Evening: Day 5

Dear Miss Smith,

    As you know, we discovered an Irish Dance School here in Fort Smith called the McCafferty School of Irish Dance. Tonight some of their dancers were performing in a city park as a closing performance for a big Irish festival. Of all the different types of dancing I have seen, Irish dancing has always intrigued me. It is amazing watching all of them dancing together in step with each other, especially near the end when they did an accapella dance. It's hard to stay with the correct timing without music but they did it!!!  We weren't able to get many good pictures or videos (the sound isn't very good on our camera) but I found a video from a couple of years ago when the school performed in a large theater here in town.

~Amy

Day 5 - Arkansas

Day 5
October 21
    Arkansas

    Dear Miss Smith,
    Amy and I have parted ways, and I am alone. But, have no fears, it is only a temporary separation, but there, if I tell you more now, I must begin in the middle of the day instead of where one fully expects a well educated and traveled person, such as myself, to begin.

    As I am sure Amy mentioned in her letter to you yesterday, we drove part of the way last evening, stopping at an RV park along the way. The name of it or where it was exactly escapes my recollection for the time being; however, that is not important. This morning, we departed in plenty of time.

    I drove. Amy did quite well, by the way, when she drove yesterday. I could even sleep as she drove. But you may recall, Miss Smith, that I can sleep nearly any place. As we drove, I asked Amy if she had ever listened to Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance.” Would you believe it, she never had! The poor child! Deprived for so many years of that delightful music. I remedied that and we listened all the rest of the way to Van Buren, I telling her the story as we drove. She seemed to enjoy it. At least most of the time.

    Arriving in Van Buren, we took the dogs for a walk about the city before leaving them in the RV and making our way to the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad train depot. Ah yes, trains. As you know, Miss Smith, I adore trains: coal, electric or diesel, old fashioned or up-to-date, sleek, shiny, distance-eating or slow and steady. To me the blast of brakes, the sound of the whistle, the dinging of bells, the shouts of the conductor, as well as his nearly unintelligible language, is pure music.

Our Conductor

    The gift shop was delightful and we each picked up a small souvenir. Our train left the station at 11:00. Having chosen the Club tickets, we were seated in the second passenger car. Our conductor was a pleasant older gentleman who actually spoke English instead of “Conductorese.” During the trip, he told us stories about the old days, pointed out interesting sights along the way, and was in every respects, the most enjoyable of conductors.
    The foliage was simply gorgeous, Miss Smith! Golds, browns, dark greens and rusty colors abounded in every direction. The countryside was full of color everywhere you looked. Scarlet sumac lined rocky embankments while quaint farmhouses stood afar off surrounded by fields of green. Crossing the trestles over rushing creeks and deep ravines reminded me of the European countryside, though it was not as beautiful as this.

This picture doesn't do it justice.

    Let me tell you a bit about the 1917 - 1920s Vintage Pullman coach we rode in. It is not a replica, but an original one that has been restored. Those are so much better than the newer ones which are intended to look old. This one had plush velvet bench seating with mahogany inlays. My hat blended very well with the style and I even received a compliment or two on it.
    We were served our lunch aboard the train and both of us enjoyed it immensely. Arriving in Winslow, we climbed off and enjoyed the little gift shop there and wandered about until it was time for our train to return to Van Buren where we arrived about 2:20. I was wishing I didn’t have to leave (Someday, Miss Smith, I am going to go to Springdale and take the train from there to Van Buren. It is an eight hour round trip. Imagine, eight delightful hours on a train!) when Amy pointed out that there was a train which left in thirty minutes for Fort Smith! Now, Fort Smith was our next intended destination.
    How I longed to make that trip by train instead of RV, though I love my darling, little, red RV.
    “Suppose, ‘Cilla,” dear Amy said (Yes, Miss Smith, she does call me ‘Cilla. At least she doesn’t say “Prissy,” I detest that name.), “suppose you take the train and I will drive the RV with the dogs. We can meet in Fort Smith at the depot.”
    “Amy, you don’t mean it!” I exclaimed clasping my hands together in ecstasy at the very thought.
    “Of course I do. It isn’t that far to drive.”
    Well, I couldn’t very well refuse could I? So, that is why Amy is not with me. I rode the caboose this time and enjoyed every minute.

