Road trip part II - We headed to Hot Springs National Park to watch the solar eclipse . This was the last total eclipse in the USA until 2044, so we were fortunate that the storms didn't move in util the evening and we had a clear view. The precise movement and size of the Earth, Moon, and Sun all come together to make this amazing phenomenon possible, which is a great testament to the creative hand of God in ordering the world around us.
Hot Springs boasts many beautiful historic buildings along bathhouse row, two of which still offer baths in the mineral hot springs sourced from below the town. The surrounding Ouachita Mountains offer many hiking opportunities, and the native Dogwood trees were in bloom, which is always a treat. The Ozark mountains are unique in that they generally run east and west instead of north and south like most mountain chains.
Last stop was in Fort Smith, Arkansas to see the historic site and US Marshall's museum. Historic Fort Smith was an the center of much drama in western expansion and conflict with native tribes.
Check out the new Texarkana Gallery and the Architecture Gallery for images from western Arkansas and the eclipse.