Road Trip III

Destination Two:

Keep in mind that each destination is a whim. Discovered while on the road, my agenda is nil but a point of interest is decided upon based on only the state. My only real agenda on this trip is the completion of travel through all 50 states. What I do in each state has no preconceived notions. So destination two is the rodeo in Hot Springs Arkansas. My accommodations consist of a campground in Hot Springs National Park for $5/night. VIP/press credentials allowed me great access to the national bull riding rodeo for two nights straight. One cowboy was injured with a wrap of bandage around his head and under the chin. Another cowboy came out of the ring dripping from the hairline and onto the face. Rivulets of blood looked cool on the cowboy.

The town of Hot Springs was a surprise. It centered itself around the bathhouses which pre-empted the hot springs for themselves. I assumed that a Hot Springs National Park would possess natural springs set out in the natural world. It gives new meaning to the park ranger who provides a guided tour of hot tubs and steam baths. Much can be said about the bathhouses but I won’t. I did learn that 29 National Parks have artists-in-residence programs and this is something I intend to explore. So hot mineral baths, hikes in the park, steak, rodeo, live music, contemporary art and a Harley Rally all merged into one experience.