The Caboose I rode. I don't think you can see me though.

Now I am waiting for Amy to arrive. I do hope she didn’t have any trouble.
    We are going to an Irish dance performance this evening, but since that was Amy’s idea, I believe she is going to write a postcard about it.
    Right now I am going to walk around a bit after I mail this letter.

Much love,
Priscilla

P.S. Yesterday there were wrinkles on my bed again! I have my suspicions, but I will wait until this evening when we are all in the RV to test them. If it is what I think . . .

Day 4 - Arkansas

Day 4, October 20

Dear Miss Smith

 As you know, Priscilla turned the driving over to me today. I was relieved to find that driving the RV wasn’t too difficult, probably since I’ve had practice driving all kinds of other vehicles at home on the farm. The three-hour drive was pretty uneventful. Wanting to get an early start we were up at dawn but Priscilla was still tired so she quickly fell back to sleep, leaving me to comparative solitude.  As you know, ‘Cilla is indeed a deep sleeper and I took advantage of this by putting one of my own music CDs in. I don’t mind her music but honestly,  opera and old country music aren't exactly my favorites. I prefer Irish tunes in most cases so that’s what I went with.

                We finally arrived at Crater of Diamonds and found a good place for the RV before heading up to the Discovery Center and then started out to the field, armed with small shovels and a wire screen.  It had rained over night and one of the park employees informed us that this was the ideal time to search for diamonds as the rain helps unearths any rocks and minerals that might be around.

                We followed a worker’s advice and just walked up and down the field for a while, “surface hunting,” and digging a little hear and there. We arrived there at about nine o’clock and by lunch time hadn’t found any diamonds. Of course we knew there was a good chance we wouldn’t find any but we did hope. We weren’t completely empty-handed though. There is an abundance of other rocks and minerals to be found and we each found a few, including an amethyst and garnet.

                About noon we were getting hungry so we decided to go to the on-site restaurant for lunch. The dogs were with us all morning, on leashes of course, but we took them back to the RV before washing up and going to lunch. After lunch we headed back out to  look some more. There were other attractions (like wooded trails) which we wanted to see but we decided to look for diamonds a little longer.

                As I was looking, suddenly I heard an excited squeal and looking up I saw ‘Cilla on her hands and knees, her big plumed hat (you know, the one with the bird on it) haphazard but going unnoticed as she carefully lifted a small yellow stone into her hands.

                “Look, Amy!” she exclaimed. I could hardly believe my eyes. We called to a nearby employee who came over and confirmed our suspicions. Priscilla had indeed found a diamond! It was small, only a little larger than a pea, and yellowish in color. There was a natural oily substance all around it which apparently kept it fairly clean in the dirt.

                Storing it in a little bag we’d brought for the purpose we continued our search with renewed vigor. Another hour passed; it was 2:30 and we’d found nothing more so we decided to go see what else there was to see around the place. As we started for the edge of the field suddenly a little glint caught my eye. Eagerly I bent to see what it was. With a grin I held the little white diamond up for Priscilla to see.

                “We should’ve decided to leave earlier; maybe I would’ve found one soon!” I joked.

                We got cleaned up, put the dogs on their leashes, and went out to the trails. I suppose I shouldn’t go into too much description of the woods or I’ll bore you, so I’ll just say, they were quiet and very beautiful!

                About 4:30 we returned to the RV and started for our next destination, stopping once for supper at Taco Bell.

                Priscilla is going to bed and just gave a not-so-subtle hint that I should probably turn out the light.

                So, good night, Miss Smith.

 

~Amy~

Day 3 - Arkansas

Day 3, October 19

        Dear Miss Smith,
    What a day we have had here at Cane Creek State Park. Ah, the delights of a clear day, the pleasures of cool weather, the joys of nature all combined to give an ambiance to our adventures which will fill you with an envious wish no doubt to have been with us. However, as that could not be (Imagine what the dogs and cats would have done to the house! No, on second thought, don’t imagine it, for it is much too terrible to even think of.), I will write about it to you.
    Since we had parked the RV at the state park we were right where we needed to be with no driving this morning.

