With Tammy healing well after her July surgery we decided to go forward with our previously planned road trip that includes passing through Arkansas to Oklahoma, then loop down to Texas and Louisiana before heading back home. We have both cycled and hiked in our neighboring state already, but need to hike in both TX and LA, with OK requiring both.

At first Arkansas was to be a pass through state as we headed west but our path to Broken Bow took us right by Hot Springs and its National Park, we just had to stop and take a stroll through this historical town.

Bathhouse row sits on top of a still active hot spring, and consists of numerous buildings dating back to late 1800’s. Gorgeous architecture among them all, and stretching behind them is a beautiful brick promenade. There are even ornate water fountains that serves up the mineral rich water from the springs. The historic downtown was quaint with its shops opposite the bath houses.

Looking at a bit more history of the area, even the notorious James gang came through at one point. A large observation tower sits atop the mountain, overlooking the town, built in the 1980s, and serves as a great lookout point. You can drive there on a winding road by car, but we took the scenic path of the hiking trail up the mountain. As evening was upon us, we headed out toward Oklahoma and the cabin that would be our stay for the next three nights.

We specifically chose Broken Bow, Oklahoma, because of its proximity inside a road trip loop, and also because just north of the town is Beaver Bend State Park, which consists of a lake and a mountainous area that would be perfect for both cycling and hiking, it did not disappoint.

Over the next two days, we spent our time cycling inside the park, including climbing the hills and enjoying the beauty and nature the park provided. Given it was fall, the colors were magnificent, and just a general peacefulness surrounded us. Although it was dry for our cycling, the following day of hiking was a slight rain the entire time. It never rained hard, but was just easy and steady, and all the water, the plants soak up, we both were soaked except for our feet, thank goodness for waterproof boots.

What began as a possible 9 mile loop, we shortened because of the rain, but still just over 6 miles felt great, and showed that Tammy was nearing 100% health, she mentioned she could’ve did more.

Once back to our cabin, getting warm and dry was a priority, then we headed out to find food in the form of pizza at a local establishment, Grateful Head Pizza, so yumy! Off to Texas in the morning with a surprise meetup, stay tuned.

Full album of pictures: https://photos.destinationsawait.com/Oh-Oklahoma