After crossing the Mississippi at Memphis we drove through the delta country of Arkansas going due NW towards the Western part of the state in the Ozark Mountains. The scenery was first flat, and filled with mostly rice and cotton farms, and then as we began to gradually rise off the delta plain the rolling countryside became truly beautiful.
Our friends the McFadyens, who once lived in the area of Mountain Home where they ran a fishing camp on the White River, convinced us that we absolutely had to have lunch at Gaston's Resort on the White River in Lakeview, AR. We went there and had a lunch that couldn't be beat and called the McFadyens from the main dining room to let them know what a great place it is.
Our hosts in Fayetteville also have a farm just south of Eureka Springs, and they agreed to meet us there and take us to that idyllic spot. David & Sally Wimberly were kind and gracious hosts and entertained us at an outdoor campfire in the evening. We sat around the fire and drank wine and watched the sun go down over a beautiful valley. They had their Sheltie dog with them and his unusual name is "Tender" since he had once been a contender for a prize in a dog show.
On Saturday we spent the day in Eureka Springs. enjoying the many quaint shops, art gallery's and restaurants that fill the town. we also learned of the existence of what turned out to be an absolutely stunning architectural gem known as the Thorncrown Chapel. This was the legacy of a local man who bought some land and the created a chapel in the woods. Barbara and I sat inside the chapel for a half hour drinking in the peace and beauty of the site and the building.
After luncheon in a funky street side outdoor cafe, we drove down to Fayetteville to the Wimberly's city residence and stayed overnight there. We met the Wimberly's cat, which they described as being, "16 years old and grumpy" but we found him to be friendly one of his species.
On Sunday morning we found the First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville and attended the morning service. After the service we met the Pastor at the door and after sharing our information he noted that he had once been the chosen candidate for the Associate Pastor slot at our church in Fernandina Beach. Subsequently, as the result a cancer diagnosis for his father, he sadly declined our offer in order to be closer to his dad. Our church subsequently chose Rev. Hope Lee for that position.
Mac
ReplyDeleteAs a member of the PNC for Hope's call,I can assure you that Hope was our first selection. This pastor's declining of the postion had nothing to do with Hope's call. Must have been Chris or Sonny. Please correct this misinformation.....
Blessings
Bill