    As the day was delightfully cool and we had both risen early, Amy and I decided to take a walk over to the nature center first before deciding what we would do to start our day. I put on my favorite hat before I stepped outside. You remember, the one with all the flowers, ribbons and feathers? Well, Amy then pointed out that it was rather large for wearing on trails in the woods. So, I put on a smaller hat. This one, alas, had netting “streamers,” as Amy called them and the first tree I passed under snagged them. I was quite at a loss about what to do, for after examining my hats, not one of them would do for the woods; even my new hat was too wide brimmed and I would not go from the RV without a hat. At last, dear, sweet Amy came to my rescue by offering me the use of one of her hats. It had no flowers, feathers, ribbons or “streamers”; in fact, it was just a plain, rather ordinary hat. And I must confess that by the end of the day, I rather liked that hat. When I first put it on, I was almost afraid to look in the mirror, so accustomed have I become to my own hats, but would you believe it, it gave me a new stylish look.
    “Just the thing,” Amy declared and off we set, after I had made sure my pearl necklace was on and I had my larger glasses, leaving the dogs at the RV.
    After a visit to the nature center, it was decided that since the morning was cool, we would go for our first bike ride. Feeling rather adventurous we chose the longer, more difficult trail of 15.5 miles rather than the one slightly over two miles. I was longing to ride over the suspension bridges.
    Back we tramped to the RV where we exchanged our hats for helmets (a necessary precaution on all nature trails), unstrapped our bikes, filled our water bottles, fixed our lunches and this time, taking the dogs with us, having discovered to our delight that dogs were allowed on the trails as long as they were on leashes and under control, we set off on our first real adventure of the day.
    Quite pleasant it was as we rode among the trees with the morning light shining down through the still mostly green leaves above us. Though it is October, the trees haven’t really begun to exchange their summer garb for their autumn finery. Up little hills and down, twisting and turning we followed the trail. Penelope rode in my bike basket. I wish you could have seen her, Miss Smith, her ears were blowing in the wind and it was obvious to all that she was thoroughly enjoying herself. As for Timber, he ran the entire time beside Amy’s bicycle. He was on a leash but he didn’t need it.
    Those suspension bridges were a pure delight to ride over. After having crossed the first one, we took a break and walked back over the bridge to admire it. It was over a gorge which was surprisingly quite deep with a full stream at the bottom. Oh, the quiet, the stillness, away from the noise and busy rushing hither and thither of the city.
    At last we set off on our ride again. Two other suspension bridges were crossed but these we neglected to examine. The trail led us around the lake and we saw some wildlife, but I fear most were frightened away by the dogs. Really, Miss Smith, that first ride of the trip was well worth it. We took a break to eat our lunch only to discover afterwards that had we continued to ride another ten minutes we would have made it to the end of the trail. Ah, well. The picnic was enjoyable.

    It had warmed up considerably by the time we got back to the RV. Assisted by Amy, I strapped our bikes back in place and tidied up our room a bit. I had to put my hats away and, oh Miss Smith! There were seven wrinkles on my bed! I am unsure how they came to be, but just think, wrinkles on my bed! I do like things spick and span. I did allow Timber to sleep with Amy last night though he hardly fits in the room; however, I am afraid he and Penelope will be banned from the bedroom if I discover that they were the ones creating wrinkles on my bed.


