storyteller

It is fall in Arkansas and it is a welcomed time of year by those who are fed up with the hot, muggy, stillness of the air.  There are a few of us who are ready for the cold weather and look forward to 50-60 degree days. The crispness of the cooler air, the crunch of leaves under foot, you can smell the leaves with the faint whisper of pine, and cedar.  Aromas fill the air with such a variety,  burning brush and leaves ,cooking of Pumpkins, and Apples for  Cider. When the air is just right you can smell the aroma of Molasses, and even the faint aroma of Cinnamon.  It is a time that people get out their family recipes for all those home-made goodies that take us into the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Which has its own aromas too.  Who needs aroma therapy?  Just go outside to nature and open your mind, as well as your senses. 

I have resided in Arkansas about 8 years now, and most of that time I was a Tuck Driver just passing through. I cannot believe that I did not seek out the parks that I passed by or passed through in all this time here.  I always thought I would have time to go and see the places on my so called list.  It is a true pity that I had not, because I feel that I am the one who missed out on the Beauty that surrounds me.

If you live in a city and want to smell and see fall take a road trip alone or with a friend to a remote place where you have never been before.  It is an adventure, and can be an eye opener.  Right now the leaves here are going to reach their peak by early November.  So I am planning for a road trip to such a location.  Armed with a Camera, my senses and my honey by my side we are taking a road trip. I haven’t told him yet, I know he will be excited that I planned it all for us without his involvement.   Not that costly, just a little gas and a lot  of relaxing.    The show of color will go on with or without any one watching it, or enjoying it.  I will take it all in, and enjoy the spectacle and make a day of it.   

 Who needs to take a costly vacation?  We have nature all around us, and it doesn’t cost anything but a little gas money.  I looked on the Internet at the Parks around where we live.  And I was surprised at what I found out.  This state is LOADED with State and National Parks,  I guess that is why it is called the Natural State.  Petit Jean is probably the park that is the one of the larger ones close to us, so we can go there to see the color of the leaves.  But looking through the list I found that I want to go to the Crater of Diamonds State Park, and the Devils Den State park.  I think that both parks offer a variety of things for both of us.  Even though we are not the outdoorsy kind of people we do like nature, and we do like fall.

If you are looking for something to do on a Saturday or Sunday, that is cheap if not free check out your State and National Forests.  It is usually a minimal fee to get in and all you need is gas and a camera.  And when was the last time you packed a pick nick in a real pick nick basket?  Keep it simple and enjoy the day with your loved one by your side.