March 30-April 1, 2011
Leaving Memphis we passed St. Jude Children's Research Hospital supported and made visible by the late Danny Thomas. I like to read about the amazing things that are accomplished in medicine for some of the children. I am inspired by stories of the grit and determination and/or the acceptance of what is by many of the children. In my more mature years I have stopped wanting an answer to why some are helped and others are not. Flat Stanley thinks he might like to visit there someday and help bring cheer on rounds.
We crossed the mighty Mississippi River into Arkansas. I did not remember from previous visits just how wide the river and its floodplain are. We seemed to pass over water and then next to water for a very long time. It was interesting to see miles of very flat land just beyond the floodplain diked for rice paddies. I never envision hunched over people in rice paddies stateside.
Every few hours we stop for a walk-around, good for us and the dogs. See how little we look!
Yes, it's a dull and dreary day but the excitement of arriving at the next scheduled location, Lake Catherine State Park, is mounting. What will it be like? What will we see? What will we experience?
The first impression of Lake Catherine State Park was “Money has been spent (invested) here!” The hard surface roads are in perfect shape. Everythng is clean and up-to-date. The shower rooms are spacious and heated. The campsites, their picnic benches, and grills are in immaculate shape. And look! There are small docking piers for public use! The lakeside is beautiful.
We thought we had hit the jackpot when we were assigned a lakeside site. Bill backed the Casita right up to the water's edge. I am never more at home than when I am near water! The dogs and Flat Stanley were thrilled as well.
We watched in fascination as a mom and dad goose glided after four goslings. One of the little ones was far more adventurous than her or his siblings. She or he would paddle away from the trio left behind until the three could no longer handle the distance and would start to flap and call. The prodigal would look around and keep going a few more yards then slowly turn and come within the allowed area. This happened over and over again.
We still have cold temperatures. On our first walk I was wishing for a warm hat, scarf, and gloves! Kay Efron e-mailed to say she always takes these articles with her on trips. I have learned a lesson. We had hoped to take the two mile trail during our stay but the chill discouraged us.
We were awakened to sunshine coming in the back window. When was the last time it had shown itself? The musical noises of geese honking and birds yelling “UhOh” (who can tell us the name of the bird?) were loud and clear. I enjoyed getting some photos with sun and shadows until the day became overcast and rain fell out of the sky. We experienced our first many hours inside the Casita. It was actually nice! I sat at the little table top (used at night for the bed's length base) working on the computer. It rests on a single metal tube that fits into the floor. Bill lay on the now Kingsized bed, reading. The three kids, Max, Isabel, and Flat Stanley found their own spaces on the bed.
After the rain had stopped, Bill grilled some hamburgers. A couple in a 5th wheel from Louisiana (Carolyn and Paul Rutledge) came by and wanted to see the Casita. They were ushered in to find me happily writing on the computer! They were fascinated with the positives of downsizing from a 5th wheel and wanted all the information we could give them. I'm looking forward to staying in touch and hearing about their next chapter.
Pictures! See Lake Catherine Photographs
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