Here are a couple of links showing recent rides Debbie and I have taken.

The first is of me in the local county fair parade. I won "Best Motorcycle" award which included a $10 cash reward.
https://picasaweb.google.com/103059996902834582977/2011ClevelandCountyFairParade?authkey=Gv1sRgCOuFqPTR7onwgwE

The second group is a few pictures taken this past weekend of Queen Wilhelmina State Park near Mena Arkansas. It was a beautiful day for a ride. Not a cloud in the sky and perfect temperature. Dozens and dozens of bikes in the area.

https://picasaweb.google.com/103059996902834582977/QueenWilhelminaStatePark?authkey=Gv1sRgCNSBiveay9zlEA

Gary,

Nice pics. I wonder why there is a Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Arkansas? She is the grandmother of the Queen of Holland and I wonder what she had to with Arkansas. I bet my wife would like to go there since she is Dutch and the Dutch sure do love their Queens. Thanks for sharing.

The Talamena trail goes across the top of the mountains and is a beautiful ride when the leaves are changing colors in the fall. Nice pictures Gary, but I wonder what the people were looking at behind you in the parade. Did the nudist colony have a float?

Jeff asked??? "I wonder why there is a Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Arkansas?"


http://www.queenwilhelmina.com/history/default.aspx


Glad you asked... I didn't know this myself. I am not around a lot of Dutch here in Cleveland County. Unless they are disguised as chicken farmers.

Gary, Queen Wilhelmina has been one of my favorite destinations over the years. The Lodge rates are very reasonable, especially during the week. Their coffee is the best. Last time I was there, (summer of 2010) the park train conductor told me that he might be selling or closing down the train ride but I can see that it's still running. There used to be an animal zoo at the park but it's been closed for a awhile. Black and brown bears sometimes appear along the Talamena trail. Hope someday I will run into a forum member up there.

"Black and brown bears sometimes appear along the Talamena trail. Hope someday I will run into a forum member up there."

I will meet you there if you ever decide to make another trip up. I was impressed with the place. I am thinking of planning an overnight visit sometime soon. The leaves are just beginning to turn. In another week or two those guys are gonna be spectacular.

Any other forum member that might be interested in a meet up at Wilhelmina get back with us and we will see what we can develop.

My wife is from Murfreesboro about 90 miles away. The only diamond mine in north America is located there.

So many unique places to see in Western Arkansas.

The scenery and climate (prevailing winds, temp) are almost unique to Arkansas. I've told people that the Talimena trail is amazing for this area of our country. For those unfamiliar with the drive, it's a 26 mile (at least) winding staircase that will challenge your throttle and your brakes all going in just one direction. Located between Mena, Arkansas and Talihena, Oklahoma, it gets its name. And of course there's Queen Wilhelmina Lodge at the eastern end.
I would love to meet you and all forum members for this location but am limited in large part to my being a live-in caregiver for my mother. That's why I didn't go to the STO rally. At some point in time I will be traveling again.
Also, I've camped overnight in Murfreesboro to dig for diamonds. It can get very hot in summertime.
Looking forward to eventually connecting with you and others with our chosen rides.

Bill, actually, it was postmedicated... I took all my meds about an hour earlier. Don't know what happened after that. Big baby kept screaming and I had to finally climb down to get her.

Gar, you certainly have a higher priority to take care of your mom while you can and she needs you. I would love to have an opportunity to hug mine again. And I will someday.

Gary said:
I would love to have an opportunity to hug mine again. And I will someday.

Yes you will.
Thank you.