    Our next adventure came about when we ventured forth upon our very first kayaking experience. Would you believe it, Miss Smith, they have a “trail” for kayaking! I have climbed the mountains in Switzerland, crossed the desert in Egypt by camel, traveled by plane, train and automobile, but never had I been kayaking. Though Amy’s brothers have taught her how to canoe, she had never been in a kayak either. This made our first experience quite entertaining.
    At first we thought a tandem kayak would be delightful so we started out in one of those. I’m sure the man who rented us the kayak must have been laughing in his sleeve to see us.
    When I tried to go forward, Amy was paddling backwards, or perhaps it was the other way around. And when Amy attempted to turn right, I tried to go left. We never went anywhere except in circles. But I did lose my hat! Actually it was Amy’s hat. I was wearing it again upon Amy’s advice. A breeze suddenly came up and without so much as a by your leave, it took the hat off my head. Thankfully Amy was able to catch it before it became a boat or a fish. Then she proceeded to show me how to wear it backwards! Can you imagine, Miss Smith! Me, Priscilla De Silvosa wearing a hat backwards! Well, as I am sure that your imagination is not equal to the task, and mine certainly wasn’t, Amy has kindly taken a photo of me wearing her hat backwards which I am enclosing especially for your benefit.

Wearing a hat backwards!

    When we did manage to return to the dock, the man offered us two separate kayaks since the tandem wasn’t working. Things went much smoother this time only there was something wrong with my paddles half the time. Amy finally gave up trying to stay dry for I couldn’t keep from splashing her time after time. Eventually I got the hang of the craft and after that we made good time. We were not required to stay on the “trail” which was marked by yellow blazes on the trees and yellow floaters in the water. Were we to do it another time, I might venture forth upon unmarked waterways, but this first time we remained on the trail.
    We passed right by several beaver dams. Large ones they were too. Quite fascinating also. We didn’t catch any glimpse of the inhabitants and architects of those intricate dwellings, but we did spy a bald eagle riding on air currents far above us.
    “They shall mount up on wings as eagles,” I murmured with my eyes fastened on the king of the air.
    In silence we watched him until he disappeared behind some hills. Then we ventured forth again. We discovered a bald eagle’s nest in the top of a large old tree. And though we looked, we never saw the osprey’s nest which we had been told was at the mouth of one of the streams. There are many streams feeding this man-made lake so it is possible that we were looking in the wrong place.
    Since it was by that time growing rather late, we paddled back to the dock and slowly, enjoying every moment of quiet, we strolled back to the RV.

    The dogs were wild to see us when we arrived, and Amy took them for a short run while I made supper. It did turn out well, Miss Smith, since all I had to do was pull the pan from the freezer and put it in the oven. We decided not to drive on tonight.
    “Amy,” I said over supper, “it is your turn to drive. Would you rather drive tonight or in the morning?”
    Looking somewhat flustered, my companion replied, “I’ve never driven an RV.”
    “Well, you can’t learn any younger. That is what my father always told me. And I’ll tell you right now that I am not going to drive this RV the entire trip. So, to get back to the question, since you are the driver, would you rather wait until morning or drive at night?”
    Amy decided to wait. Thus it is that we are spending a second night here at Cane Creek. Tomorrow we head for the diamond fields. Originally we had planned on spending at least part of tomorrow in Camden visiting the McCollum-Chidester House Museum which was built in 1864, I believe, by slave labor and served as headquarters for a southern general during the civil war; however, unfortunately for us, the museum is closed at this time, therefore we will not be stopping. I did jot it down in my notebook of places to return to.
    Amy has gone to bed and Timber has followed her. I sincerely hope he doesn’t snore as he did last night. Good night, Miss Smith. I hope everything is running smoothly at home.

With love,
Priscilla

Day Two

Day 2, October 18

Dear Miss Smith,

As ‘Cila said, you would love it here! I remember how much you said you love your Arkansas heritage and the Ozark Folk Center definitely helps bring the old ways of the Ozark mountains back to life!

We abandoned the RV to spend the night in one of the little cabins they have here. Out away from all the noise of civilization the site of the cabins is quiet and peaceful. We were both tired after our long day so went to bed as soon as possible. I fell asleep listening to ‘Cila’s pen scratching across the paper.

This morning I woke up long before Priscilla, not yet being quite accustomed to our new schedule. Back home as you know, our days started very early. Leaving ‘Cila and Penelope asleep I got dressed and went outside. Timber was just outside the door, sleeping. He woke up and came over to me as I stepped out. He doesn’t seem to understand being shut outside at night but such a big dog isn’t allowed inside the cabin. I daresay he looks forward to the time when he can come inside and sleep at the foot of my bed as he is used to.

