The Masked One's Travels...The places we visted and what we thought, it doesnt mean much but it can help you decide about your vacation plans.

  Things are Great for 2008.  

I am proud to have Herman contributing to the Masked Adventures. Be sure to look us up on on our blog page at Outskirts Outdoors.

Trip to Pinnacle Mountain State Park   12/7/2008

It was a nice Sunday afternoon as my wife Sherry and I pulled in to park at the west summit trailhead. On our way to the summit, we noticed the base trail had a new marker so for lack of a better plan we took the base trail. The old base trail was prone to being muddy but the new one is high and dry. It was a nice walk to the east summit trail and we pretty much had it to ourselves. Pinnacle is the east terminus of the Ouachita trail which runs from the visitor's center to Talimena Ok. We took the trail to the visitor center where we picked up some much needed snacks and got the scoop on the new mountain bike trails coming to the park soon. After a short break on the observation deck we headed back to the van. The original idea for the day included a bike ride but we had such a good time hiking that it never happened. To get to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, take highway 10 out of Little Rock, turn onto highway 300 and watch for the signs.

March 25-28 Tunica Mississippi  

The Park to visit is the RV Lodge at the Grand Casino. 200 RV lots fully paved and lots of drive throughs.  Separtated into areas for kids, pets and adults. It is laid out nicely. Call for pricing but as of this trip the most you'll pay is $30 for a Friday and Saturday Night Pull through 50 amp spot.  Lots of amenities, from Outdoor Pool (May-Sept), Clay Pidgeon shooting and dont forget the casino's.   We actually went for golf. I saw online the Tunica National Golf and Tennis Center  We took part in the Spring series golf lesson. They have them each Tuesday night at 6 PM. Our class was putting and chipping learned some good things for our round the next day. Had a great time. See Matt or Charles when checking in tell them The Masked Merchant sent you. The course doesnt look as challenging as it actually is not very many or any trees but there are lots of beaches and water.  I found myself in the dirt about 70 percent of the day. If wind is what you trying to master there was lots of that too. Gusts on Tuesday were said to of reached 40 MPH. It really makes you concentrate. Before or after your round there is good food and drink at Murphys Lounge, too.  Call for tee times when in Tunica 1-866-TEE OFF1 (833-6331).-  

 Outdoor Heaven in 2007.  

 Adventures in 2006.    

  Coming alive in 2005.  

June 11-20 2005 Our Smokey Mountain Tour  

Day 1 - We headed east with our first stop in Music City USA Nashville Tenn. and the Two Rivers Campground . Unfortunately a rainy day but a a quiet, peaceful place located just 2 miles north of Opryland and the newest, most exciting shopping experience of this century, Opry Mills. We did however make it to the city for the CMA Music Festival. We didnt got into the autograph area but hit all our favorite spots like Hard Rock Nashville. We only stayed one night in Nashville to we could get to our resort destination of Pigeon Forge.  

Day 2 - We got to Pigeon Forge and checked into the Laurel Crest Resort.  After checking out the facilities we just did a little sightseeing in Pigeon Forge. If you are wanting to go to Pigeon Forge try Eagles Nest Campground they offer everything from tent camping to full RV hook-ups, camping cabins and rustic cabin rentals, all on shaded lots, able to accommodate recreational vehicles up to 40 feet in length. Camping comes complete with swimming pools, hot showers, a game room, laundry room, snack machine, ice machine, playground and a resident wood carver.  

Day 3 - Today was a Gatlinburg day. There is no shortage of tourist attractions here. I think Ripleys has stock in the town. We did the Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies  they had a horseshoe crab petting area and a moving walkway that took you under and around the aquarium. The sharks and fish actually swam over your head and around you. Well worth the time and money.  At the start of the Smokey Mountains, attractions are Ober Gatlinburg , a ski resort and Amusement Park. It has a tram takes you on a beautiful ride up the mountain. Museums and shops are abundant in the town and all within walking distance. We stopped at the Hard Rock for the t-shirts, the Star Cars Museum, The Ripleys Haunted House, Ghost tours and more. You do need more than a day to see everything. For the adventurous ones out there try Rafting in the Smokies dedicated to making your whitewater rafting experience in East Tennessee or North Carolina unforgettable.   For campers check out The Great Smoky Mountains Riverside RV Park. 316 level and shady RV sites with full hook-ups. Most sites have their own concrete patio area. Free Cable TV is provided to all RV sites as well.  

Day 4 -  Hurray for Dollywood Yep we spent the day at Dollywood.  I was really surprised at how many water rides there were. But we liked the wooden roller coaster the best. The weather was fantastic and in all a great day. If you like gospel, country  and blue grass music, make sure to set time to see one of the many daily shows.  

