We roared away continuing our trip eastward on US64. We came upon a turtle in the road and rescued him, hoping that would bring good karma for the rest of the day.
We crossed into Arkansas at Fort Smith behind 2 large farm tractors that blocked the whole bridge. Finding our way through Fort Smith was not much of a challenge even if there were no signs. We headed south out of town on AR71. We moved into a farming area with rice, corn, soybeans, cotton and grain everywhere.
In the big city of Waldron we pulled in for a cup of coffee at the Rock Cafe. It has been there since 1936 and so has everything in it and the resident coffee drinker at the outside table.
We passed the "Hugs and Biscuits" and had a to make a u-turn to check this one out. I am afraid the only thing you would hug if you bought a biscuit here would be the toilet bowl.
We have been pushing the fuel limit the last couple of tanks and took fuel were we could get it when the low level light came on. We pulled into "Needmore Grocery and Station" and paid a very high price for 87 octane, their only type. Guess the high price is because they are saving up for a new fuel filter.
We turn west on US270 to Hot Springs, Arkansas. I thought this road would be much busier than 71, but until we got close to Hot Springs, there was very little traffic. We came across a cross country bike race with a crossing guard and that was about it as we climbed and turned through the national forest. When we got closer to Fort Smith the on coming traffic became bumper to bumper with lots of vehicles pulling boats. Glad I will not be on this road this afternoon when they come back after being in the sun and beer all day.
Hot Springs was not what I expected. It was much busier with tourist. All the old bath houses downtown are now big tourist attractions. My good friend Bob Lubliner, who you met on the west bound leg, used to come here with his father in the 30's and vacation in the big hotel. He had many a great story about the old mafia guys and politicians from Chicago.The story I remember best is Bob's dad introduced him to a mafia guy who's name I do not recall. Bob's dad said if you ever get into financial trouble give this guy a call. In the late '50's the theater busy was doing very badly and Bob had exhausted all financial sources. He called this guy, who he had not seen since that day, and told him he was strapped for cash. The gentleman exchanged pleasantries and asked him how much he needed. That afternoon a check for $10,000 appeared at Bob's office. As Bob used to say, "and that was not just peanuts back then". There was nothing else ever said and Bob repaid the loan over time.
Vicki has tried several business adventures we have seen today in Arkansas, but she does not seem to be a great business person. She makes one hell of a Princess though!
Despite many interesting places to eat in Hot Springs, I was not ready yet and headed out of town. An hour or so later, I was thinking I might have to make my second visit on this trip to a fast food place when the "The Place" appeared and saved me. It was just the right down home food I needed on a holiday Sunday.
We pressed on hoping trying to make it to Greenville, Ms., one of the many home of the blues, but threatening skies and tired butt ended the Dumas, AK.
