Jasper and the Ozark Cafe

Jasper, Arkansas, a small town down in the midst of the Ozark Hills. Beautiful countryside. If you've been out and about in God's Beautiful Creation and are looking for a great place to eat, then I recommend the Ozark Cafe. It's been around for over 100 years. (100 in September of 2009). They serve a whole menu of good ole' country cooking. Most of my group tried out their burgers. Which everyone really enjoyed. I had the Volcano Burger, so named for the Volcano Flow like pile of melted cheesy goodness. :) If you like cheese then this is the burger for you, cause they pile it on and then melt and fry it down. It could stand to use a little more flavor but the cheese is the center of attention. :) Saturday nights they also have live music. All in all it was a great place. By no means little like you'd expect a cafe to be. I look forward to stopping back in one of these days.

Lost Valley State Park - Arkansas

Lost Valley State Park
(For some reason I can't get the pictures into their corresponding sections, so they are all below)
One of the prettiest and easiest trails I've been on. Now when I say easiest I should clarify that part of the trail is a easy cleared trail with stone and chip laid down in a nice walking path. According to their site (link at the end), the first 1/2 mile is handicap accessible. It is a 2 1/2 mile round trip. After the first 1/2 mile it more uneven, with places to climb around. Most of that part of the trail has been made "easier" by the fact that rocks were hand placed to form steps where needed. As "easy" as it can be, Always use caution when climbing around on the rocks and such. And I recommend having a companion with you.

There are a few caves and waterfalls. One of the "caves/waterfalls" is a Natural Bridge, also named that, that if you know what you're doing you can climb through it. (First and Second pictures below)

Another Cave is actual called a Bluff Shelter, it's name is Cobb Cave, named for the Native American corn cobs found there by a University of Arkansas archeology team. It's a really cool and has Huge opening. (Third Picture below) (See the people on the trail? Yeah they are about to the opening)

This is another one, that if you know what you're doing, go climb in. Once inside, if you and your companion stand on opposite sides you'll get a great idea of just how large it really is. After Cobb Cave continue on and you'll see Eden Falls. Nice relaxing place to picnic, from the looks of things. (Fourth picture below)

At the end of the trail you'll find the entrance to another cave, this one doesn't have a name on the site. It is my favorite part because you can go caving in this one relatively easy. It also has a waterfall in the back. First thing be very careful back here, the entrance can be tricky. On my last trip I miss stepped and banged up my knee. Otherwise have fun. Take a Flashlight or two with you, Headlamps work Great! There are two paths that you can take to the back of the cave. If you go to the Left you'll be crawling and getting wet for sure. To the Right you'll get to stand MOSTLY (watch your head) and walk through a narrow passage. There is a couple tricky spots in the passage that you'll have to climb around a bit. At the back you'll find yourself in a Tall chamber with normally a waterfall coming right down in the middle. Once your situated, turn your flashlight off and see just how dark it can be. It also has some nice acoustics. Most of the groups I've been with have tried it out with "Amazing Grace". Now to leave, you are leaving by the two paths mentioned earlier, just remember there may be other folks on there way back too.

The foliage in the area is also varied. During the growing season you'll usually find all kinds of plants and flowers. One my last trip I found these flowers. I'm guessing they are mini wild Irises. (Last picture below)

Well friends that is the Lost Valley State Park of Arkansas. If you're wanting to go see it, you'll take 7 South out of Harrison, Arkansas and then continue on 43. There is not much signage for it and it's back a stone/dirt road. Also you won't have any cell reception back in the park. At the Parking lot you'll find a pavilion and restrooms, yes ladies they are the flushing kind!! :) There's a second set that I didn't use but I'm thinking they may be those notorious outhouses. :) If there is an emergency they do have a courtesy phone on the outside of the restrooms.
So if you have 2 plus hours that you want to spend outdoors in God's Amazing creation, then I Highly recommend this state park.
Here is the link to the the Park -
http://www.buffaloriver.com/lost-valley-trail/
I'd stop by there first to read the info they have too.

Happy hiking!

To see about a quaint place to eat afterwards continue onto my post about the town of Jasper and the 100+ year old Ozark Cafe (a Great Burger place)

Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge

Cobb Cave

Eden Falls

Wild Irises (I think) :) 

Tomorrow's Lunch

I was out late one evening after work, when I decided to grab take-out for the next day's lunch. I spotted a good burrito place and decided to place my order via the drive through. When I pulled up there was an out of order sign, please pull to window. I wasn't positive what I wanted and with all the options, I really didn't want to do the window. As I was pulling away I was debating about just leaving or going inside, I almost left. Finally I just decided to go in. Come to find out the guy that took my order is a friend of mine. We got talking about how he was looking for a new job and a little bit about why. As we talked I remembered that the place I'm working was hiring for a position that would be great for him. I told him he needed to go apply and that I'd let the manager know about him, that I highly recommended him. About one month later he'll be starting in the new position. I know he'll be a great fit for it.
You never know what God has for you to do. You're just grabbing lunch and in actuality you are being sent to encourage a friend and assist them get a new job. Especially the time of day it was, wasn't normal for me to be in town, let alone be at that restaurant.
Watch for God Moments, you never know what it will be but it'll bless you and more than likely another too.
Be willing to be used by God.

Shopping for Chocolate

I had just gotten off work and was headed home, when I decided to stop for a few things at the store. The first item was chocolate. I thought of going down the road to the discount store but then remembered that the "Popular Drugstore" was suppose to have a particular kind.
So I went in there for the chocolate but came out with none. But it wasn't without a purpose.
What I didn't know was that a friend worked there, who had recently lost their son in an accident. This was one of those hard emotional days.
Thankfully though I was looking for chocolate because there they were stocking the chocolate shelves.
I can't begin to comprehend or understand all they are going through but I was able to listen. To give them a big hug and hopefully leave them knowing that I cared.
You never know what will happen.
I was just shopping for chocolate But God needed me to hug a friend.
Watch for God Moments, you never know what it will be but it'll bless you and more than likely another too.
Be willing to be used by God.