A COSMIC EXPEDITION!

 When a cruise planned with the grand kids  on Beaver Lake got canceled because of thunderstorms in the area,  Kaitlyn, Jacob,  and I went to "Plan B" for our day trip last month.  Instead of exploring an above-ground lake, we got to explore some below-ground lakes! ( I mention this to explain why I have on white pants, which would have been suitable for a summer lake cruise.  However, I would not recommend white attire for a cave tour!  I came out looking like I was prepping for a Tide commercial!)

 We went "down under", that is, the "down under", known as Cosmic Caverns, just outside Berryville, Arkansas, on Highway 21 North.

 Most folks are familiar with the natural wonders of Arkansas above the ground, but there is another wilderness just beneath the surface.  I am referring to the limestone caves of the Ozarks.  Of the 2,000 documented caves in north Arkansas, 8 are privately owned, commercial tour caves, open to the public.  In addition, the U.S. Forest Service operates Blanchard Springs Caverns, near Mountain View, Arkansas.  (You can see the photos and text from  previous blogs I wrote about Blanchard Springs Caverns in the Archives --Dec 6, 2009 and June 16. 2009--
, shown on the right)

 Cosmic Caverns has several underground lakes, two of which are seen on tour.  To date, divers have not been able to reach the bottoms of these lakes, so there is no accurate prediction of their depth.  Our tour guide just used the old cliché "they go all the way to China"!

 With all the underground lakes, it is not surprising to see a boat along the tour route.

 Photography (both still and video) is encouraged.  Plus, since our tour group was small, we did not feel rushed or hampered when trying to take photos.

 The tour guide pointed out this small formation, that was about the size of an orange.  It was a tornado-shaped formation, that might be a hint that this would be a good place to be whenever there are tornado warnings in the area!

 Even though Cosmic Caverns is said to be one of the warmest caves in Arkansas, at 62 degrees Fahrenheit,  Jacob did not mind getting a hug to take the chill off, from his sister Kaitlyn. 

 If you have mobility or claustrophobia issues, this is probably not the outing for you.  There were several passages one passed through, that were very confining. 

 This cat walk section above one of the bottomless lakes can be seen on the main tour, but is only accessed for those who take the Wild Cave Tour.  That tour has some age and size restrictions, and requires advance reservations. 

 We learned that stalactites are those formations that hold on "tight" to the ceiling, as seen in this photo.

 You might want to lubricate your joints, and practice "duck walking" before waddling through this passageway!

 Some of the passages are so narrow that you have to suck in your gut, and proceed sideways, to make it through to the other side!

 There are lots of stairs to navigate throughout the tour, but they have handrails, and are well lit.

 This suspended walkway passes through one of the largest rooms inside the cave.
 

 The amount of stooping over you have to do on the tour is largely determined by how tall you are.  The taller you are, the more you need to stoop to avoid bumping your head!

 Our tour guide is seen at the top of this hidden chamber, as the rest of us ascend to see what treasures she is going to show us in that area!

 Good thing Kaitlyn is an excellent gymnast, as there were lots of contortions needed to make it through to the end!   Being deep in the earth like this always reminds me of the section of Psalm 139, that I call "The Expeditioner's Prayer".  Verses 7 - 10 in The Message say this: "Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?  to be out of your sight?  If I climb to the sky, you're there!  If I go underground, you're there! If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon, You'd find me in a minute---you're already there waiting!"

 Kaitlyn and Jacob learned that stalagmites are the formations that "grow" from the bottom upwards.  At this one location, the tour guide said it was OK to touch and hug the formations, and take all the photos we wanted!  Otherwise, we were asked not to touch the formations, in order to reduce environmental damage from the oils/bacteria on our hands.

 Since Cosmic Caverns is open year round, it is an attraction that can be enjoyed, regardless of what the "above ground" weather is doing!  They have a picnic pavilion for guests, and plenty of free parking.  You can find out more by visiting their website at www.cosmiccavern.com or phone 870-749-2298.  This is a "cosmic" experience you can have, deep inside the earth, that will give you "MILES OF SMILES"!!  Tricia 

FBC FLOATING EXPEDITION!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 First Baptist Church is located at 400 Club Blvd., in Mountain Home, Arkansas, phone 870-425-6961.  This float trip is just one example of the many activities available at FBC designed to build relationships.  Check out the website www.myfbcmh.com to find an activity that interests you.  It will bring you "MILES OF SMILES"!!!

