We weren’t chompin’ at the bit when we woke up this morning, and things seemed as if we were moving in slow motion to start. Tyler was up in enough time to pull together breakfast before logging in for the day. Our Internet has been complete garbage for the last several days since we arrived in Arkansas which makes working remotely a challenge, but Tyler does whatever he can to ensure he is taking care of his clients. I’ve said it before, but his dedication is inspiring.
I readied myself for a workout and when Tyler asked what I was doing I told him we were working out. He went along with it and we made the kids get up and moving. Since we have been working out mostly in the evenings, peeling them out of bed to workout was more challenging today than normal. I got all the weights set up for our stations and we crushed a fun workout that had us sweating basically before we even started. I don’t feel like I have felt a cool breeze in nearly a month and I was surely wishing for one a few minutes in!
Addison and I finished our workout and Tyler and Ashton started theirs. We usually go in pairs so Tyler and I can share the barbell and stagger the kids. While they worked out, Addi and I went to the showers. We were able to shower and make it back just before they finished so we were able to cheer them on through the finish line!
While they showered, Addi and I packed up camp and hooked up the trailer so we could head out. We were working against the clock now for Tyler to get to a better Internet area. When they arrived back, we loaded up and headed back to Branson where Tyler planned to park in a Walmart parking lot and perform a few Zoom calls. The kids and I went inside to stay out of his hair and when he was finished, he located a barber nearby. He has been dying to get a real haircut for the past 3 months, so today he traded me in for the real deal…though, I think I was doing a mighty fine job and I was just getting better and better!
Much of the day was spent in Branson ensuring a good Internet connection, but we finally started our daily travels towards Bentonville, AR where my friend and her family live. While we did see Amanda yesterday, we decided to take the chance we had while we were in the area to spend more time with them. The drive was LONG and SLOW. It was about 2 hours from Branson even though it was only about 80 miles. Arkansas and Missouri roadways are crazy. The directions had so many turns and required close attention to detail, but we made it and parked the truck and trailer at the bottom of the hill near her home.
We spent a few hours with Amanda and her family at their beautiful home just outside of Bentonville, in the town of Bella Vista. We grilled burgers and enjoyed dinner with them while I did laundry! I was very thankful to her for allowing us to use her washer and dryer to catch up from the week. We have all adapted to trailer living with a less is more approach, but still haven’t mastered that with dirtying laundry! For some reason, our laundry basket is always full.
After a few hours, it was time to say our goodbyes. Our kids were having so much fun with theirs they were begging us to stay. It was hard to leave, but the campsite I arranged for the night was almost an hour away and it was getting late. I told you I would update you on our thoughts on Arkansas and they remain the same. It isn’t our favorite state and there isn’t a lot going on here, but seeing Amanda made it so worth it! Amanda is definitely the highlight of Arkansas!
Just after 10:00 pm, we arrived at our campsite for the night. I really lucked out when I found this place today. I had exhausted all resources and wasn’t able to locate anything in Bentonville or Bella Vista. When I extended my search South I came across Cowpatty RV Park. The owners are on- site year-round so when we arrived, she came out and led us to our space. It is dark, but we can tell it is very nice. She was so welcoming and made us want to stay longer! We look forward to seeing the site in daylight tomorrow morning, and who knows, we may even decide to stay an extra day!
Our plans as of tonight are none. The Angela a month ago would be in a panic state, but I feel at peace. The unknown is exciting and I am learning it is all part of this adventure. The flexibility in not having a solid plan has allowed us to be on the road for almost a month. We do know we are headed South and are working towards Texas in the coming days.
Between Arkansas and Texas, what is a MUST SEE? Taking any and all recommendations! Also, I spent the day just enjoying the moments and time with friends that I didn’t take a single photo…disappointing I know, but tomorrow I will do better!
The Church Hideout 