News: Arkansas

Ark A Bagos
State Club
By Mary Grice

Thirteen Ark-A-Bago coaches journeyed to the heart of the Ozark Mountains for our November campout at Wanderlust RV Park in Eureka Springs, AR. The park is located on a ridge overlooking deep valleys which were covered in trees and shrubs adorned with beautiful fall foliage.

Eureka Springs is a 19th century Victorian village nestled in the mountains of northwest AR. The National Trust has selected the town as one of America's Distinctive Destinations for Historic Preservation. Even though our official camping days are Tuesday through Thursday, more and more folks are arriving on Sunday in order to extend the fun time we have together.

A group of ladies caught the trolley at our campground and spent the day Monday "trolley hopping" all around the area to visit shops and attractions. Other folks enjoyed sitting on the porch of Wanderlust's recreation room rocking in the huge chairs, visiting, and enjoying looking at the beautiful scenery.

Activities during the campout included having great potluck dinners, touring the town, going to nearby Berryville to shop, and playing games—one especially popular is On the Bus.

New members attending were James and Freddie Hudson of Cherokee Village. Other new members who did not attend this campout are Jim and Jeannine Ashabranner from Heber Springs and Larry Carroll and Janice Wright from North Little Rock.

Eleven Ark-A-Bago coaches made the trip in December to Cloud Nine RV Park at Hot Springs National Park, AR, for a few days of enjoying several of the activities available in the Spa City.

Tourists and AR residents alike will find many fun things to do all year in Hot Springs. Popular activities include taking relaxed nature walks in Garvan Woodland botanical gardens or heart-pumping theme park rides at Magic Springs, thoroughbred horse racing at Oaklawn Park, finding quartz crystals, visiting museums, and so much more.

Activities during our campout included shopping, browsing in the unique shops in historic downtown, and strolling down bathhouse row looking at all the beautiful Christmas decorations.

Several folks drove to the top of Hot Springs Mountain for a spectacular view of miles and miles of lights. Other entertainment consisted of playing games and using the exercise equipment in the park's very nice recreation room. Some ladies even did a little singing and dancing using the karaoke machine. Several went browsing at an antique mall in the old Lonsdale School then on to a delightful tearoom nearby—Rochelle's Tea Thyme Treasures.

All coaches competed in a window (windshield) decorating contest. The coaches, lined up with beautiful Christmas displays, were a sight to see!

For a public service project, club members brought nonperishable items to donate to a charitable organization.

Outgoing president Gene Wyble swore in officers for 2010: President, Elvan Ford; Vice President, Ray Fox; Secretary, Gloria Stout; and Treasurer, Mary Ann Ford.

Visitors are always welcome at our campouts, so check out the Who's Inviting Travelers section and join the Bagos whenever you are in the neighborhood.

Gene Wyble 870-847-5238

Winnebago-Itasca Travelers