Quest for Warmth; Day 8

It was another great day on Rich Mountain, in Queen Wilhelmina State Park, and the surrounding area. The weather started out cold but clear with temps in the low to mid 30's.

Our first activity of the day (after a game of Yahtzee in the hearth room, which Chris won - again) was a tour of the Wonder House located in Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Chris and I got our own personal tour from park interpreter Melissa because nobody else showed up. The Wonder House is actually 2 small stone buildings constructed in 1931. It was immediately sold to a man who used it as a vacation cabin. In 1958 it became the property of the state park.

The second activity of the day was a short drive west on the Talimena Scenic Drive, which took us into Oklahoma.

We stopped for a couple photos from scenic overlooks and then we walked to the pioneer cemetery.

Our hike today was the Black Fork Mountain Trail, which was recommended by Melissa yesterday. She said it wouldn't be as muddy as the trails in Queen Wilhelmina State Park. The trail crossed the headwaters of the Ouachita River.


The hike made us hungry so we drove into Mena, where we ate at the Branding Iron Steakhouse and BBQ restaurant. We enjoyed the chicken fried chicken special.

Back at the lodge we rested up a bit, played some more golf, enjoyed a short walk around the lodge, and watched the boob tube.

It was clear all day with a high temperature of 51.

To see all the photos taken today click on the following link: Day 8 Pics



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