Old Highway 25

Donna and I took a summer camping trip to Old Highway 25 Campground on Greers Ferry Lake. We had site #22 reserved in the G loop. Site #22 had electrical service and water available at a community water spigot between #22 and the neighboring site #21.This site in loop G is on a finger of the park about 20' above at the shoreline. 

Site #22

Directly behind the campsite we were able to pick out several trees to hang our hammocks. This was a great place to soak in the scenery and enjoy the breeze off the lake.

Swimming below the campsite was a great way to cool off on the hot July days. 

Who-da-thought-it? Need to inflate a swim float?  Attach a CPAP machine. No huffing and puffing required. The hose fits perfectly around the fill valve. Low pressure and High volume just like me.

Wednesday afternoon was Zoey's last day of Heber Springs High School cheer camp. Zoey and her HSHS cheer team performed several cheer routines before the awards ceremony. 

Pops and Addie

Thursday was fun on Greers Ferry Lake day. We rented a pontoon boat from Dam Site Marina and spent the afternoon with all the Heber Springs Hendrixes. We cruised the east end of the lake and found several spots to jump in for a cool swim.

From the anchored pontoon boat I was able to capture some good pictures and video with my DJI Mini 2 drone. This was my first time to ever fly over water and return to land on a boat. 

Evening after a day on the water we had dinner at Brothers BBQ in Heber Springs. A prefect ending to a perfect day.

Lily, Pops, Nana, Addie, Zoey, Sarah and Matt at Brothers BBQ

A short YouTube video compilation of our day on Greers Ferry Lake

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.