Sunday 3-28 Hot Springs National Park

 

Camping in Hot Springs National Park

It rained through out the night. At times it rained hard but mostly it was lite. The humidity was high so we ended up sleeping with the fan on.

When Larry woke up around 6:00 the rain had stopped and he turned off the fan because the heater was on. Then he went over and took a shower. I had gotten up to go to the bathroom and put down a towel so Larry could wipe his feet off, then I went to bed. When he got back he wondered about the towel because he didn't remember it being there. I made pancakes for breakfast, they came out really good. In the Minnie I usually over cook them because I use a skillet with the flame too high.

We left the campground at about 9:30. Our next destination was Hot Springs National Park, it was only about 35 miles away. On the way out of Iron Mountain Campground Larry dumped the tanks even though we didn't need to, he also filled the fresh water tank. While I was waiting I noticed the pine trees were starting to bloom with new pine cones. They looked pretty. I never thought about how pine cones were made and it was neat to see the process. 

 

Larry dumping the tanks

New pine cones forming

We arrived at Hot Springs National Park, Gulpha Gorge Campground at 11:15. The campground works on first-come first-serve bases. We found a great site, number 23, it is right on Gulpha Gorge Creek. Before setting up camp we walked over the the park building where you use a machine to pay for your site. We were too early, you have to wait until noon before you can pay. After setting the Minnie up and having lunch we went back and paid for a couple of nights. The campground fills up very fast so you have to be there early.

The campground is very nice. Each site is full hookups with 50 and 30 amp electric, water and sewer connections. Each site has a picnic table, pedestal grill and water. The restrooms have running water but no showers. It's $30.00, if you're a senior you get it half price. There are 26 miles of hiking.

After relaxing a little bit we went on a two hour hike which took us to Hot Springs. We hiked a piece of four trails (red, white, blue and yellow). The trails were challenging because you hiked up and down. At places the trail was steep, great cardio workout. We climbed some steps, hiked switchbacks and crossed small creeks multiple times. Overall the trails were moderate. Hot Springs is a beautiful town with shops, restaurants, bathhouses and the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center. The visitor center and bathhouses are closed due to the COVID-19. We walked by the old U.S. Army and Navy Hospital, the Hot Spring National Park Visitor Center and May Springs. We didn't walk around Hot Springs because it was too busy. We took another route back to the campground. We started taking the peak trail, where there's a big tower, then we crossed over to the yellow trail. While we were hiking back we came to a shelter where we rested. As we hiked we saw a lot of people hiking. The trails were marked very well. Some of the places where the trails intersect there are signs about the history of Hot Springs. We had a great hike.

 

Part of the hiking trail

The old Army and Navy Hospital in Hot Springs

One of the hot springs in town

Springtime in Hot Springs

The shelter we rested in

Larry read the map while resting

The Minnie in Gulpha Gorge Campground

The blocks we used to cross over Gulpha Gorge Creek

Gulpha Gorge Creek flowing behind the campground

Larry getting ready to climb the stairs during our hike

One interesting sign was about Gulpha Gorge Campground. In 1924 the Hot Springs National Park accepted a donation of 16 acres from Fordyce family, which included a rustic campground along the Gulpha Creek. The park maintenance crew cleaned the underbrush, built restrooms and roads for the public. They also cleaned and deepen an existing swimming hole but had to close it 1940 for a year because of contamination. They reopened it but had the same problem so the park service filled it in.

History of Gulpha Gorge Campground

 

Camping at Gulpha Gorge Creek in 1938

In between checking in and hiking I did the Daily Challenges and the Event: Klondike Mini of 10 games. It took me 39 minutes and 1 second, which put me in 34th place in my group. I also did some Sudoku games. Larry played with the All Trail program.

For dinner Larry barbecued hamburgers. After dinner we walked around the campground for a half hour. Then I did another 45 minute walk on the red hiking trail for about 2 miles. By the end of the day I did 26,200 steps, which put me in 3rd place in my group.

We had an outstanding day with sunshine and the temperature of 66 degrees. It was very humid, which made it feel warmer. LIFE IS GOOD!!!!