HER MAJESTY - QUEEN WILHELMINA

I have spent the past 2 days at Queen Wilhelmina State Park right outside Mena, Arkansas.  The state park is on top of a mountain. There are about 35 campsites and a lodge.  The lodge is under major renovations right now and is suppose to be open spring of 2014.  You will see that the lodge will be really nice once complete. There are 2 different routes into the park. Mr. W called the office and asked what route would be best for a 38 ft. fifth wheel.  So, we set out on that route.  Well, maybe the office didn't understand 38 FOOT FIFTH WHEEL!  The road went up at what seemed like a 90 degree incline and I think they paved the road along the trail left by a snake.  I met a UPS truck on the road and thank goodness we didn't meet on one of the many blind curves. Yikes!  The drive is really pretty if you can get over the fact that the road is narrow, winding, and steep.

I finally arrive, set up and scope out a spot to watch a sunset.

Looking at our neighbors

 

 

I thought the best place to watch a sunset would be in front of the lodge.  They have trimmed back a lot of the trees so that views from the lodge will be unobstructed.  Meaning, my view would be unobstructed. They have it fenced off the lodge because of the construction.  But look at the pic.  Don't you think it will be great when finished?

 





Unfortunately, it was so hazy that looking out to the vista below proved to be NOT a good place to see anything much less a sunset.

Mr. W and I set there awhile hoping that the haze would go away, which it didn't, and then started back to our vehicle to call it a night.  On the way, we encountered some deer and while watching them, we saw a much better view of the sunset.  Still, not spectacular, but I'll take any sunset on top of the mountain anytime over a sunset anywhere after WORKING!  By the way, Mr. W and I always try to find a good view of a sunset, bring our chairs to sit and watch, and drink a little vino to top it off.  Alcohol is not allowed in state parks so mums the word! Thank goodness I brought my own because after making a little shopping trip at the local grocery store, I discovered Polk County Arkansas is a dry county.  I think the young "20 something" cashier was more bummed about that than I was. If you have never had any Arkansas wine, you are truly missing something. But, if you see me sitting at sunset with a thermos and a solo cup, it's not coffee I'm drinking.  It will have to be our little secret.  You can keep a secret, right? :)

There is an "official" national scenic highway, the Talimena National Scenic Byway.  I decided that since it had 20 different vista pull-offs, surely I would be able to get some good pics of the mountains and the valley below.  The morning proved to be hazy but it did eventually clear off enough to get some half-way decent pictures. 

Mr. W

Mimi (yours truly)

I ended up in a little town, Talihina, OK., where I ate lunch at a great little, old-fashion, soda counter diner. They had great sandwiches and many, many fountain treats.  It was called Treats and Treasures.  Stop by if you are ever in the neighborhood.

Did I mention that this week is the week for motorcycle club rallies in Arkansas? I had the pleasure of sharing the state park with the "Two-wheelers of Texas" BMW motorcycle club.  But every road was filled with Hondas, Harleys, and BMW motorcycles.  I'm sure this is a boost to all the small towns' economy during this time and there were signs all around welcoming the bikers.

A storm came in last night and it is suppose to rain all day today.  This has changed my travel plans.  I had planned to leave today to go to Petit Jean State Park but the thought of going DOWN the snaking, steep road during all this wind and rain did not seem like my idea of a good time.  So, tomorrow, I'm heading to Ozark, Arkansas instead and will have to visit Petit Jean some other time.

If you are in the area, be sure to stop by Queen Wilhelminia State Park.  You will be glad you did.