Camping Lessons

Resurrection Fern-Just like the kind growing on a tree near Dadoo's grave.

I know I haven't written in 8 months, but this last summer trip warrented some notes and thoughts.  This past weekend we packed up the camper on Thursday and hit the Arkansas back woods and roads to a very familiar place for me--Petit Jean State Park.  It is a 1,000 ft. plateau just northwest of Little Rock with some specatcular sights.  I went there many times as a kid camping on the weekends with my family and several other families.  It was practically just as I remembered.  The only thing missing was the lack of water flowing in the river causing only a trickle down the magnificent would-be waterfall.  There were also the memories of Dadoo playing his guitar, singing around the camp fire with hot chocolate in hand.  Good times, my friends.  I just hope that my kids treasure these family times as well. 

So, now on to the lessons learned during this particular trip...

Lesson #1- If there is a long hike you would like to take, alsways do it first.

Lesson #2-Take carbs on hikes like Pirate Booty.  It will make all the difference in the world.

Lesson #3-Always do the Junior Park Ranger Program  It's worth the extra effort.

Park Interpreter, B.T. Jones and Petit Jean with the kids.

Lesson #4- Pop-Ups are worth the money when it rains.

Lesson #5- Compasses can provide fun games and activities once you figure out how to use them.

Lesson #6- God's creativity and imagination is amazing.  He made some pretty cool things.

Eye of the Needle at the Bear Caves.

Rock House Cave

Natural Bridge on the Seven Hollows Trail.

The light trickle of Cedar Falls.

Cedar Falls Canyon

What we named-God's Jenga.  Kids are trying to pull pieces out.

Lesson #7- Among those cool things God designed, are Dads.

Lesson #8-What we write here and now will probably be around for centuries to come. 

A pictograph drawn by Native American Indians probably around the 1500's. 

Lesson #9- Hide the marshmallows from the "Masked Bandits," even if you are just making a quick jaunt to the bathroom.

Lesson #10- Reece's Peanut Butter Cups make the world's best s'mores.

Lesson #11-There is nothing like worshipping God from a mountain top before you head home on a Sunday morning.

What a great trip and place! I can't wait for our next camping trip!