Touring America 2023

On the road again!...headed for Willow Beach COE just outside Little Rock, Arkansas. We were a little apprehensive as the RV park is on a land spit sandwiched between a lake and the Arkansas River. The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. Traveling some 1,469 miles, it is the sixth longest river in the U.S., and the 45th longest river in the world. With all the predicted rain and thunderstorms, flooding was a possibility. Add the tornado warnings to the mix and it was a little unsettling. We found our site was awesome, lots of space and the campground was nearly empty. Thunderstorms, lightning, thunder, extreme raindrops and the weather radio going off every half hour made for a restless first night. However, morning greeted us with bright blue skies and the promise of a beautiful day.

Taking advantage of the beautiful weather, we headed into Little Rock to explore. We were not disappointed. What we found was an upscale inner city that takes pride in what they have to offer. The Riverwalk comprises of upscale restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and quaint shops. The east end of the Riverwalk ends at the William Clinton Presidential Museum. We had a very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.

Unfortunately, I lost my cell phone while we were here. You never realize how much stuff you have in your phone until that happens. So, it was off to Verizon for a new phone, then trying to figure out how to use it. I switched from the IPhone to the Galaxy and it took me awhile to get used to it. I did have a backup, but many phone numbers and pictures are history. UGH!

If you have an opportunity to visit the City of Little Rock, spend some time on the Riverwalk. You won't be disappointed.....

Leaving Lake Chicot State Park, we linked up with US 65 again and headed northwest towards Little Rock, Arkansas.

US 65 is a beautiful drive past farms, mostly cotton, with some wheat fields thrown in. If you're looking for a nice leisurely drive through some of the most beautiful country in the U.S., this is your road. Don't plan on 70mph though, as 50-55 is the norm....

We arrived at our site at Willow Beach and found it to be an awesome find! The Arkansas River is on the left side of this picture, which makes our living side facing the river. Willow Lake is on the left side. Fishing is good on both sides....

Another view of our campsite. The Corps of Engineer's Parks are among the best in the nation, IMHO....The only thing negative is they are mostly water and electric only. They do have a dump station on site. We were here a week and had no issues with that. More than a week might have stretched our holding tank capacities. Debi likes long hot showers every day...:)

Little Rock is the Capitol of Arkansas and the Capitol building did not disappoint. The grounds have been referred to as the most beautiful capitol grounds in the United States. There are memorials throughout the grounds honoring Arkansas' fallen heroes....soldiers, policemen and Veterans, past and current.

There are many parks within the City. This one is near the William Clinton Presidential Museum along the Riverwalk.

When the temperature is 80 degrees and the humidity is 70%, how do you have fun and beat the heat. These folks, ranging from toddlers to seniors simply grab a piece of cardboard and slide down the hill. Sledding without the snow! In the upper left is the Clinton Museum. Just below that, you can see the sprinkler system which is turned on so the people have a way to cool off after an afternoon of sledding. These folks were having a blast!

From North Little Rock, looking back at the City, near downtown. There is an RV park on the river near here, but it's a large parking lot with little amenities other than being close to the downtown area....

We returned to our site at Willow Beach and watched the sun set over the Arkansas River from our front porch. Life doesn't get much better than this.....