As we walked around the area I was once more amazed at the beauty of God’s creation. Have you ever taken a long walk in the early morning, just you, the animals and God? There’s something so peaceful and lovely about it! I finally returned to the cabin. Priscilla was up at this point and, after eating a simple breakfast of granola we loaded our stuff back into the RV and then started for the main area of the Center.

First off we visited some other shops that we’d missed last night. While there ‘Cila discovered a simple, wide-brimmed straw hat which she immediately fell in love with so, of course, she bought it and intends to wear it often. I really don’t see how she finds time to wear all of the hats she has but I suppose she does, even if it’s only once a year! There was a lovely little jewelry shop as well where I bought a sweet little bracelet. I was solemnly informed by my companion that I simply must take something back as a souvenir.

Just before lunch we visited the doll shop. As we looked around we heard a soft voice speaking over to the side, telling a story. The sound of her voice drew us until we saw an elderly lady sitting in a comfortable rocker with one or two folks around her, listening eagerly as she told stories of her childhood during the depression. As she spoke her fingers moved nimbly creating a cunning little corn shuck doll, such as she says she used to play with all the time as a little girl.

There were a few chairs around so we sat down and stayed there listening until the pangs of hunger reminded us of the delicious food served at the Skillet Restaurant. The week’s specials looked delicious but we each settled for simple sandwich for lunch before heading back out. There were still a lot of craftsmen and women whom we wanted to see.

Our first stop was one of the many smaller herb gardens scattered throughout the park. Miss Smith, I could have just looked at those herb gardens all day all day! Only the fact that Priscilla was with me and has never been such an herb enthusiast as I am made me go elsewhere. The most beautiful and diverse herb gardens I have ever seen are there! Not only do they have the regular, common herbs that everyone knows about but they also grow rare herbs that I’ve never ever heard of! One of the workers told me of the Ozark Folk School in which I can learn more about herbs that I would usually be able to learn at home. After this trip I definitely want to look into that. Also I have decided that after getting home I am going to start my own herb garden. I’ve grown a few herbs in the past years but I want to expand my borders in that area.

You won’t believe all of the craftsmen here! They do everything from basket-making to instrument creation to blacksmithing and so much more! I hardly know what to tell you about them all. We may have missed a few things but we watched as many of the different trades as we possibly could. The dress-maker even showed us some of her tricks! I shall definitely remember those for when we get home.

Along toward supper time we visited the theater. The Ozark Folk Center invites various bands to come and play traditional music in the theater. I don’t remember the name of the band we saw but it was a family band all members of which played their separate instruments very well. And I was rather wowed by the oldest son’s voice! He was exceptional!

We considered staying another night in the cabin but then decided to go ahead and head out for our next destination. I’m writing as we drive, to explain the crooked writing. The dogs are asleep just behind us, and ‘Cila is chattering on about the day while driving. I know she is very excited about our next stop. I hear there may even be canoeing. That will be a new experience for Priscilla though my brothers took care to see that I went on numerous float trips with them growing up.

Sincerely

~Amy

It has begun! - Day One

The adventure of Priscilla and Amy has begun! I received this first letter this morning. Check back often for future letters and notes from the travelers.