Day 5 - With the Smoky Moutains here we went back and took the motor tour of the Smoky Mountains. It was one of the best we have been on. I wish I would of had the bike. The winding roads and steep overlooks were breathtaking. Along the route there were old 1800 houses and farms that you could visit and different hikes as well. We took the Grotto Falls hike wow. After a short 1.3 mile climb the trail took you behind a water fall. It was just beautiful.  Tammy was a little disapointed that she didnt see any wildlife, then the last farmhouse we stopped at she was shocked as she looked into the old barn. There were two deer. A little spikehorn still velvet and a doe. It made the trip they werent scared at all. They were as surprised as she was.  

Day 6 - We started out our day with a half day trail ride courtesy of Douglas Lakeview Stables. With 6 in our party we even had our own guide. It was a beutiful ride through the hills surrounding Douglas Lake. Even with sore butts after the ride it was well worth it. After the trail ride we went t ouring the shops around Pigeon Forge. We stopped at the Nascar Cafe this was a neat place. Replica race cars all around the ceiling that every few minutes their engines roar, wheels turn and lots of smoke. I met Lynn Ricks here, he was a sponsor of Bikers Against Drunk Driving which are selling tickets for a Free Motorcycle. Visit their site for details. He was very informative about the program.   Campers also check out River Plantation RV Park located in Sevierville, Tennessee in a peaceful valley bordered by the Little Pigeon River. We're only minutes away from all the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg have to offer. Spend a day hiking in the mountains, visiting Dolly Parton's very own theme park Dollywood, or shopping at more than 300 factory outlets.  We did all of that. Gatlinburg was a good stop for young and old.  

Day 7 - We loaded up and started our quest again traveling north towards Kentucky. We stopped at Cumberland Falls state park is located in southern Kentucky not far from the Kentucky-Tennessee border. It is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Imagine a wall of water falling 60 feet into a boulder-strewn gorge, a whispering mist that kisses the face and a magical moonbow visible on a clear night under a full moon. Known as the "Niagara of the South," the 125-foot wide curtain of water is dramatic day or night. But it's only at night during a full moon that you can see the moonbow, a phenomenon not found anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere! Pull in to the Prks Campground where you will find. 50 campsites with electric and water hookups. The campground has a central service building with showers and rest rooms, a grocery, and a dump station.  

Day 8 - Interested in history we stopped in at Fort Boonesborough near Richmond. Yep the home to Daniel Boone and the Boonesborough Campground you can actually camp where Daniel Boone camped should you stay the night at Fort Boonesborough State Park. See, when ol' Dan'l set out over the Cumberland Gap from Tennessee to make a settlement, he chose the banks of the Kentucky River to build his town. Specifically, he spied out Sycamore Flats, the primitive camping area at what is now the state park, to use as his fort and out of which the town would grow. However, before he could get started, one of his comrades persuaded Boone to locate the fort on higher ground adjacent to Sycamore Flats. Fort Boonesborough was eventually abandoned as settlers went on to greener pastures. We actually fished where Daniel Boone may have even walked.  

Day 9 - Headed back to Little Rock.  

April 22 2005 Wow what an evening. 

The Enlisted Association of The Arkansas National Guard held their Annual Convention and Banquet at The Lodge of Lage DeGray State Park.  The Masked Merchant and PawsULove were guests as the theme was Welcome Back Heroes, a Thanks to the 39th Infantry Brigade which returned home from serving nearly two years in Iraq.  We had the pleasure of providing two of the door prizes for the Association Members.  They were a Family Camp set and a custom built Pet Basket from PawsULove.  Congratulations to the winners and thank you for your service to our great nation.    

April 11-13 2005.  I would like to thank Gary and Ray for inviting The Masked Merchant down to Bearden Arkansas for a few days of Turkey Hunting.  G&L Hunt Club was my sponsor as they called and called. I dont know how to speak Turkey so they did their best.  We saw a few, but didnt get any prize for the hunt.  It was great though sitting at their nice facilities where The Masked Merchant products were featured.  The club which actually has sites with water and electricity is also the home to G&L for Deer Season. They have a nice cook facility where the atmosphere is always pleasant.  I am looking forward to visiting this nice group of people again.    

 Looking for more in 2004.   Camp Charlton (Sep 2004) Great place. Owned by the US Forrest Service the camp boasts about 16 full hookup sites and tons more primitive and is expected to for some renovations for more full hook up sites in 2005.  The Camp Host Phil Baldwin was the best. He was a guide, provider of fire wood and countless stories about the Park and The Ouachita Mountains.  Follow this guy to the other parks he dedcides to host.  There was a natural fed watering hole for some of the coldest swimming you'll find in Arkansas.  This place is very popular and has lots of regulaer that always return for their favorite retreat.  Just 20 miles west of Hot Springs on hwy 270.    

