Issue #143
July 14, 2003
July 14, 2003
Tranquillity Base
I have noticed over the years that there are basically two different types of folks who visit the Ozarks. First there are those who have a week or two of vacation, and want to spend it driving all around, seeing as much as they can. Typically they want to float the Buffalo River, visit Branson, Eureka Springs and all the other places designed to entertain and amuse the tourist. They try and cram in as much as possible into these few weeks, and I can understand that. Then there is a second type. These people are searching for a place where they can find peace, solitude and the chance to get away from all the noise and hubbub of their normal everyday existence. River Spirit Retreat is such a place.
Ann Lasater, the owner of River Spirit Retreat is a good friend of mine, and I jumped at the chance to stay at her retreat for a whole week. I have stayed here many times over the years and I always enjoy myself. It is one of the only places I know of where you will not hear any cars, trains, police sirens, road noise nor see any people. This delightful spot is located on 117 acres of pristine wilderness along the banks of the Little Buffalo River and is a haven for those who are looking for something different.
I arrived on Sunday afternoon around 2 p.m. and quickly unpacked my Chevy Blazer and got settled in. The lodge is a passive solar design fronted entirely in glass. I then took a little time to just sit on the deck and listen. The sounds of the wind, birds chattering between the trees and the quiet sound of water came to my ears. Overhead the sun was bright against the cloudless blue sky and hot on my skin. Ann drove down from her house and welcomed me to River Spirit Retreat. We decided to walk down to the river and follow a path for about a quarter mile until we arrived at the swimming hole. Ann and I spent several hours just floating around on rafts, rolling off of them when we got too hot.
I arrived on Sunday afternoon around 2 p.m. and quickly unpacked my Chevy Blazer and got settled in. The lodge is a passive solar design fronted entirely in glass. I then took a little time to just sit on the deck and listen. The sounds of the wind, birds chattering between the trees and the quiet sound of water came to my ears. Overhead the sun was bright against the cloudless blue sky and hot on my skin. Ann drove down from her house and welcomed me to River Spirit Retreat. We decided to walk down to the river and follow a path for about a quarter mile until we arrived at the swimming hole. Ann and I spent several hours just floating around on rafts, rolling off of them when we got too hot.
About 6:30 p.m. we decided that we had absorbed enough sun for the day and walked back up to the lodge. Ann returned to her home with a promise to come back for supper around 8 p.m. and I sat down for a short rest in the living room. I then went out on the large deck that sits in the front of the lodge. This deck has three areas. A sun area, a shade area and a water area with an outdoor shower and hot tub. I got out my books that I had brought along for reading. I had "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. I had not read this series of books for quite awhile and looked forward to reading them again while staying at River Spirit Retreat. I took a nice hot shower and then sunk into the hot tub with my book and began my journey into Middle Earth, following Bilbo in his adventure to the Lonely Mountain.
Ann returned at eight and we proceeded to have salmon steaks broiled in a delicious lemon marinade, some fresh green beans from the garden and new potatoes along with a nice wine. It was delicious. We spent our evening watching the moon rise up and talking about such things as friends do when relaxed. Ann informed me that she was going to head over to Eureka Springs for a few days and that I would have the entire River Spirit Retreat to myself until she returned on Friday. I agreed to feed the three cats and Buddy the dog while Ann was away.
Each day I rose late, between 8 and 9, and spent the mornings out on the sun deck. The deck is ideally suited for sun bathing and I spent maybe an hour or so there, reading. I travelled with Bilbo to the Lonely Mountain, and then back to the Shire. After some sun I took a turn in the hot tub for a short while and then made myself a early brunch, did up the dishes and then packed up my small cooler with a couple sodas, a couple beers ,a jug of water, some fruit and walked the quarter mile or so down to the swimming hole. I spent each afternoon there swimming, floating on a raft or just sitting in the sun or shade, reading The quiet of the woods and the river was perfect for relaxing. I walked with Frodo as he fled the Shire and was with him when he reached Rivendell. Each afternoon Buddy the dog would accompany me, quickly jumping in the river to cool off, then nestling down in the sand beneath a shade tree to wait until I was ready to leave.
Each day I rose late, between 8 and 9, and spent the mornings out on the sun deck. The deck is ideally suited for sun bathing and I spent maybe an hour or so there, reading. I travelled with Bilbo to the Lonely Mountain, and then back to the Shire. After some sun I took a turn in the hot tub for a short while and then made myself a early brunch, did up the dishes and then packed up my small cooler with a couple sodas, a couple beers ,a jug of water, some fruit and walked the quarter mile or so down to the swimming hole. I spent each afternoon there swimming, floating on a raft or just sitting in the sun or shade, reading The quiet of the woods and the river was perfect for relaxing. I walked with Frodo as he fled the Shire and was with him when he reached Rivendell. Each afternoon Buddy the dog would accompany me, quickly jumping in the river to cool off, then nestling down in the sand beneath a shade tree to wait until I was ready to leave.
