Monday, August 10, 2009

The Highest Point in Arkansas

While my parents were here for a visit last week, we took a trip out to Mt. Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas. Benjamin and I hadn't been up there yet, so we enjoyed seeing something new, and finding out about some new (to us) hiking trails.

The lodge up there is really nice. It was only built a few years ago, and is in great condition. The restaurant was pretty good, and the view couldn't be beat. Apparently, there is an indoor swimming pool with the same all glass walls.

The lodge also had nice big porches with rocking chairs, which my parents parents are enjoying in this photo.

The visitor center (no picture of that) was really well done, and had a cool wildlife viewing room, where you could watch birds, chipmunks, and other critters at the feeding stations. We saw an indigo bunting, and a Diana Fritillary butterfly. Both very pretty.

So, after lunch we "climbed" to the top of the highest point in Arkansas. All 2753 feet of it. As my dad said "Do they really want to celebrate 2753 feet?" My grandparents' house is at 4500 feet in Sedona. The highest point in Washington is Mt. Rainier, at 14,410 feet. Still, since most of Arkansas is a swamp, I guess it is something...
And whether it is too low to celebrate or not, the views were spectacular.