Branson Mo (Jul-Aug 2004) wow what a trip.

We did the outlet shopping for school clothes and supplies and a nice stay at Grand Vista Resorts.  They had two pools indoors and outdoors with lots of trails, shuffleboard, game room and activities.  We did a timeshare tour and want to thank our host for an exciting time.   The Illinois Wine Trail (July 2004) This was a nice tour of the southern Illinois wine trail. Since there are many I will just tell you about the ones we visited and our likes. Not in order of our tour.

Alto Vineyards, one of the largest commercial vineyards in the state, is located in the heart of the scenic Shawnee National Forest. Alto Vineyards was established on its family-owned vineyard in 1988. Its premium estate grown wines have won numerous awards in national and international wine competitions. They had a good medium wine, but the best was a local Root Beer shop in town it was really cool.

Genkota Winery's selection of award-winning wines includes dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet to sweet covering the spectrum of reds, blushes and whites. In addition, GenKota offers an expanding inventory of gourmet speciality foods and gift items, personalized labels for all special occasions, and custom gift baskets. The covered deck and fountain are popular areas for special events. Our favorite here is a blush niagra.

Pheasant Hollow Winery sits on more than 5 acres of scenic woodlands in southern Illinois. The winery is located on the eastern side of Rend Lake in the heart of a recreation destination that includes a marina, a golf course and resorts. Sit on the deck and sample unique country wines such as their signature award winning "Black & Blue," a sumptuous combination of blackberries and blueberries, or their "Amanda's Blush," a semi-sweet blend of Illinois grapes.

Owl Creek Vineyard is located on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in scenic southern Illinois. The winery features award-winning wines from dry, oak-aged reds to late harvest dessert style wines. All grapes used in winemaking are from Illinois. Surrounding the winery are numerous attractions including Giant City State Park, Makanda Boardwalk craft shops, antique stores, B & B's, and hiking trails.

Pomona Winery, nestled deep in the Shawnee Forest, specializes in award-winning fruit wines made from southern Illinois apples, peaches, blueberries and strawberries. Chilled wine is available by the glass or bottle.

Winghill Vineyard and Winery, the newest winery on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, specializes in estate grown wines from its location in beautiful Union County. The winery features free wine tasting, tours, a gift shop, and a gallery for local artisans to show and sell their work. Small and off the beaten trail this was our first stop. We found better along the way.

All in all it was a good trip the weather was great for this time of year.  The kids really enjoyed looking at the mountains, getting some grape juice and trying all the different crackers.    

Rend Lake, Benton IL KOA (June 2004)

This place was pretty nice. The weather was great. We traveled north to beat the Arkansas heat and stayed at this KOA. Located just outside of Rend Lake Marina where they had pontoon rentals so we went fishing for the day. Actually my birthday but my son out fished me catching a hybrid small mouth bass and me coming in empty handed.  But how are you suppose to fish with your daughter out splashing all around in the water. Back to the park, they have cabins, tent, pull throughs and back in camping. Swimming pool, horseshoes, game room and store. All the staff were were friendly.  Throw in 80 degree days and low 60 degree nights and it was a wonderfull break. We will stop there again.  

J&J Campground and RV Park (June 2004)

We headed off for our Magic Springs week. We stopped in at J&J Campground just off hwy 70 outside the Park. J&J were both friendly and courteous. J not to be confused with his wife J directed us to the site we wanted next to the pond and water fountain.  He even let us use his portable campfire to cook our smores.  The location was great we were able to hit the lake for a day of boat rental and tubing while being just across the street for daily access to Magic Springs and Crystal Falls.  The bathrooms were clean and the park was nice. If you by there tell J we said hello. They are a Good Sam Park so be sure to sign up. They have a special now for 3 yrs for 30.00 but youll have to call Good Sam to get it.  

June 2004 (off to a late start)

e started out this year at The Lake Hamilton RV Park (Hot Springs AR). It was inexpensive $15.00 per night for full hook ups. Located on an inlet of Lake Hamilton with canoe rental and hiking. The only bad experience we had was the chiggers and ticks.    

 Our 2003 adventures.  

(November of 2003)

This was an awsome three day weekend.  We left Little Rock and just at two hours we were at Tom Sawyers Mississippi River Campground( West Memphis AR).  Greeted by Lois at check in where they accept Good Sam , AAA and FMCA discounts.  She was friendly and helpful giving us some great info on Memphis.  Raymond the Park Manager lead the way down to our spacious pull thru lot with full hook-ups. At 22.00 per night minus any discounts and just a spit away from the river bank we knew we had it right. The campground had three fresh water lakes with stories of 21 lb channel cats and 11 lb bass stocked in them just waiting for the right lure. 

