Harley Davidson Travel Blog . . . and thoughts along the journey

This morning it has stopped to rain and the parking lot of the motel is almost empty. Those who evacuated have began their journey home (Even though the governor and mayors have asked NOT to return) Later in the day it rained little but then . . . finally, this afternoon sunshine has arrived.

I visited the local Central Baptist Church this morning and many people greeted me . . . everyone thought I was an evacuee. (I wore a T-Shirt and Jeans) The message of Pastor Dr. David Smith was inspirational and he talked about how we, as Christians, may rejoice in all life situations (ref. Rom 15:13)




I then visited the downtown area again (this time without the rain). There are numerous bathhouses, because Hot Springs is known for their springs. Some of the springs emerge to the surface at 143 degrees others at 66 degrees. I visited one of the bathhouses, which is now a visitor's center. The visitor's center left the original state of the bath house intact and it is very educational.(pictures are added to this Blog after I return back home) The city of Hot Springs is located in a very nice setting, however the up-keep of the downtown area is very poor.





In the center of the downtown sits the ‘Arlington Hotel'. I stepped inside and walked through the huge hotel that was build around 1906. Even though I did not go into any of the hotel rooms, the hotel lacks the proper care it deserves. Unfortunately, this hotel as the surrounding beautiful buildings are simply neglected. Once you step inside this gigantic, historic hotel you feel the ambiance and glory of past times. Truly worth a stop! And if you look closely in the cigar smoke filled lobby, you may see the wealthy of the past . . .hear the voices of past visitors . . . sharing their bath house experiences and cutting new business deals .




And before I forget: . . . you will of course find a sign along the downtown road . . . "Home of Bill Clinton"

I will try to get an early start tomorrow morning. I decided to take State Route 70 South - West. I could have taken I-40 and crossed Oklahoma much quicker, but I do not like to travel Interstate Highways as it takes a lot of concentration . . . and one sees very little of the true country. I hope to hit Vernon, Oklahoma by tomorrow and I will then take State Route 287 the next day.

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Thought of the day:
After days of rain, there will always be days of sunshine
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85 degrees
no miles

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 25, 2005 at Sunday, September 25, 2005. You can skip to the end and leave a response.