Hwy 21 then to Hwy 16, the back to Jasper on Hwy 7 and then home.
The first stage was down a dirt road. We really enjoy this type of road trip. We didn't see a single car as we slowly traveled into the more remote area. We know we are the right social distance when we see nothing but hay bales, cows, creeks and fields. We had just had a decent rain and this creek was flowing. We stopped to talk to a man who was working in his yard and he said this was the most water in the creek for some time. There were several places where we could get out and wander. The sun was out and it was great to be able to wear shorts and a t-shirt again.
We turned onto Hwy 43 and drove to Ponca. There was no parking space available at the Center Point Trailhead and there were innumerable people standing around the canoe rental places, obviously not practicing social distancing. When we drove past the Ponca access point it was literally packed with people. We also saw folks parked along the road looking at the elk which was taking advantage of the shade in the far side of the field. We turned onto Hwy 21 and headed through the Boxley historic area then up the mountain where we had a pleasant drive to Hwy 16. This highway is one of the most scenic in northwest Arkansas. Fall is the best time to drive this route as the colors are spectacular. There are quite a few scenic overlooks for you to enjoy, and we stopped at several. Turning north on Hwy 7 we drove through Jasper. Bill had never been to Bradley Park, the local community park for Jasper. The Little Buffalo River flows past Jasper and Bradley Park sits on the banks. There was a stunning redbud tree in full bloom. There were some folks having lunch at the various picnic tables, but we didn't come within several hundred feet of any other person, here in the park or on our drive. A waterfall was running on the other side of the river and it was quite picturesque. After a tour around the park we headed north on Hwy 7 and returned to Harrison. Our scenic drive took 3 hours and we didn't get anywhere near close to anybody.
During this time of confinement and turmoil, I would ask that you might postpone your visits to the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas until this health crisis has passed and we return to more normal times. I would also ask that you read this. At the time of this writing they have just closed the Buffalo River Park. As of yet we are not in any lock down situation and I will try and continue to write about our area in the hopes that you will enjoy a virtual trip to our area.
During this time of confinement and turmoil, I would ask that you might postpone your visits to the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas until this health crisis has passed and we return to more normal times. I would also ask that you read this. At the time of this writing they have just closed the Buffalo River Park. As of yet we are not in any lock down situation and I will try and continue to write about our area in the hopes that you will enjoy a virtual trip to our area.