The Ozarks

I'm as far as I can get on my newest quilt (I've ran out of fabric and waiting for my mom to bring me some more) so I thought it was time to catch up on the blogging.  I seem to be getting behind ....

Todd and my friend Becky Courtright have the same birthday, so we decided that we would celebrate together.   Originally we thought just having a combined house party would be fun, but then Todd had a great idea of maybe going camping or something like that.   I passed the thought onto Becky and she thought it was great as well.   Becky got to researching and found this cool AWESOME cabin that was settled in the Ozarks of Arkansas.  For those of you who don't know anything about the Ozarks, they are located within 4 different states, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and even Kansas.   After living in Cheyenne and spending alot of time in the Rockies, I have become slightly jaded to what I consider mountains and just in general have a higher expectation.   After doing a little research I found out that in all honesty the Ozarks region is a high and deeply dissected plateau (thank you wikipedia).  That's good news for the Ozarks, since they aren't mountains I can't compare them to the Rockies which means they have a chance!   Anyways, back to the point.  The cabin really was incredible.  Here's the Cave Creek Cabin website and just because they have a great description of it I'm going to take it right from the page ...

"Huge authentic log cabin with modern conveniences. Sleeps 17, 2 full baths. Includes private and secluded 125 acres for hiking and exploring. Property has 3/8 mile of year round creek nestled in an Ozark valley setting for swimming and fishing. Ridge top location with huge covered porch with swing. Enjoy the mountain breezes while listening to the creek below. Build memories that will last a lifetime at Cave Creek Cabin. Adjacent to the Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area and the Carver input on the Buffalo National River (nationally known for it's excellent canoeing and float trips). Our 1840's authentic dogtrot-style log cabin has a massive fireplace and is constructed with hand hewn logs. It was recently moved from Kentucky to this secluded spot and has been restored and modernized for vacation fun and enjoyment of the Ozark mountain country found in Newton County, Arkansas. The cabin is very large and cozy with full walkout basement. Spacious fully equipped kitchen."

After about a week of planning the weekend finally arrived and we were on our way.   We ended up not getting out of town early enough to avoid driving in the dark.   Unfortunately there were some wicked (thankfully paved) switchbacks and some scary back country driving.  I wouldn't normally be scared of back country driving, but considering we were out in the woods driving by some really sketchy trailer/houses that seemed to be occupied it was definitely creepy.  Todd was actually the one to make the comment "Let's not get lost" after we drove by multiple sketchy shacks.  The last 4.3 miles was on dirt roads with many different possible turn offs, but somehow we made it without having to turn around or getting lost.   Once we got there we started exploring the cabin.  This place was huge!!!   

Our bedroom (on the 3rd floor)

Den from view on the stairs

Master bedroom - with its very own table and outside porch door

The Courtights made it to the cabin about an hour after us.  Once they were unloaded the guys started a fire and cooking dinner - grilled steaks with red potatoes.  Yum.   After dinner because I couldn't keep it a secret any longer (I'm actually very surprised that I was able to keep it), we surprised Todd with an ice cream birthday cake.  Todd made the comment sometime last year that he had always wanted a ice cream cake, so me being the good wife I am actually remembered!    You might have caught on to the fact that I said 'WE' surprised Todd with the cake which is true.  Even though it was Becky's birthday as well, she already knew about the cake.  I had planned it with her and I told her if she didn't like ice cream cakes we could get a second cake, but thankfully she said it sounded like a great idea.

Birthday buddies

Later in the evening after our food was starting to digest we began round 2 of food.  Becky had been telling me about these things they call Mountain pies.  I was a little weirded out by the name, but she described them as using bread to essentially make a crust for many different things.  We made mini pizzas and cherry pies.   You fill these cast iron things with bread and whatever else you want then stick it in the fire and let it cook.   They are awesomely delicious!

Mountain Pie Maker

Enjoying my first mountain pie!  Pizza!!  Yummy!

Once we woke up Saturday morning we finally got to see the lay of the land.  Turns the cabin was on a ledge that we had no idea was there the night before.   We even had a view of a river/stream/creek that was a surprise too.   

Front porch

After KC showed up we headed down to the river so Dan could do some fly fishing.   As part of a birthday present for Todd I wanted to get him a fishing license so Dan could teach him how to fly fish.  Turns out I think Todd enjoyed it quite a bit which is a good thing because he bought a fly rod that he still hasn't been able to use (its in Germany now).   While they were fishing, we did some exploring.  

Our one sighting of spring

An abandoned farmhouse fully stocked with hay

Sexy ... huh?

Dan teaching Todd

After a few hours of fishing we went back to the cabin for lunch and then back out again to a different area.   Todd and Dan did more fishing while Becky, KC, and I went on a 2 hour walk.   When the 3 of us made it back to the cars was when the real fun began!!!   KC brought some of his guns - 22 pistol, 22 rifle, 9mm, and an AK-47.   Before this outing I had already shot a 22 pistol and a 9mm.  This was my first time to shot the 22 rifle and AK-47.     Even though I only shot the AK once, it was still alot easier than I was expecting.  Now I understand why the automatic is banned.   Even though I had shot the 9mm on other occassions, this was my least favorite gun, I know the kick isn't bad, but I don't like it.  It scares me way more than the AK.   

Todd and Dan far off fishing

After the guns, we did a little off roading with the jeeps to another river area.  Dan did a little more fly fishing while the rest of us did some stone skipping and went on a treasure hunt.   The treasure hunt was very productive - we didn't find any treasure but we did find bamboo growing rampant throughout the area!

I finally got the hang of skipping stones!  Just call me a professional now.

Bamboo in Arkansas???

As you can see had a day of fun on Saturday, only to be topped by more food and drinks.   Our spread included hotdogs, brats, hamburgers, popcorn, mountain pies, popcorn, and an assortment of alcoholic beverages.   We enjoyed some corn hole (aka Bean Bag toss), warmer weather, a hot fire, and nature's beauty. 

Corn Hole set up off the front porch

My first time to have popcorn over an open flame.  

The weekend concluded with about a 5 hour drive back home.  We ended up doing an extra 2 1/2 hours in the car on back roads checking out fishing spots for Dan with a little more off roading fun.   Its possible that Sunday was Todd's jeep last hooray.  But, what a way to go out!

Back out our place at the end of the weekend