Mirror Lake & Blanchard Springs

Carol Freshley November 11, 2017

Blanchard Springs is part of the St. Francis National Forest which is combined with the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas (I know, confusing). It is located about 18 miles from where we are camped. Blanchard Springs is small as springs go, but it feeds a whole ecosystem including Mirror Lake, Mill Creek and the caverns.

Off to the side of the road there are a few spaces to park and just a very short walk down some stairs you can gaze upon this wonderful lake.  This image is from our first stop, early in October.  Along the right edge is a walkway and it i… — Off to the side of the road there are a few spaces to park and just a very short walk down some stairs you can gaze upon this wonderful lake. This image is from our first stop, early in October. Along the right edge is a walkway and it is common to see people fishing for trout. At the end of this lake is Mill Creek that flows directly from Blanchard Spring.

This dam is like many in the area.  Made of stone and probably either rebuilt or raised in height by the CCC. — This dam is like many in the area. Made of stone and probably either rebuilt or raised in height by the CCC.

We mostly saw 'catch and release' going on!

When we returned the second time to check the lake, the access road was closed!  The kind ranger suggested taking the boardwalk to the lake and then the road beyond that to get to the spring.  "It is just under a half mile (one way)." &nbs… — When we returned the second time to check the lake, the access road was closed! The kind ranger suggested taking the boardwalk to the lake and then the road beyond that to get to the spring. "It is just under a half mile (one way)." OK! We can do that. Once again our 'challenge' was actually making progress down the boardwalk and not stopping every three feet to get 'just one more picture'!

One month can make a difference.  As usual, the sky was darkly overcast. — One month can make a difference. As usual, the sky was darkly overcast.

So, down the road I go!  Can't feel too sorry for me having such a gorgeous road all to myself! — So, down the road I go! Can't feel too sorry for me having such a gorgeous road all to myself!

At the end of the road there is a circle to allow turn-arounds.  Two stone bridges!!!  Just beyond this point one starts the last bit of hiking along Mill Creek back to Blanchard Spring. — At the end of the road there is a circle to allow turn-arounds. Two stone bridges!!! Just beyond this point one starts the last bit of hiking along Mill Creek back to Blanchard Spring.

Blanchard Springs.  The water just pours out of the side of the mountain.  The water is very clear and cool.  But, the signs tell folks that the spring comes from an area inhabited by bats and thus, while pretty the water is unsafe to… — Blanchard Springs. The water just pours out of the side of the mountain. The water is very clear and cool. But, the signs tell folks that the spring comes from an area inhabited by bats and thus, while pretty the water is unsafe to drink or swim in.

There are no fences or railings to keep people from getting close to the spring, just a simple sign to stay out of the spring.  We found that parks around here post signs telling visitors that to preserve the natural beauty there are no protect… — There are no fences or railings to keep people from getting close to the spring, just a simple sign to stay out of the spring. We found that parks around here post signs telling visitors that to preserve the natural beauty there are no protective railings, fences or other barriers put in place. So, parents . . . keep your children safe by monitoring their behavior and use good judgement as you navigate dangerous areas! Wow! I have not seen any graffiti and very little trash in any of the parks.

Mill Creek was named after a grist mill located just below the dam that is pictured above.

Back to the car.  Along this path you can look down below to the creek and the stone wall remains of the old grist mill.  But we could not see a way down to the ruin and the creek short of bushwacking.  Then, we spotted a couple right… — Back to the car. Along this path you can look down below to the creek and the stone wall remains of the old grist mill. But we could not see a way down to the ruin and the creek short of bushwacking. Then, we spotted a couple right down there taking photographs!!! "How did you get down there?" The nice lady told us to go on to the parking lot and we would see a path, probably right in front of where we parked. Well, you know what we did next!

Finally, when we were totally satisfied we could not find another photograph, we headed back to our car.  Great day! — Finally, when we were totally satisfied we could not find another photograph, we headed back to our car. Great day!

Petit Jean

Carol Freshley November 10, 2017

Petit Jean State Park is located between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain ranges in west-central Arkansas. With 2,658 acres there is an abundance of woods, ravines, streams, springs, geological formations and, most importantly, wonderful views off the mountain. We saw it as a perfect day trip about 90 miles of from where we are parked.

The first stop was at Petit Jean's gravesite and overlook.  This stop is about 4 miles before the entrance to the State Park.  This was the only overlook that included the Arkansas River and the fertile land that is farmed in the area. — The first stop was at Petit Jean's gravesite and overlook. This stop is about 4 miles before the entrance to the State Park. This was the only overlook that included the Arkansas River and the fertile land that is farmed in the area.

Upon arriving at the Park we checked in with the Visitor Center, inquiring if there was water in Cedar Falls.  "Probably not." was the answer but we were encouraged to check it out from the overlook, a short hike from the parking lot.  The… — Upon arriving at the Park we checked in with the Visitor Center, inquiring if there was water in Cedar Falls. "Probably not." was the answer but we were encouraged to check it out from the overlook, a short hike from the parking lot. There are also two nice overlooks that are reached by taking a dirt road that loops around. But first, we had to stop at Davies Bridge. What photographer would miss an opportunity to photograph on old stone bridge? Not these!

