srds

We had a great time seeing family and friends and had a super time at the Expo.Inks was perfect ,weather was good and everyone from out of state made it there .We headed to Arkanasas to Daisy State Park what a beautiful area(thanks HappyBooker1).We got all setup and my son reminded me it was time to go digging,so to Crater of Diamonds we went.We dug and dug but all we found was dirt and rocks which was just fine for him.Then met up with everyone at Degray Lake Resort State Park.Man this place is nice 13,800 acre lake 96 room lodge,will take your breath away.Had a huge BBQ feast and then was invited to go yakin on the Little Missouri not for from there.It was running high and we made it, but it was scarry for my daughter.They have float trips there also.When we got back to Daisy we were loaded up and went sight seeing that is one pretty areas, huge trees,streams every where and some of the clearest water I have ever seen.By the time we got back it was dark and me and the kids hit the pup while dw and Pa Paw and relatives stayed up playing cards and enjoying each others company .
Next mourning kids and I swam and yaked with relatives ,water was colder than the Frio, then had lunch and gift auction and more sightseeing and family visits.We had a great time and plan to go back in summer,this time only one camper in tow.Got Pa Paw back to San Saba and now get to unload .No we did'nt find any diamonds but we did find some gems.

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happybooker1

Sounds like you had a super time! We loved Daisy -- glad you liked it too. When we go back next summer (son wants to hit Magic Springs again) we'll probably try a park closer to Hot Springs though. I've heard Lake Catherine is nice also. You're right -- it IS a lovely state!

Son liked the Expo too. He shot the 12g shotgun about 5 times. Till his shoulder couldn't take it any more--LOL! They let him point & aim & I think out of 15 clay targets he missed 4.

Oh, and we visited the Game Warden meat sampling booth like 6-7 times!! DS discovered he LOVED antelope meat......

Troop198

We enjoyed Lake Ouachita, which is close to Hot Springs see my review or PM

srds

I can't wait to go back,I have never paddel across a lake and see the bottom in 25' of water.My daughter already has invites from cousins to stay with them this spring.When Pa Paw warned me that they had a large amount of people I thought he was kidd'n me ,man that was a whole town.My wife loves camping again and has already made plans for next trip to Arkansas.Magic Springs looks great will have to check it out.

The expo was great,daughter loved the shotguns also,son just 4 didn't but he love the yaks and did really good.I did'nt see the meat sample booth, but got a sack full of fishing lures and hooks.I thought it was alot bigger then last years,my knees are still hurting.

Thanks again for the imfo on Daisy.

srds
Good Camping

MissionCamper

The pic in my avatar is from our week-long visit to Degray in August. Nice wooded park in a hilly setting. And, it was nice having the camping loop pretty much to ourselves.

We made the trek out to Crater of Diamonds, but ended up mining quartz crystals at Coleman's instead. Found quite a few, but I don't think I'll ever do it again...that mountain was pretty steep!

Also took a 'duck' ride and went up in the tower in Hot Springs NP. Didn't help that the daytime temps were as high as 106°F.

srds

Man that most have been nlce,I did'nt know about the quartz mine,that will be on the todo list also.Was it paved trail or loose to get up to the mine ?My dd cousins gave her a shoe box full of different stones and gems.Such a nice place ,I can't wait to go back.We did'nt get to Hot Springs ,my kids would love the duck ride.My wifes family has sent all sorts of plans for next trip, and she already is planning a 9 day stay in June 08.Thanks for imfo about mine.
srds
Good Camping

MissionCamper

Was loose and almost felt like we were going up (and later, down) at a 45° angle. Very rough and dusty ride. To be honest, if I'd known any of this beforehand, we would have passed on this place.

It basically consists of a large dirt mound from which you dig for crystals. The guy who runs the place is a bit eccentric. When going over "his" rules, he kept reminding us that if we broke any of them, we'd have to leave. Got to be a little annoying after a time. Also nearly scared the bejesus out of my youngest as he warned about watching for snakes in the area. All said, we did find nearly a full bucket of crystals, so that part was good. If you go, bring a small cooler of water or sports drinks...you'll need them in the intense heat. Otherwise, the guy sells small bottles of the same for $1 ea. Tools and pails can be purchased at the local Family Dollar. We also brought umbrellas for shade while digging.

Oh, and wear old clothes.

happybooker1

UP at Mount Ida we went to 'Crystal Seen' crystals & gems. It is run by an AWESOME lady who will give you MUCH MORE than your money's worth in gems, knowledge, reading stones, etc. She even offered my son a job when he's older -- LOL!! I just can't recommend that place enough if you want to just dig in the 'tailings' for crystals -- not actually visit a mine. We pulled out a bucketful and wanted to stop but she kept coming out & saying "see this one..... and this one...... and here's one......"

Then she lets you pick a crystal off her 'free' table & depending on the crystal you pick she 'reads' your personality. She was DEAD ON for both my son & me & there's NO WAY she could've known what she told us -- even though we talked to her all the time we were there.

"Crystal Seen" is on the major road that goes to Hot Springs from Mount Ida.

The duck rides are great & we also went through the Ripley's stuff there. We took bottles to get some hot springs water in & bring home. The amusement park is great -- lots of roller coaster rides & not just tame ones either! We're used to standing in lines for 30-45 minutes to ride rides & there weren't ANY lines at Magic Springs so son got to ride nearly all day long!

srds

Sounds like my son would be very happy there,we redid his turtle sand box today and he dug all day.Dw and dd let me know that WE will be making a few trips to Arkansas this spriing and summer.Will add to list Happybooker1 and MissionCamper, son already has his mining tools and has'nt stopped talking about it.Dw grew up outside of Hotsprings then moved to Texas when she was 12,I can see why she has missed it.Thanks for imfo.

srds
Have Fun