I just want to make it clear that we called the National Park Visitors' Center BEFORE we left I-30 near Little Rock. We were told that US 70 was open and appropriate for us to drive in a 40 foot motorhome towing a minivan. We were also told that the National Park Campground was open for business. It was only when we were committed to the route that we realized how much snow the area had received a few days earlier.
No, we are not driving in Alaska, we are on US-70 in Arkansas headed towards Hot Springs National Park. This damage is a result of a huge snow storm that blanketed the area a few days prior to our arrival. Had we not gone up visit Kathy's Mom for Christmas, we would have been right in the middle of the snowstorm that created this mess.
You can see the crews trying to clear the roadway. Hot Springs has some snowfalls, but usually the snow is gone within a day or two. This storm closed buildings and created power outages all over the town.
These are some of the fallen trees the crews have to cut and remove to ensure safe passage for travelers. This is only one of the many areas we had to navigate on our route. The road is two lane on some parts to allow cars to pass, however, some of the road is still blocked by fallen trees with only one lane to drive. It was a little difficult driving a 40 foot motor home with a toad vehicle trying to keep from running into things.
I did not mention that it was raining heavy throughout our trip. When we arrived at the road to access the campground we found that the road was closed and had to make other arrangements.
We finally arrived at Catherine's Landing Outdoor Destination some 20 minutes from town. The facilities were excellent. We were surprised at the number of guests who were staying at this campground this time of year. This picture was taken on Saturday December 29th which was a sunny but cold day. Tonight's low is expected to be around 18 degrees.
Water. That's what first attracted people, and they have been coming here ever since to use these soothing thermal waters to heal and relax. Rich and poor alike came for the baths, and a thriving city built up around the hot springs. The Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center is closed for a major maintenance project. A temporary park Visitor Center, along with park store, are located on the Lamar Bathhouse at the south end of Bathhouse Row.
As the newest spa to Hot Springs National Park, and historic
Bathhouse Row, Quapaw Baths & Spa offers guests a unique way to experience
the acclaimed thermal mineral water in their four large capacity soaking pools
and new Private Bathing Area. Their expertly trained and experienced therapists
provide relaxing massages, facials, and revitalizing body polishes designed to
leave their guests completely rejuvenated. Kathy and I decided to have the couple's Spa Treatment with a 20 minute soak in mineral water and a 25 minute Swedish massage. The experience was so rewarding that Kathy went back the next day for a scalp & foot treatment as well as another Swedish massage. She is well relaxed.
This is a picture of the Buckstaff Spa decorated for the holidays. One reason for coming to Hot Springs National Park was for me to purchase my Senior National Park Pass which allows life-time access to National Parks and other Federal properties, plus half off on campground accommodations. It's a great deal for $10 available for US Citizens aged 62 and over.