FUN TIMES IN WOOLLY HOLLOW!

 For decades, I have driven by the sign on Highway 65 between north Arkansas and Little Rock, that pointed to the turn off for Woolly Hollow State Park  ( www.ArkansasStateParks.com ).  A few weeks ago, I FINALLY took the time to drive down that road to visit this central Arkansas recreation spot, and I was not disappointed with what I found! 

 As I was driving along the entrance road that overlooks the blue waters of Lake Bennett, I became curious to know the history of this body of water.  I found out that Lake Bennett was constructed in 1935, during the Great Depression, by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and WPA (Works Project Administration).  It was the first Soil Conservation Service watershed project in the United States, built for the scientific study of the effects of water run-off, silt, and erosion control, from a specific watershed. 

 Since its designation in 1973 as a state park, many amenities have been added, to take advantage of the natural beauty and resources that the location supplies.  This fishing pier is wheelchair accessible, and barrier-free.

 Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and johnboats for use on Lake Bennett.

 This photo shows some of the interpretive plaques on the lawn between the paddle-boat dock, and the gift shop/park office.  In the summer, there is also a floating barge near the paddleboat dock for swimmers to use as a rest or jumping off area.   This will be the site of a big, FREE 40th Anniversary Celebration planned for Saturday, August 17th, 2013, from 11 am - 3 pm, to recognize the fact that Woolly Hollow became a State Park in the summer of 1973, and since that time has had over a million visitors.  On that day, visitors can enjoy free swimming, paddle boating, contests, music and reminiscing.  At the end of the day, a time capsule will be buried to tell about the good times at Woolly Hollow, for generations to follow. 

 This photo shows the wheelchair accessible path that borders the lake between the handicap parking area, the fishing pier, and the handicap accessible picnic tables.

 The shaded gazebo at the end of the fishing pier is also a relaxing spot to do nature (or people!) watching.

 This is an example of "waterside dining" available within the park. You can bring your own picnic, or in the summer months, snacks and meals are sold in the concession area.

 A pavilion can be reserved for group gatherings.  On the day I was there, a special lunch was being held for the park superintendent who was retiring. 

 Scattered among the trees near the lake are 30 Class AAA campsites.  They are equipped with water, dual-electric, and sewer hookups, as well as a table and grill at each site.  Camping is available here year round. 

 The 3.5 mile Huckleberry Nature Trail winds its way through the wooded scenery around Lake Bennett.  The trail was originally constructed in the mid-1930;s by the CCC, and was restored in 1981, by the Youth Conservation Corps. 

 The trail goes through woods and open areas, and uses various adaptations of "bridges" to pass over, and through, wetland areas.

 An interesting feature within the park, is the remains of a very old road (used in the early 1800's), that was the only land route connecting central Arkansas with sections of Arkansas to the north. 

 The park preserves the Woolly Cabin, named after the family of William Riley Woolly, that came to Arkansas in 1851.  They settled in "the Hollow", in 1859, which started a chain of events that led to his namesake being used a century later to name the park.  I had mistakenly assumed the name came from the area being "woolly" (which is Ozark talk for "scary").

 The one-room log home was originally located less than a mile southwest of the park, but was moved to its present site and restored in 1975.

 The iconic "wishing well" image can be seen beside the cabin.

 Behind the cabin, there is a well-marked hiking trail.

 The "Cabin Trail" goes through the woods, to connect the hiker to the Huckleberry Nature Trail. 

 A Wayside Exhibit in the campground told about an Artesian Aquifer that was discovered on the property several years ago.  These rocks and stream bed were constructed to direct the flow coming out of the artesian well.  The creation of this scenic stream bed area, Lake Bennett, and the entire park, are serving as a visual aid about another type of creation, mentioned in one of my memory verses for the next session of First Place 4 Health ( www.FirstPlace4Health.com ).  It says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10).  Likewise, Lake Bennett is the workmanship of the CCC and WPA, created to do good work, which its planner, Dr. Hugh Bennett, prepared in advance for it to do!  If you would like to enjoy the benefits of their workmanship, start planning your visit to Woolly Hollow State Park in Greenbrier, Arkansas, by phoning 501-679-2098.  A visit to this picturesque park will give you "MILES OF SMILES"!  Tricia