This is from the M. A. Richter Memorial Overlook.  I could not find any thing to indicate why this person deserved an outlook named after him. — This is from the M. A. Richter Memorial Overlook. I could not find any thing to indicate why this person deserved an outlook named after him.

I believe this is where we started photographing at the CCC Overlook.  This site had much more interesting areas and valley to photograph. — I believe this is where we started photographing at the CCC Overlook. This site had much more interesting areas and valley to photograph.

Even though our stomachs were rumbling, we decided to check out Cedar Falls on our way to Mammoth Lodge where we planned to have lunch.

Nope, No water here!  Bummer. — Nope, No water here! Bummer.

Looking down the canyon that is slowly being carved by Cedar Creek.

Mather Lodge is gorgeous.  I stayed inside as we were on a wait list while Tom took off outside to do a bit o' photography. — Mather Lodge is gorgeous. I stayed inside as we were on a wait list while Tom took off outside to do a bit o' photography.

After lunch we went back outside to gather up some more images and lo and behold he sun was peeking through.  Excitement ruled the hour!! — After lunch we went back outside to gather up some more images and lo and behold he sun was peeking through. Excitement ruled the hour!!

Rather than go on home, we decided to check out the CCC overlook to see what difference the bits of sun would make on the landscape.  It turned into a game of 'waiting, waiting, waiting for the next ray to pass by. — Rather than go on home, we decided to check out the CCC overlook to see what difference the bits of sun would make on the landscape. It turned into a game of 'waiting, waiting, waiting for the next ray to pass by.

Gunner Pond & Barkshead Recreation

Carol Freshley November 9, 2017

"Where do you want to go today?" Hmmm . . . "How about a side road?" So, we checked a map!! A dirt road leading to Gunner Pond? How can you go wrong with a name like that. Plus, it loops around to Barkshead Recreation before getting back on pavement!! We were in! Turned into a very nice day, albeit a bit longer than we expected. We could see just a bit of fall color, just enough to keep us parked in the area. The loop we drove is part of the Ozark St. Francis National Forest.

The directions to Gunner Pond indicated the parking area for the pond was before the bridge.  We could not see anything but the bridge, which by itself was a pretty good subject. — The directions to Gunner Pond indicated the parking area for the pond was before the bridge. We could not see anything but the bridge, which by itself was a pretty good subject.

We parked on the other end, out of sight.  This is your classic down the middle, documentary (one lane), and boring . . . — We parked on the other end, out of sight. This is your classic down the middle, documentary (one lane), and boring . . .

From the bridge above we could see a creek.  Gunner Pond has to be close.  Right? — From the bridge above we could see a creek. Gunner Pond has to be close. Right?

This brick dam, built by the CCC is what creates Gunner Pond.

We arrived at the Barkshead Recreation area.  There are a few camping sites in the area and a low bridge that crosses the North Sylamore Creek, part of the National Wild and Scenic River system.  We first headed for a taller, but now aband… — We arrived at the Barkshead Recreation area. There are a few camping sites in the area and a low bridge that crosses the North Sylamore Creek, part of the National Wild and Scenic River system. We first headed for a taller, but now abandoned bridge nearby, to get an idea of what the opportunities were. This is looking right from the bridge down into the creek. There are a number of interesting cliff-like overhangs. Just look at that clear water!

Looking straight ahead!  Ann, we found a trail for you!  Cripple Turkey is about an apt description for what would happen to me if I took the hike and it would not take 94 miles!! — Looking straight ahead! Ann, we found a trail for you! Cripple Turkey is about an apt description for what would happen to me if I took the hike and it would not take 94 miles!!

The start of the trail.  Lovely.  Almost tempting.  We ran into a couple just starting the trail and they said they hiked it annually on their anniversary weekend.  They were packed to spend several nights and were hoping the rai… — The start of the trail. Lovely. Almost tempting. We ran into a couple just starting the trail and they said they hiked it annually on their anniversary weekend. They were packed to spend several nights and were hoping the rain would hold off until their return. It didn't. We also saw two hunters head down the trail. They were equipped with all the usual garb but were only carrying some impressive looking bows, no riffles.

We descended from the bridge and headed to the left side, mainly because that side had easier access to the beach area.  This one large rock provided lots of opportunity to find small details. — We descended from the bridge and headed to the left side, mainly because that side had easier access to the beach area. This one large rock provided lots of opportunity to find small details.

Behind us the river crossed under a low road bridge that I just knew would be impassable in high water or flash flooding.

In case you want to go . . . we started at Mountain View, took Highway 187 to Highway 14. Turn left and just beyond Fifty Six take Gunner Pond Road (FR 1102) left to the creek. Park just before the bridge (bathrooms at the parking lot and no cell phone service). Then proceed further on 1102 to FR 113 and take a left for a short distance to FR 1112. Take another left onto FR 1112 toward Barkshead Recreation Area. It appears you can park just about anywhere near the taller bridge. Once done there proceed on to an intersection where you can continue on FR 1112 (to your right) or take FR 1115. Both take you back to Highway 14. FR 1115 is a shorter return and continuation of FR 1112 puts you much closer to a liquor store on Highway 14. Mountain View is located in a dry county, so depending on your wine stash you may prefer to continue on FR 1112. The highway portions are two lane paved roads. Plan on spending a full day to complete the whole loop.