Our adventure-packed week began with the promise of experiencing a total solar eclipse, a celestial event that brought us to the scenic landscapes of Arkansas.
Tupelo, Mississippi – Birthplace of Elvis
But before we could witness the sun disappear behind the moon, our journey kicked off from Tupelo, Mississippi, taking us along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, which connects Jackson, MS, to Nashville, TN and into the heart of American history and nature. We explore a Chickasaw Indian village, hiking and viewing foundations of buildings influenced by European settlers.
We then set up camp at Barnes Crossing Campground, just a stone’s throw from the Natchez Trace visitor center. Since the owner is paranoid about “uncle Joe” tracing his transactions (or tax liability), we had head to the bank to grab some cash for payment before settling in.
Little Rock Central High School: Echoes of Courage
Our visit to Little Rock Central High School is enriching. We learn about the Little Rock Nine, a brave group of African American high school students who volunteered to be the first black students at an all-white school in Arkansas in the 1960s. Their story is a pivotal moment in history, illustrating a battle of state vs. federal power and the struggle between segregation and integration. It took the Fourteenth Amendment, laws to withhold federal funding, and brave Americans to finally end segregation in schools. The fight is not over, there is still work to do.
Hot Springs: A Dip into History and Relaxation
In Hot Springs, AR, we settle at Gulpha Gorge Campground. A hike up the mountain offers stunning views of downtown Hot Springs.
The water here, heated geothermally and emerging along a fault line, takes a 4,500-year journey from sky to surface. It is colorless, odorless, and a refreshing 143 degrees fahrenheit.
At Bathhouse Row, we learn how in the early 1900s, these waters were as “prescribed” as medicine, similar to how one might get a medical marijuana card today.
We ate lunch at the Superior Bathhouse, now a brewery, uses these historic waters to craft delicious beers.
Crater of the Diamonds State Park: Searching for Sparkles
At Crater of the Diamonds State Park, Arkansas, we visit the site of a 100-million-year-old volcano. It’s the 8th largest diamond mine in the world and the only one where the public can mine for diamonds.
We bring our own shovels and rent a sifter. While we don’t find any diamonds, someone else registers a 22-carat yellow diamond the same day, showcasing the potential riches of this site.
Petit Jean State Park: Trails, Tales, and Natural Splendors
Petit Jean State Park offers a wealth of activities. On our first day, we attend all three ranger talks. Ringing in a total of six talks over the trip, and earning Jr Ranger badges from Little Rock Central High School, Hot Springs, and Petit Jean State Park. We love those badges!
We explore myths at Stouts Point—and learn Petit Jean is named after a young woman, who while crossing the Atlantic with her fiance, disguised as a cabin boy and tragically died after her first summer on the mountain.
Petit Jean State Park was a treasure trove of natural beauty and legends. From the Bear Cave hike, weaving through massive sandstone boulders, to the enchanting Rock Cave Trail, each path offered its own myth and majesty. The highlight was undoubtedly the Seven Hollows Trail, with its natural bridge and waterfall—a hiker’s dream!
The Cedar Falls Trail is a photographer’s paradise and a strenuous hike, starting at Mather Lodge and winding down into the canyon. Cassy and the boys manage the steep hike, avoiding poison ivy along the way. The view at the end is worth every step.
The boys are fast friends with the families children across the street from our campsite. Their children are similarly aged, and they pass the time with frisbee, games, and laughs.
The Solar Eclipse: Total Totality
Our solar eclipse viewing is a communal event, joining a star party with a group camping nearby.
The atmosphere changes as a cool breeze passes over and the light gradually dims. Crescent-shaped shadows appear, and birds start searching for food in preparation for roost. At totality, the temperature drops by 10-20 degrees, and darkness envelops us.
The horizon shows a 360-degree sunset from light bending around the moon, and looking up, we see the sun’s corona and magnetic fields. It’s an awe-inspiring moment of excitement and wonder. The moment of totality lasts 4 minutes and 15 seconds.
As the eclipse ends, a solar prominence becomes visible, and the “diamond ring” effect appears as the moon shifts away.
Light returns, and the group bursts into applause, marking the end of an unforgettable journey. As we head home, the boys, still awestruck, can only describe the experience as “insane.”
