Hot Springs National Park boasts several hiking trails, and it is close to the town of Hot Springs. Having been to the area back in 2004, I was familiar with Bathhouse Row, but I had not been to all the other attractions in the area. Since we would be here for about eight days, I wanted us to take our time and leisurely discover the area.
On our first full day, we did a morning hike on a trail out of Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park. I thought we were on a short trial, but I was confused, and we were on a different one. Evidently, we should have turned right and we turned left, oh, well. I really wish they would put one of those large plexiglass covered maps at the trail points with the “You Are Here” marker like they do at the malls. Maybe I would be less confused. lol.
The trail we took was well defined, but it was uphill the entire way. Remember, I’m not a mountain goat. lol. We walked and enjoyed the natural habitat until we intersected with another trail. Since it was our first day out, I thought it best that we turn around rather than risk overdoing it. It was easier going downhill, but it was getting hotter by this time. We returned to the coach to have lunch and chill for a while. After all, we needed to recover from our hike. 😊
We decided to do the 6 pm Duck Tour around Hot Springs, which is run by the National Park Service. I’ve always loved the Duck Tours, or really any tour of areas I’ve visited because they give a lot of unique information about the area, and I learn quite a bit. It’s always nice to look without having to worry about driving, traffic, and navigating an unknown area.
Our driver was a local firefighter, and he was knowledgeable and didn’t insist that we “quack” when he told a joke. He would just say a sarcastic, quiet “quack” after he told a joke. He wasn’t the most personable duck driver / guide I’ve ever experience, but it was 6 pm and it was fine. We drove down the main area, including Bathhouse Row, and then out on the lake where the “Duck” becomes amphibious, and we motored around the lake. Some homes of the wealthy and the significance of the home and / or person owning the property were pointed out. It was a nice time to be on a lake. If you’ve never taken a duck tour or any tour of a place you are visiting for the first time, I highly recommend them. You will learn so much more and see so much more. I like taking them first to get a “feel” or “lay” of the land, so to speak. Most of them also point out great places to eat, including local favorites. The Duck Tour guide did point out a “home cooking” restaurant – Phil’s that was only open until 6 pm. We did take his recommendation and eat there on another day. Our guide even pointed out the “Duck” graveyard. They buy the old Ducks from around the country that are no longer working and use them for parts. The Ducks are from WWII and have been modified for their purposes, but they are no longer produced. The Duck Tour was $25 a person, which is a little steep, but then again prices are rising on everything.
We enjoyed our Duck Tour and definitely recommend it for later in the day if you are there in the summer. Remember, it is a metal vehicle / boat. There is a covering, but it does get warm. 😊
Until Next Time,
Beth
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