It has been raining an awful lot around here ... especially for the month of August. Penny and I decided to take a Sunday drive down to the Sylamore Forest and see how the creeks and rivers were flowing . It was raining lightly when we left and started getting heavier by the time we got off the highway heading into the mountains. The first road I took , we drove about 2 miles down , and there was a washed out bridge that a truck had just gotten stuck trying to cross , so I reluctantly turned around ... We NEED a Jeep!
After backtracking to the highway , I got out my maps and plotted another attack at a forest road further down the highway . After missing the turnoff and doubling back , we turned down it to find a flooded creek crossing that Penny did NOT want to cross ....
We NEED a Jeep !
So .... I backed out of that hole and we cruised around the area on paved roads , and then I spotted the cutoff to Blanchard Springs State Park . Penny and I had been there once , a long time ago when we took one of our trips to Arkansas in our motorhome. They have a great cavern to tour , but the highlight of the park is the Spring , which on a normal day produces up to 100,000 gallons of water .... per minute . I do believe it was flowing at maximum today for our visit . It was a spectacular site to see and hear . We took photos , and of course I hiked upstream from the place you are supposed to STOP and view from .... I always have to see what is around the bend in a creek or river . Sure enough .... as I made my way over some slippery rocks , a really beautiful waterfall came into view . It was only able to be seen from that area ..... You always get an extra treat in the wilderness , if you are willing to get up, get out and go to the mountains. I really love this area !
Later , after messing around a old CCC stone bridge at the parking area , we drove back out to the highway , and I found a road going back into the Forest area we originally had tried to come in that was washed out . We wound up getting to go to Gunner Pool area and Barkshed Camp , saw a lot of deer romping thru the woods , and took more great photos of the water flowing out of the mountain areas towards the White River basin . It was a great day to be outdoors , and Penny and I had a good time .
Enjoy the photos until y'all can make the trip up to see us !
The second road we tried to get into the Forest ...I Know I know .... TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN ( wasn't THAT deep!) We NEED a Jeep!
This is Penny's favorite kind of trail .... paved! No poison ivy !
The creek flowing out from the Spring outlet ... lots of water !
I'd say the humidity level was ......100% ..... at least !
Yee Haa! Break out the Kayak !
Amazing flow ... for August !
The mouth of the Spring as it exits the mountain , and the observation deck that you are supposed to STOP on .
Penny always abides by the law .... she stopped . She is so sweet .........
The sign .... posted by " The Man" .......
Just a few more feet .... PLEEEEZZZZZEEEE!!!!
As I sneak around the bend , a feeder stream is flowing down the mountain to join the water from Blanchard Spring.
As I follow the feeder stream up further, I round a bend and there it is .... a treat for my eyes . A great waterfall ..... I wanted to keep going , but Penny was waiting alone .... obeying the law ...because she is sweet .... :)
A video clip Penny shot of the water flowing .....WOW!
Messing around the old CCC bridge ..... GREEN isn't it ?
This was a small spring ... just flowing out of the side of the mountain . I just love this kind of stuff !
