Re: Arkansas Get Together
Now wait a minute, this is an
ARKANSAS get together!
It occurs to me I haven't really addressed lodging. I'll most likely be camping on an island cause that's what I like to do, but there are several options.
Brady Mountain
http://bradymtn.com/ has everything from guest rooms to cabins to camp sites. I don't have any epxerience with them, but they're well regarded. They have a marina and I'm sure can provide you with a transient slip, but you'll have to confirm that with them.
Shangri La
http://www.shangrilaresortar.com/main.html is more of an old school lake resort. Those of you who've been around long enough know what I mean by that, but for those of you who don't, it's clean and comfortable but absolutely nothing fancy, basically a place to sleep when you're not on the water. They have a great little home cooking type restaurant with very friendly service and some of the best pie in the universe. Scoyt has already agreed to bring a couple to my island hideaway, although he's advised me he can't guarantee they'll arrive wholly intact.
They can meet your marina needs as well. Don't think they have any camping facilities.
Mountain Harbor
http://www.mountainharborresort.com/ has several lodging options. I've stayed there before. It's been a while, but as I recall it was really nice. I believe there's even a spa if that tickles your fancy. Last time I went in for a massage they thought I was a Yeti and ran me off, but I don't hold a grudge.
It's probably the fanciest of the lake Ouachita resorts.
Echo Canyon
http://www.echocanyonresortandmarina.com/ is the reincarnation of a resort formerly called Spillway. It's located on the Blakely Dam end of the lake. Don't know anything about their lodging, but I can say from personal experience the change of hands is resulting in some serious upgrades. That's where we usually launch. Nice folks.
The state park
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakeouachita/cabins/ is also on this end of the lake. I'd be shocked if they have anything available, but one can never tell, especially since we're talking August. I don't know anything about the state park, but if it's anything like the other Arkansas state parks it will be very nice. We have an excellent park system.
There's also Crystal Springs
http://www.crystalspringsresort.com/, about which I know absolutely nothing. I'm a big help, huh?
Another one I've never visited.
http://www.northshoresresort.com/
I think that's it for the official type lake resorts, but there
are other options available if one so chooses. I know there are a few places available on
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/arkansas/lake-ouachita if you'd prefer to rent from an individual, or, you can stay in a hotel in Hot Springs and spend some time in town. That doesn't appeal to me, but that's probably because I only live an hour away. There are several good restaurants in town. Some of them are on the other side of the dam on lake Hamilton, and some of them are downtown. I can recommend a couple of places if anyone is so inclined.
Now that we seem to be zeroing in on a weekend we might as well talk about some other stuff as well. Some have asked whether this will be a family friendly gathering, and the answer is a resounding yes. That doesn't mean we can't have a good time (whatever that means to you), but it does mean we need to be respectful of each other. I know you guys all know that already. Also, I don't have any delusions of our being together the whole time. That's just not possible as the lake is some fifty odd thousand acres. The guys in Florida are pros at this and I think they just plan one or two "official" meet ups during the weekend. That makes a lot of sense to me, but we can talk more about it as it gets closer.
I check in on the thread often, so feel free to post your questions/comments here and I'll do my best to address them in a timely manner. You're also welcome to call me if you'd like. Just shoot me a PM and I'll give you my digits. Rooster, I got yours and I'll do my best to call you this evening.
