Day 4 - Eureka Springs: Lions, Tigers, Bears, A Stalker and more.... 5/22/2012
As usual, I was up early. Too early. But once I awake and start twitching my toes, I know there is no more sleeping to be had. Decided to take a quick early ride to Beaver, home of the famous Arkansas Golden Gate Bridge......Took a few more shots. My previous trips have been late fall and very early spring, so I was glad to find some wildflowers for a new shot of the bridge over Table Rock Lake..
And of course, when I sign says NO STOPPING, to me it implies a photo op is awaiting.....
Cruised back to my Cabin and made some breakfast. Just outside of Eureka Springs, about 6 miles South on AR23 is a place called the Turpentine Wildlife Refuge. I had donated a couple prints for a recent benefit auction so I decided to go check the place out...They have over 100 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Cats...etc that have been “rescued”. Mostly from private owners. The ones pictured here are transitioning before they are let into a more natural environment. The park has about 450 acres.
This Tiger was feeling Randy!!
On the way to the Refuge, I spotted a Green Interstate outside a leather apparel place. Can't remember the name, but it was something like DAWGS.....Anywho, I made a quick U turn to check out the Valk, and that is when I discovered my stalker.....Unfortunately, it was not a hot young crazed fan, but an old man!! It was Old2Soon.....He tracked me down!! I'm scared!!
He must have seen me pull up and asked if I was the famous Gordo Rad from the VRCC board. I replied “you betcha”......We exchanged a few pleasantries, and I invited him along to accompany me to the Refuge.
Next we took a quick spin to downtown ES, and another Valk spotting happened......This really nice 98 Yellow and Cream Standard....
Cool Bars....
A few minutes later, the owner and his woman came out. Names are Gary and Bonnie. They were down for the day from Kimberling City, MO where there are living for a few months at an RV Park. This is his second Valk. Very nice and great Sound.
From there Old2Soon headed back to Misery, and I took Gary and Bonnie for a spin around Beaver Lake. Of course, told them about Inzane which they were not aware of, and they will probably be back.
Headed back to the cabin, made some dinner, and stopped by the Castle at Rogue Manor. More details on that, but trying to put together an event during Inazne that will be very cool.....Photo's of you and your Valk INSIDE the Castle....And o yes, lunch and drinks too!! To see how close people read this report, please reply and let me know if photos in the Castle and Lunch is something you might like to do!!
I'm in Bentonville, AR now enroute to meet Stan D Cool in Afton for my start of the Route 66 portion of my trip.
