Gaston’s White River Resort & Hot Springs, Arkansas – May 23 to 26, 2014
The 2nd official International Cessna 195 Club “Caravan” group trip was organized as a 4-day adventure during Memorial Day long weekend. There were two planned stops and participants could join for one or the other or both.
A contingent of the Club converged on Gaston’s White River Resort, near Lakeview, Arkansas, for the first couple nights. It is tucked into the Ozark Mountains along the banks of the White River and is known for trout fishing. The Resort first opened in 1958 with 20 acres of frontage on the White River, with 6 cottages, 6 boats and an 1,800 foot airstrip. Today the Resort covers over 400 acres, has 79 cottages, over 70 boats and a 3,200 foot airstrip.
Kurtis and I arrived at Gaston’s around lunchtime on May 23 following an overnight stop in St. Louis, Missouri. Our magic carpet for this trip was our friends Cessna Cardinal RG (C-GSIN) because CF-KCS’ annual was still not done (long story).
In attendance at Gaston’s were, The Butcher family, Andy & OJ Sharpe, The Arnold’s, Dave See, Stanley & Amy Hoffpauir & Walter Golbow, The Robertson family, The Thomsen family, The Pearman family, The Nelson’s, Ashley Atkinson & Mark Brown and Pat Atkinson.
Relaxing, fishing, swimming, flying, eating, imbibing and socializing were all on the agenda for those that wanted to partake. Also while we were there the Backcountry Fly-in was also taking place. They put together a great video that you can view at http://vimeo.com/97176859
A smaller group departed after breakfast on May 25 and made it to Hot Springs, Arkansas just before lunch. The city is named after the several natural hot springs that it was built around. Hot Springs National Park is the oldest federal reserve in the US with part of the park located in the centre of the city, including the historic Bathhouse Row.
We enjoyed a stroll down Central Ave in the afternoon followed by a group dinner was arranged at The Superior Bathhouse Brewery & Distillery. Since there were 18 of us altogether, they gave us a private room. The food and service was excellent and was a great way to finish off the trip.
Everyone departed for home mid-day on May 26. It was a great long weekend and we are already looking forward to next year’s Club Caravan trip.
Great write up as always. We enjoyed the trip immensely.