~ Miss Smith

Day 1, October 17

Dear Miss Smith,
As you know, I left home quite early this morning and drove to pick up Amy. Timber and Penelope were a little unsure of each other at first, but now they are best of friends. Amy was ready for me when I arrived and after quickly storing her luggage and travel things, saying farewell and then getting the cat out of the RV, we set off.
It was a beautiful morning to drive and the RV did very well on the hilly, curvy roads. As you may have already guessed, Amy and I talked nearly non stop until we reached Lead Hill, Arkansas and turned off to the Ozark Medieval Fortress.
Imagine, a castle right here in the United States! I must admit that I felt as though I were back in Europe or England, but when I tried speaking French or German, no one understood me. Amy and I took the guided tour. Though I’m not a passionate student of medieval history, I found the tour both fascinating as well as quite interesting.
They only started building the fortress in 2009, so the walls aren’t very tall yet. In some places they are high enough to have a covered doorway. The plan is to have the fortress done by 2030. It is hard to believe someone would spend twenty years building a castle.
Did you know that there is not a single piece of modern equipment being used in the building of this castle? I was quite impressed by all the labor that has already been poured into the building. To measure, they use a rope with thirteen knots. Each knot is evenly spaced, so it works much the same as a measuring tape only with added benefits. The thirteen knots give twelve spaces. With the rope they can lay out and measure all sorts of shapes including three kinds of triangles. You should try it, Miss Smith. Get a rope or a long piece of twine and tie thirteen evenly spaced knots and then see what sort of shapes you can create with it.
They had a real catapult built there. It was huge! I’m not sure why they needed it now. There aren’t any walls high enough to knock down. Perhaps it is to defend the workers while they are building, though I think a group of archers would be more effective.
While we were there I made note that all those working on the castle or fortress, as well as those who are giving the tours and such were all dressed in the costumes of medieval times. We even saw a man with his falcon. The falcon had just brought a rabbit in.
As I said before, there are no modern devices of any sort. That means no rulers, no cranes to lift the rocks and no hard hats! It is all sweat and hard work. They have a horse and cart to bring things, but everything moves slowly.
Amy and I got to watch them lay another layer of rock right near the edge of the wall. It was rather breath-taking to watch and then to imagine what it will be like when the walls are two or three stories high! Phew! I don’t think I would like to come back and see that part. Hmm, Maybe that is why the walls were so thick; to give the workers something to stand on without being in constant danger of falling.
Late in the moring, we got to watch a sword fight between two knights. I told Amy that I half expected Robin Hood and his band of merry men to come out of the forest with their bows.
The blacksmith looked very young, but he knew what he was doing. And the stone cutters were incredible. There was also a weaver and several other persons doing intriguing things. If you know of anyone who is enamored with medieval history, you really should encourage them to go.
Since neither Amy nor I was extremely interested in watching the building, we left in the early afternoon. I’m sure if we had had a lad or two who was fascinated by that time in history, they could have spent at least a day and possibly more there. Why, you can even cut your own stone, mark it with your own special mark and lay it in the fortress walls! We decided not to do that, however, as we had other interests.

After leaving Lead Hill, we drove southeast to Mountain View to visit the Ozark Folk Center. Amy spent the time tying and untying knots in a length of string we had while I drove. By the time we reached Mountain View she had thirteen evenly spaced knots. I’m sure we’ll have interesting times with that string on our trip.
Oh, Miss Smith, you would greatly enjoy it here! I don’t know how we are going to do it all in one day tomorrow! This evening we did manage to wonder through some of the shops before supper. And dining in the restaurant was simply superb! Amy was enthralled by the herb gardens. Our supper table was near a window and we could look out over the butterfly and water garden and enjoy the wildlife coming to the feeding station or to drink from the basins of water. Once as I was watching, I saw something that wasn’t any creature I was use to seeing. It had come out of the brush and was ambling towards the water.
“Amy!” I gasped, pointing.
She turned and caught her breath. In amazement we watched the black bear as he drank and then after snuffleing around a bit, he disappeared into the dusky undergroth. I will have to make a note of Ozark Folk Center in the “return another time” file of my travel notebook.

Well, it is growing late and we are going to get up early in order to see as much as we can tomorrow, so I had better get to bed. Oh, yes, I must add that the travel arrangements in this RV are delightful. Two bunk beds in the little back room for Amy and I with room for two other girls. Any lads who join us will sleep in the “upper deck” up front. The dogs both sleep in the “living room” part of the RV which changes into the dining room and kitchen in about five steps. Close quarters to sleep in, but the whole of the great outdoors for the day time! What could be more enjoyable, delightful and invigorating?
Now I truly must end this. I will drop it in the mail first thing in the morning.

With love,

~ Priscilla