Back in Arkansas we took a nice walk in the sunshine along the nature trail at Tanyard Creek. Spring sure feels like it’s taking a long time coming in these parts! I can’t imagine the impatience of the folks up in Minnesota and Michigan waiting for Spring!

The falls, outlet of Windsor Lake Dam.

While in Durham I visited Duke Gardens. Unfortunately we were a little early for the spring blossoms. Some tulips, pansies and other plants were blooming, but for pictures of the incredible beauty possible click HERE!

The wisteria covered pergola was barren of leaves and blossoms.

This picture I got on the internet shows the wisteria in full bloom!

The Koi were the most colorful things in the park while I visited!

Kim and I took a trip to North Carolina in the Prius to visit family. We drove through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a nice scenic route.

We stopped briefly at the Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Museum to see the sun peek out and light up the cabins and farm buildings.

As I was busy taking pictures of the buildings a herd of elk meandered out into the field I had to cross to get back to the car! Luckily they were too busy grazing to pay attention to me!

A trip to a local watering hole, in a cave!

The entrance to The Cave. Dining is pleasant on the protected patio also.

Truitt’s Cave was found and developed by Mr. John “Dad” Truitt in the 1920’s. It opened as a restaurant in the 1940’s. The most recent owners have returned the dining room to it’s glory and added a herd of goats to the hill on the right of the entrance. The extensive cave itself still needs work to be opened for tours in the future.

The fireplace mantel is decorated with crystals and conch shells. The chimney is a natural fissure in the rock overhead.

The one week old triplets were just too cute!

Nanny goat was a very protective mother!