Sunday, June 12, 2011

ROW Lecture Tour - Hot Springs, Arkansas,2011


Pictured here is Nancy's trusted steed which took us all the way from Atlanta, across the state of Georgia, through Mississippi, and down to Hot Springs in Akansas and our hosts Janis and Travis.
This was a twelve hour drive, travelling mostly at 70 miles an hour on the Interstate, except for a two hour detour caused by exceptional flooding of the Mississippi.
For a number of years I had resisted driving in the countries that drove on the right side of the road, due to feeling my reflexes were too attuned to the left. In recent years though, I have bitten the bullet and driven across Europe and the US with little ,if any, trouble. It does take considerable vigilance, yet so far I can only recall once having strayed to the wrong side, and fortunately correcting to the right side when confronted with a vehicle coming the other way.


In Hot Springs we had the opportunity of visiting the development of a botanical gardens and ecological park being developed in conjunction with the local University. A very delightful wooded area with a number of artificial water-falls and streams.


Unfortunately the photos fail to depict the whole of the beauty that is there, so I must leave it to your imagination to perceive it in its wholeness.


Whilst there we saw the effects of the high winds as they left their trail of havoc - trees stripped bare of leaves, many blown over and up-rooted - houses partially and completely demolished - and alonside them houses completely un-touched.


Here and there were to be found crosses and wreaths on the roadsides for those who had lost their  lives during this time from the highly destructive winds.


And, of course, the culmination of our time in Hot Springs was the caring and sharing of the lecture with the local people.


Before leaving Hot Springs, I would like to share with you this rather unusual structure in the gardens, used for lectures to all and sundry, and particularly University Students. It was designed by a local architect, and built to withstand high winds.


This is the dome in the centre of the building which brings light into what would otherwise be a very dark area.


This is a plaque at the entrance to the gardens acknowledging all those who have contributed towards its development.


This is a set of giant wind-chimes in a unique setting.


And this very unique church.




The interior of the church is like being inside - yet outside. A very unique concept in a unique setting.


Our last pot-luck and lecture at Janis and Travis home before departing for Houston in Texas.


2 comments:

Janis Hopper said...

We had a wonderful time hosting you in Hot Springs....and look forward to doing it again in 2012. Also looking forward to coming to the Clohesy River Health Farm tomorrow. Very excited.

Sheila Witherington said...

Once again, it was my pleasure and a blessing, indeed, to be included in your visit to Hot Springs and spend quality time with you. You have more of an influence on my life than you realize, and I plan to follow closely Janis' six-month internship on your farm. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us each year. I look forward to your visit next time, too.