Hi Again from Hot Springs:
Early this morning about 10:00AM (early for Chriss) we headed out to breakfast to a place near our hotel which was highly recommended to us. We found a little restaurant called The Pancake Shop. We were steered correctly, it was an adorable place but crowded. We waited about 20 minutes for service,. We sat out front seated on a park bench and watched all of the tourist passing by.
(Double click picture to enlarge, back arrow to return)We were not disappointed or sorry that we waited. We ordered buckwheat pancakes with ham and eggs, good hot coffee and tea along with what tasted like fresh squeezed orange juice. But our most enjoyable experience was the two lovely southern ladies that sat next to us at the counter. 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, 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. Chriss and I just seem to attract such interesting people into conversation.
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 of our hotel to find out the details. We made an appointment, lucky for us they were able to take us early. So we off we went, I was sent to the ladies side Chirss for the men's. 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 lied 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 puts 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. We were with about 20 people in one of these open air amphibious vehicles riding through the streets of Hot Springs, listening to our humorous driver telling us details of the city. Our driver continued to Lake Hamilton ( a large lake just outside of the city) and without warning plunged into the water, we went. SPLAT. It is 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, during our ride the Duck driver recommended "The Bistro" for dinner. After leaving our "Duck" parked at the side of the road we walked the short distance to the restaurant recommended. After looking the restaurant over we elected to eat outside on the upstairs patio. Once again we met some more interesting couples who were seated around us. Rhonda our waitress joined in, we all had an interesting conversation especially where they were from and our motorcycle trip and future destinations that we might try. Chriss and I seem to always meet such interesting people. I love to travel with him. We had 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. 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. Tomorrow will be a test of courage and stamina, a "scramble to the top."
Carol and Chriss
