24-29 April

Hot Springs Arkansas
National Park

Beautiful area.  They have 2 lakes in addition to the hot springs, so most everything is tourist oriented around here. We took a Ranger led tour that talked about the history of the bath houses and the opulence of the time they were built.

Yep we went up in there.

 

butch found out that Bill Clinton went to a local bbq place. 

he got directions. 

McClards. 

he was a happy camper. 

The next day he found out about another very local joint called Mickeys. 

he got directions. 

butch's bbq score:  Memphis-2  Hot Springs-2

 

 

 

Buckstaff Baths is the National Parks operated bathhouse.  We got the mineral bath treatment with a Swedish massage.  It was absolutely wonderful.  Except I now have bruises from the massage.  Since it was the first time I'd ever had one, I have no idea if that is normal, but it just doesn't seem right.

Army Navy Hospital



 Many WWII veterans were sent here to recover when they came home.  This is a HUGE facility and they've actually torn down some of the buildings that were not necessary and in bad condition.  They use this now as a school for special needs people.  They live there and learn many different trades.  We were told you could get an unbelievable lunch there for just $4.

"butch....go stand in front of the tub so we can see how big it is"....gets you this happy face.

 

Bacchas

cornice top from one of the baths they're restoring.  Carved wood.  They'll make a mold of it and recast it in a resilient plaster.