Issue #130
March 3, 2002
March 3, 2002
A Visit To Red Rock Retreat
Sandy Swayne called me up, and invited me to stay a few nights at Red Rock Retreat. They have two cabins and Sandy asked if I would like to stay in the Cedar Creek cabin. She didn't have to ask me twice. I had already had the opportunity to stay there, in the other cabin. Sandy is quite a unique individual, being an active horseback rider, leather worker, cabin builder, stone mason and carpenter. She has also been very active over the years in community affairs and has a very infectious smile. Red Rock Retreat is located in the Mt. Judea area, which is famous in Arkansas for climbing and hiking opportunities.

I arrived before just sunset and as I got out of my Blazer, I could hear the rushing water in the creek below. I unpacked and moved in, then decided to make some supper and watch the Stars Wars Trilogy (the Deluxe Version on tape!) Munching on a couple of roast beef sandwiches, along with potato salad and a glass of milk, I made a wish that the rain would end and we would have a nice Friday and Saturday for hiking. The Cedar Creek Cabin has a master bedroom downstairs and a loft bedroom upstairs. I fell asleep in the master bedroom to the sound of rain falling in a galaxy far, far away.
Friday brought clearing skies, and a somewhat chilly morning. I decided to make a warm breakfast of sausages, eggs over easy, hash browns and toast, with coffee. The cabin was furnished with everything I needed for all my meals. Since I was spending a full Friday and Saturday, my plan for the day was to just wander around in the woods, looking at the creeks running, and seeing what I could see. Saturday I had planned on hiking to Red Rock Point with friends. So after my delicious breakfast, I was ready to head into the woods surrounding Red Rock Retreat.
Friday brought clearing skies, and a somewhat chilly morning. I decided to make a warm breakfast of sausages, eggs over easy, hash browns and toast, with coffee. The cabin was furnished with everything I needed for all my meals. Since I was spending a full Friday and Saturday, my plan for the day was to just wander around in the woods, looking at the creeks running, and seeing what I could see. Saturday I had planned on hiking to Red Rock Point with friends. So after my delicious breakfast, I was ready to head into the woods surrounding Red Rock Retreat.
I started out by walking up and along a ridge until I spotted a creek below, then dropped down to follow it as far as I could. The water was really up, which made it difficult to cross the creek. Down in the hollow, the wind had ceased to blow, and it became warm and sunny and I didn't feel the cold at all. I wandered along, following the creek till I couldn't continue any more, then hiked up to the top of the mountain, and found my way back to the cabin. As I walked back, the moon had worked its way across the sky.
After a hearty lunch, I took a road trip over to Kyle's Landing along the Buffalo National River, to see how high the water was. It is a beautiful spot, and there was no one there but me. What a treat to have such a place to yourself for an afternoon. I walked one of the trails for awhile, then headed back on Hwy 7 and stopped to take a picture of the Arkansas Grand Canyon.
On Saturday, we were on our way up to Redrock Point when I injured my knee and had to turn back. I spent the day in the cabin, and enjoyed the warm, homelike atmosphere that Sandy has carefully crafted into this cabin. Even though I was disappointed in being injured, spending the day in the cabin, reading and resting was enjoyable. I hope that you can come and visit the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, and stay in Cedar Creek Cabin. The cabin was a pleasure to stay in, and the opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities are all around this beautiful location. If you are looking for a weekend getaway, or a couple of weeks in a unique area, give Sandy a call and make a reservation. You will love it!
Red Rock Retreat
P.O. Box 268
Jasper, Arkansas 72641
870-434-5316
Email Red Rock Retreat
P.O. Box 268
Jasper, Arkansas 72641
870-434-5316
Email Red Rock Retreat