Too hot for a hot spring...

Yesterday I went into Hot Springs, Arkansas to explore. I'd asked several locals for recommendations on what to do and was repeatedly told to have a mineral water soak and a massage. So why not! Well because it was a hot day - almost 90 degrees - that's why not. Couldn't even imagine getting into 140 degree water since I was already sweating! Had it been a cold rainy day, it would have sounded amazing. But nope!

But I did enjoy wondering around town taking in the historic bath houses and trails.

I then headed back to the The Village for a late lunch at a lake side restaurant. The retirees were already starting to drift in for their 2:00 cocktails. It was obvious that this was a daily occurrence as the bartender knew all of their names and current events. More reinforcement that I don't want to live in a retirement community. Ugh!

I think all I really need is a place by the water to sit and read. I'm currently obsessed with the Clint Wolf series by BJ Bourg (link). They are so good! Kind of reminds me of the TV show Longmire (link).

I'm back home again until Monday when I leave for New Mexico. I'm still not sure if I get to crew a hot air balloon - should know this weekend or Monday. Fingers crossed!

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Day 23 last day in South Padre

So sad to say goodbye to the beach. But I'll be back some day. It's less than 15 hours from home...that's totally doable. Here's a link to where we stayed. link This was a perfect place for a late September vacation. Very few of the condos appeared to be occupied. We had the hot tub all to ourselves last night! Today we rented chaise lounge chairs and an umbrella and just enjoyed the beach all day long. We had an amazing dinner at Pier 19 where we were able to see dolphins out the window. Now were getting things ready so we can get up at 4 am and start driving home.

Day 24 - Home - Trip Summary

MILES: 7,780 STATES : 15 Missouri Kansas Colorado Wyoming Montana Idaho Washington Oregon California Nevada Utah Arizona New Mexico Texas Oklahoma TRIP PHASES: 4 To the west coast Pacific Coast Highway National Parks Beach Vacation FLAT TIRES: 1 ECO SYSTEMS: 20 Prairies Foot Hills Mountains Geysers Sulphur Springs Lakes Continental Divide Rain Forests Ocean Beach - Pacific Ocean Redwood Forests Vineyards Almond groves Yosemite El Capitan OK, not an eco system, but unlike anything else! Sequoia Forest Desert Death Valley (see El Capitan note) Canyons...some of them even grand Gulf of Mexico Beach - Gulf of Mexico NATIONAL PARKS/FORESTS: 15 Yellowstone National Park Olympic National Park Hoh Rain Forest Redwood National Forest Yosemite National Park Stanislaus National Forest Sierra National Forest Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Inyo National Forest Death Valley National Park Zion National

Day 18 Grand Canyon and the end of Phase 3

Today we went to Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Parks. We are officially done with Phase 3 of our trip - the National Park Phase. And frankly...we're both relieved. The National Parks, while beautiful and awe inspiring...were also kind of a bummer. They were crowded, had limited parking and generally felt like a tourist attraction. Mindy went to several of these when her boys were young...35+ and 20+ years ago. Hearing how the parks have changed over the years was kind of a downer. That being said, I'm so glad I went and was able to this countryside, it is truly unique and majestic. Now that we're done with Phase 3, we both feeling a little energized! We're ready to get up early tomorrow and begin Phase 4...which we've decided to keep secret. If I told you what we're doing, you'd think we're nuts. Better to keep quiet than to confirm that thought! First view of a canyon on the prairie First overlook into Gra

The Adventures of Gypsy-Jackie

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