We have been in Little Rock for 5 days now out of our 10 days of booked reservations. This will be one of the longer stays in one campground. Maybe the 3rd or 4th longest stay. And well worth it. There have been many things to see in the city, but it has been difficult to leave the park as it is such a welcoming and picturesque site along the river.
Little Rock has some reputation of a high crime rate city, but in the areas that we have been it seemed to be fine during the daytime. Like every larger city, there are the people asking for handouts and possible homeless. Although, have been impressed by the number of museums, bike trails, and park areas, especially in the River Market District.
I have also been impressed by the very friendly people that we have met. For example, we found a place to park about a half block from the capital. I checked the street signs and looked to be a good spot. A police cruiser stopped as we got out of the car and were walking. I thought I must have missed a no parking sign, but no, the smiling, friendly officer just wanted us to know of parking closer to the capital. I have to tell you, we would never have seen this in D.C. The cultures are a world apart.
The river market area is a busy part of town with a cool River Park where we ate our lunch on our first trip into town, has several museums, and many shops and restaurants.
After lunch, we walked across the Junction Bridge Walkway. This bridge used to be used for auto traffic and was a draw bridge to accommodate river boat traffic. People leave personalized padlocks with their names written on them along the bridge railings. Not sure why, but we have seen this before. Maybe to come back years later and to find their own lock.
Next up was the Old State House. This building was started in 1833 and served as the capital until it was replaced by the current Capital building in 1911. From their website: the building and its grounds have witnessed many of the most important events in Arkansas history. The Old State House has hosted the admission of Arkansas to the Union, a fatal Bowie knife fight between two sitting legislators, the Arkansas vote to secede from the United States and join the Confederacy, pioneering medical research into hookworm and malaria, and two acceptance speeches by the president of the United States.
In the Historic Arkansas museum, they have the entire state history presented within their many rooms from the native indian history, the exploration by French and Spanish to the school desegregation issues at Central High in the 1950’s. They also had one room devoted to Ed Stilley, a local country guy who was inspired by God to build guitars for children. A very touching story.
And finally, a sunrise from the porch of our camper. It is difficult to leave this site and go exploring into town. We have spent a couple of days just relaxing in our lounge chairs looking out over the water. There is just something about being near the water. Whether it is the ocean, a river, lake, or a pond. A part of our travels about is to find the close to perfect place to “settle down.” One of the requirements is to be near or on water.
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Hi Randy and Pat!
I got your text, Randy, and that reminded me I had not yet checked out your blog. So, I have just spent about an hour and a half sipping coffee and reading up on your adventures since April.
THIS IS AMAZING!! I have loved the history lessons, learning about places I’ve never even heard of, and seeing those places, as well as spots I am familiar with, through your stories and terrific photos! .
I also enjoyed learning more about you and Pat. I loved the newlywed photo! I didn’t know you called her Trish. I didn’t know, or remember, your son was a pilot. Didn’t know you’d taken up guitar. There were more interesting revelations, too.
I would love to travel like this someday, but I sure would miss Bill. haha. He’d never go. So, I’ll just keep enjoying your travels.
Please post pics of the inside of your home on wheels. If you’ve already done that, I missed it (but I don’t think so, I read every blog).
News on our end….it took a lot of work, but we finally set up a quarterly review meeting without you. It hasn’t happened yet (we’re meeting week after next), but it’s planned. I thought we’d never settle on a date that the 5 of us could all make it. I almost had to get you involved to set it up. haha. We will miss you, but we’ll send you a picture. And we will definitely have to get together next time you’re in VA!!!!!!
Happy travels!!!
Hi Margie! I’m glad that you have enjoyed the blog posts so far. I enjoy putting my thoughts down as well as documenting our travels to help remember when we get old. Ha! We do need to post a tour through the RV and will include this sometime soon, so thanks for the reminder. There is so much stuff to do out there! Enjoy the group meeting and say hi to all for me. I do miss you guys. We plan to come through VA at least once or twice a year to see our family, so will get in touch about a group meeting then. Cheers!