Lake Fort Smith State Park

 June 5, 2023

For several years now when Hannah and Brayden get out of school for summer break we take a trip to Lake Fort Smith State Park. This year we reserved our favorite spot well in advance. Site #20 is secluded at the end of the lower loop which means that there are no neighbors on the awning side of the trailer and neighbors on the other side are separated by a good distance with lots of trees. John and Lynda joined us on this trip and stayed just down the road in site #11. 

We setup the tent on the lower terrace pad for Hannah and Brayden. Hannah came prepared to make the tent her own complete with bedspread and throw pillows. When night came around she lit the inside with her awesome LED lights. Brayden was relegated to sleep on the futon in the trailer with Nana and Pops the first night so she could enjoy her palace alone. This year the nighttime temperatures were pleasant in the mid 60's so we didn't take the window air conditioner. The box fan was all she need to stay comfortable.

The visitor's center is just a short bike ride away. My 25 year old Gary Fisher Tassajara still looks pretty good parked at the visitor center (you cant see the scrapes and dings I've put on it through the years at this distance). 

Brayden enjoys a heated game of Ono with Nana, but for him a camping trip wouldn't be complete without s'mores made with campfire roasted marshmallow even if it is 80 degrees outside.

For this trip I was able to secure a recreational drone permit from the state park. Tuesday morning I flew my drone over the day use area and at the visitor center overlook.  I love the perspective from the air. Click this link Lake Fort Smith State Park to open a YouTube video compilation of drone footage and still photos from around the park.

Wednesday we rented peddle boats from the marina. One for Brayden and I, one for Donna and Hannah and a third for John and Lynda. The boats had Bimini tops to keep the sun off while we peddled around the marina cove. Although no swimming is allowed Donna got in a little refreshing dip at the dock after doing the boat to dock splits.

Several days we got in the pool at the park to cool off. This usually lasted until the summer camp teens showed up by the van loads.

As always we ate good. We combined efforts with John and Lynda to feed the hungry hoard. One night we made our required pilgrimage to Mountainburg Pizza Den for pizza and wings.

John's Turkey Spaghetti

Hannah Sporting Her Swim Goggles

Coco and Chewy made the trip to the lake also.

The weather cooperated with mild temperatures for June and only a few light sprinkles of rain. Hannah had to be taken back to Mulberry to meet her mom and dad a day early for wisdom teeth extraction.