Have you ever just wanted to get away, not too far, yet far enough to be free of the hustle and bustle of every day life? Yesterday I went on a little excursion to find such a place. The day got off to a good start with my son, Seth, his wife, Lee Anne and my grandson, Porter coming to church to be with his dad on Father's Day. I then spent the remainder of the day with my mom, my sister, and a great friend, Lori.
Jackie and I have decided to vacation in the Ponca area in July. I have looked at various cabins online but decided before I jumped in and rented one, I should probably check out the locations and what a great excuse to get to spend time with some of my favorite people and also get a little camera time.
I picked up my traveling companions along the way. We traveled to Ponca through Jasper. If you've never been to Newton County, you have missed a big part of God's Country. Breathtaking views, the Buffalo River, Boxley Valley, and elk, are just a few reasons to visit. It is so peaceful in the valley... I believe I could live there when I retire.
We visited several cabins in the area and I am still undecided. Do I want to stay in downtown Ponca or travel a few miles to get a great view with a hot tub? I could see myself having a cup of coffee each morning, enjoying the view and blogging. The mountain top cabin has Wi-Fi. Which one do you think it will be? The Wi-Fi cabin of course. (This is with a little encouragement from my friend Lori.)
How many times have I taken pictures of the swans?Too numerous to count, but once again I felt the urge to pull over and take a few shots.My sister reminded me I have taken pictures of them before. Doesn't she know a photographer's work is never done?
We decided to drive to a little church just off the beaten path of Lost Valley.The little white church stands facing Beechwood Cemetery.There is such peace here. I have visited the church several times and still get the same feeling. The old pews are still inside as well as the old stove.We walked around back and took a few pictures of the old "outhouse". This is definitely a thing of yesteryear and will take you back in time.
We visited the Buffalo River and took a few "shots" with our camera and got to see a few elk along the way. Lori and I attempted to catch a running herd, but they were just too fast for us.
Kathy suggested we go home on Hwy 21 by way of Boxley. The valley is beautiful and early mornings/late evenings are almost a guarantee to see an elk or two. We had not gone far when Lori, my spotter, saw an elk. I turned around, on a curve, much to the dismay of my little mom to "check out" the spotting. We were delighted to see a small female elk, feasting on leaves. We did get to see a couple more elk on the way home. I believe it was the same two that were there a few weeks ago. They were resting in a yard, seemed pretty ragged and didn't scare easily. Lori got a little too close for me and I had to remind her they are wild animals.
I hope each one of you can visit the Boxley Valley/Ponca area. You will not be disappointed in this little bit of heaven.
We returned home in time to have dinner with my little family in Atkins. Yes, I had a full but blessed day.
#ArkansasElk#Ponca#Boxley#ILoveNewtonCounty
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