Hot Springs, AR (Redux)

Hi Again from the Hills of Arkansas:

Early this morning about 10:00 we headed out to breakfast near our hotel to a highly recommended little restaurant called the Colonial Pancake House. We were steered correctly. It was an adorable place but crowded. We waited about 20 minutes for service, but were not disappointed or sorry that we waited. Buckwheat pancakes and ham and eggs good hot coffee and tea with what tasted like fresh squeezed orange juice. But our most enjoyable experience was the two lovely southern ladies that sat next to us. Peggy and Leenetta could have been characters straight out of a Southern book. One owned a flower shop and the other already retired worked there as an assistant. Younger than us but perfectly done hair crisp blouses, rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces. They both had thick southern accents and carried large flowered bags. They were very friendly and made pleasant conversation with us inquiring about our trip. We parted after breakfast but not before posing for the picture and taking our blog address. We hope to keep in touch.

Next on our agenda was our trip to the "Baths". Neither one of us knew what to expect so we went early to the desk to find out the details. Lucky for us they were able to take us early and so we parted me for the ladies side Chirss for the mens. I was ushered into a changing room and given a terry wrap to put on after disrobing. I only had sneakers with me so picture me in my wrap with my sneakers on. Oh life on a motorcycle doesn't provide for extras. Then I met Glenda who ushered me back to a large bathtub full of water with a whirlpool pump on the side and swirling water. She took my wrap and helped me in, gave me a cup of mineral water and left me to soak and swirl for 20 minutes at which time she came back, held up my wrap discreetly looked away as I got out of the tub and rewrapped myself.
Then she asked if I wanted the steam room or sauna. I declined both as I was too hot already. So she led me to a padded table. I layed down and she wrapped my arms and legs in warm towels and put a cold towel around my head. Heavenly!! Again left me for 15 minutes to relax. Then she came back helped me up and took me to GiGi who was to give me my massage. That is exactly what she did from head to toe.
MMMM good. Then she put my sneakers back on indicating that our time together was done. Too Bad. Now I know all about the hot baths etc.
Not bad, not bad at all.

We also planned to take the duck tour. Not a ride on a little duck but on an amphibious vehicle. However they did capitalize on the duck word in their advertisements. About 20 people on one of these open air vehicles rode through the streets of Hot Springs listening to our humorous driver telling us details of the city. Then he continued to Lake Hamilton ( a large lake just outside of the city) and into the water we went. SPLAT. Fun to suddenly go from land to sea. We sailed around the lake looking at beautiful houses with great histories that he recounted for us in his humorous way. Then back to the place where we started and our ride was over. Very enjoyable afternoon.

Now we were starting to get hungry and on the Duck our driver recommended "The Bistro" for dinner. We walked the short distance to the restaurant and elected to eat outside. Again other couples around us and Rhonda our waitress joined in an interesting conversation regarding where they were from and our motorcycle trip and future destinations that we might try. Fun for all and a good meal to boot.

It was now early evening so we took a walk over to the hot springs across the street. Along the way Chriss was drawn to an antique Buick parked in the street by the hot springs. Quite a restoration project it was beautiful. After a walk around the spring and meeting again a lady and her daughter who we had met the day before in the same spot, we walked back to our hotel and so ended our second day in Hot Springs. The weather was beautiful today temp probably in the low 80's this is quite a treat for us since in the past weeks it has been significantly higher.

So as Santa says, and a good night to all. Time to jump into bed.
Love, Carol and Chriss