Lodge at Petit Jean Mountain

 

The Lodge on Petit Jean Mountain is magnificent as one climbs up from the Cedar Falls Trail. I love hiking and sketching the trails on this mountain.  Waterfalls and rocky bluffs dot the park, and I certainly need more time to sketch the beauty.  I find those moments while family rests or at least stays in one spot for a while.  It's been so many years since we've been here.  Our young family were only 4 at the time - and now, two of our children brought their families here, so we were 13 with Mom. It seems like just yesterday we were here in this lodge enjoying a meal with both of my parents.  Painting number 4831 in 4831 days. 

Cedar Creek Trail

 

The falls along the Cedar Creek Trail are beautiful all along the water, if only I had more time!  It's always fun to vacation with family, especially when we all like to explore.  This creek is full of painting opportunities, and I am happy to squeeze in a quick sketch while the kids are resting.  Painting number 4826 in 4826 days. 

Ron Coleman Mining

 

What a cool place to dig for crystals AND sketch!  I've never been to a place like this, where the terrain is so full of crystals in all sizes and shapes.  The kids were washing some of them down once we got back to the cabin, and they were gorgeous!  It's actually like digging for buried treasure.  Painting number 4825 in 4825 days. 

Woods of Petit Jean

 

The woods are so peaceful on Petit Jean Mountain, and I love spending a little time among the trees!  This path leads down to a fishing pond tucked way back in the trees, which we discovered today.  It will be a lovely place to sketch next time I get the chance.  We hiked the Cedar Creek Trail (with everyone) and the Cedar Creek Overlook (with Mom, too) today.  I saw SO MANY paintings along the creek. We're hiking the Cedar Falls Trail in the morning - and I know that will be a big treat! Painting number 4824 in 4824 days. 

Quapaw Bathhouse

 

I love sketching the architecture of the famous Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs, Arkansas! The thermal springs run behind Bathhouse Row, and you can feel the water babbling out at multiple locations along the Grand Promenade.  It's a beautiful walk through the wooded Hot Springs Mountain, with all trails leading back to this street.  Each bathhouse is unique in architecture and flair, and all are lovely to experience.  Painting number 4823 in 4823 days. 

Lost Creek Trail

I LOVE painting these winding Arkansas creeks with water spilling over the rocks!  It was super fun to hike along here with the kids after a quick sketch.  The little ones were mesmerized with the rocks along the bank and in the clear puddles, tossing one after the other into deeper water.  As we walked, another family hiked down the middle of this creek dressed in bohemian garb, enjoying this place as we were.  They arrived in a school bus with living quarters and a stovepipe in the back half.  I think they were real life gypsies.  How very cool.  Painting number 5006 in 5006 days.