After swimming and sunbathing most of the afternoons I walked back up the hill to the lodge between 6 and 7 p.m. each evening. I used the outdoor shower to get rinsed off and then sunk into the hot tub for an very long, relaxing soak. I continued my journey with Frodo as he made his way towards Mordor and I travelled with the rest of the fellowship as they rode into battle at Helms Deep. I was so relaxed when I got out of the hot tub each evening, it was terrific! I had not felt this good, this relaxed, this centered in the universe in a long time.
My evenings were divided between supper and reading. River Spirit Retreat has a great kitchen, with two stoves (one gas and one electric) plus all the necessary flatware, bowls, plates, cooking utensils, pots and pans. I usually ate in the dining room and then sat on the very comfortable couch and read. Late in the evening I would again slip into the hot tub, with a glass of wine and simply sit and watch the stars. The deck and hot tub area face south and there is a clear opening above where you can watch the moon rise and the stars travel across the sky. The hot, 104 degree water was just the thing to end the day and get me ready for bed.
My evenings were divided between supper and reading. River Spirit Retreat has a great kitchen, with two stoves (one gas and one electric) plus all the necessary flatware, bowls, plates, cooking utensils, pots and pans. I usually ate in the dining room and then sat on the very comfortable couch and read. Late in the evening I would again slip into the hot tub, with a glass of wine and simply sit and watch the stars. The deck and hot tub area face south and there is a clear opening above where you can watch the moon rise and the stars travel across the sky. The hot, 104 degree water was just the thing to end the day and get me ready for bed.
One of the great features of this place is the bedroom. I always sleep very well and very deep when I stay here. I don't know if it's the cool overhead breeze from the fan or the cool evening winds that come through the large screen doors in the room or if there is some magic in the air that comes from getting away from civilization. I usually went to bed around midnight or so.
Wednesday was a bit different as we had a very good rain that morning. I did sit in the shade area and watch the dark clouds move in and the lightening scatter across the sky. It rained quite heavily and I moved into the sitting room that is attached to the master bedroom. As the storm moved across the Ozarks, I sat and read.
Wednesday was a bit different as we had a very good rain that morning. I did sit in the shade area and watch the dark clouds move in and the lightening scatter across the sky. It rained quite heavily and I moved into the sitting room that is attached to the master bedroom. As the storm moved across the Ozarks, I sat and read.
Later on in the afternoon after the rain stopped I decided to journey down the park and see if there were any floaters taking advantage of the better water. It was fun watching them go through rapids and one of the canoes tipped over.
On Thursday I was with Frodo when he reached Mount Doom, and stood with the men of Gondor as they awaited the return of the King. I had reached the end of the trilogy and put my books away. On Friday Ann returned from Eureka Springs and we again spent a day together at the swimming hole, up on the sun deck and in the hot tub. It was a great day and we spent my last evening having a great meal with a vintage wine. On Saturday I rose early and got everything packed up, and the lodge cleaned up (I like to clean up after myself during these visits as it makes my friend Ann's job easier after I leave.) Once all was in order I drove the short road over to Ann's home and said my goodbye's and sadly, returned to Harrison and the endless noise of city life.
On Thursday I was with Frodo when he reached Mount Doom, and stood with the men of Gondor as they awaited the return of the King. I had reached the end of the trilogy and put my books away. On Friday Ann returned from Eureka Springs and we again spent a day together at the swimming hole, up on the sun deck and in the hot tub. It was a great day and we spent my last evening having a great meal with a vintage wine. On Saturday I rose early and got everything packed up, and the lodge cleaned up (I like to clean up after myself during these visits as it makes my friend Ann's job easier after I leave.) Once all was in order I drove the short road over to Ann's home and said my goodbye's and sadly, returned to Harrison and the endless noise of city life.
If your one of those people that are looking to get away from it all, River Spirit Retreat is one of the outstanding places that you can stay while visiting the Ozarks. The lodge is well suited for a romantic getaway, a retreat from civilization, or a family that is looking for something different. Kids will love exploring the Little Buffalo River and the 117 acres of wilderness that surrounds the lodge. Although it is away from the rest of the world, it is still near good hiking trails, caving opportunities and the deep areas of Newton County and the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas are close by for exploring. Ann is a licensed massage therapist and you can schedule a massage if you want or take a lesson in meditation. She also offers cooked meals for those who would like to take a break from the kitchen. Everything at River Spirit Retreat is designed to allow you to reconnect with nature and yourself, so that your visit will leave you relaxed and renewed. There is room for two couples and many kids in the main lodge and there is a very nice cabin next to the lodge if you need more room. I can tell you that if you stay at River Spirit Retreat you will come away with a new sense of self, a deep appreciation for nature and more relaxed than you have ever been in your life. Give Ann a call and make a reservation to stay at River Spirit Retreat, you will enjoy it, I promise!
River Spirit Retreat
Host: Ann Lasater
HCR 72, Box 85
Parthenon, Arkansas USA 72666
PH: 870-446-5642
Email River Spirit Lodge
Host: Ann Lasater
HCR 72, Box 85
Parthenon, Arkansas USA 72666
PH: 870-446-5642
Email River Spirit Lodge