Since we got in so early we decided to hit Memphis.  Doing a little shopping at the Peabody Place entertainment center we were just a block away from Beale Street .  We had wings and fried pickles at Pat Obriens  along with a Lousianna born Hurricane and a Pink Lemonaide thing that turned into Tammy's new favorite drink.  Across the street we shopped at Hard Rock Cafe to earn our players points, and were just Walkin In Memphis for a while. Dinner was good at Rum Boogies Cafe were we sat and listened to the blues.  Back to the camper to watch the barges as they traveled up and down the Mississippi.  Saturday we hit the malls early.  Wolfchase Galleria and the outlet mall had us tired out by noon. We had lunch at Hooter's and after a short Memphis tour we were headed back to the site for the evening camp bonfire and cookout. Unfortunately it was called due to rain but, that didnt deter us.  We just headed for a Memphis landmark Corkys BBQ .  The ribs were great, but I sure wish they would bring back the sweet yeast rolls.  We got a late start home but made it back for Sunday dinner.  It was a great weekend and thank the folks at Tom Sawyers.  

(Summer 2003)

This was our see Arkansas first tour.  We tried to complete the Arkansas travel and win game of the 33 "must-see" locations around The Natural State.  

Day 1 & 2 We left Bryant and headed north.  We stopped in the town of Hardy and stayed at The Hardy Camper and RV Park  ( Hardy AR). Our tour location was Mammoth Springs State Park home a 58 degree pour off which starts the Spring River. The Hardy Camper Park was ideal for this as  it was only 14 miles from the Park and located on the Spring River. They have full hook-ups and located in downtown Hardy which is a old town filled with antique and nik-nak stores.  Canoe and tube rental are located right at the park.  Danny and Preston are ones to see at the office.

Day 3 We left for Mountain Home and The Ozark Folk Center and Blanchard Springs Caverns. I will suggest that if you ever go there stay at Jacks Fishing Resort   (Mountain View AR).  Mary will go out of her way to see that you are taken care of. Weither you are camping at their fulls hook-up campground or staying at the resort, you can be assured of good food at JoJos Catfish Warf restaurant and all the trimings of a Resort on the White River.  There is guide service and trout fishing, along with raft rental.  You wont go broke being there either. Only 18.00 a night for the campground no extra charge for additional persons.  Including cable TV you wont go wrong.  We would of liked to stay longer but rains pushed us along to our next stop.  

Day 4 - 9 Bulls Shoals White River State Park   (Bulls Shoals AR).  This place was great.  Trout fishing on the white river, events planned by the park staff made it uniquely the place to visit.  We did our trout fishing using the white river rigs made from the Wilderness Trail .  If you get here you had better visit with Caleb Howell the seasonal interpreter. This kind gentleman went completely out of his way to ensure our family had a visit to talk about and here we are doing it.  From his Bull Shoals Lake sunset cruise to the ballon toss and talent show he was an excellent host and a sure reason to visit the park.  Thank you for the hospitality you showed to us.  This is an Arkansas must see.

Day 10 and 11 Pressing along to Eureka Springs and The Eureka Springs KOA  (Eureka Spings AR). Here Daryl, Kim and Ken extremely warm and the proud owners of what we call the cleanest bathrooms at a campground in Arkansas.  There were immaculate.  So while touring Eureka Springs and Beaver Lake this is a must stay stopover. They welcome you with all kinds of literature to find all the sites of this romantic hideaway and even are happy to make your dinner and entertainment reservations. They had a pool which the kids loved and a really cool play ground that had a portion for even the littler kids. Only 4 miles from town we were close to the Great Passion Play and everything historic Eureka Springs had to offer. We had a teriffic lunch at the Famed Cresent Hotel which is told to still have ghosts which haunt the grounds and upper floors. We didnt see any but the thought of maybe seeing some made it an enjoyable afternoon. On the way to the campground dont forget to look for the shoe tree. Yes an actual tree along the road that people have been putting their shoes in for years, it was really a strange sight to see. It was a real nice trip, next time we arent taking the kids, hopefully.   Day 12 I had my new truck come in and had to head for home.  On the way we stayed at Petit Jean State Park (Petit Jean State Park AR). It is a very nice park loacted just outside Little Rock near Morrilton. Hiking trails lead you along forests, canyons, streams, meadows and mountainsides. Interpreters host programs and special events highlighting the resources of this unforgettable state park. Petit Jean Mountain is also home to the Museum of Automobiles, a showcase of antique and classic cars.   Day 13 I just have to throw this in.  Landers GMC in Benton.  When looking for a vehicle see Steven Kennedy.  He can find you the vehicle you are looking for.  He found us two of them and my father-in-law makes three.   That concluded the trip for this summer it was fantastic thanks to all the hospitality given by these fine host.  When traveling to any of these locations tell them you read about them at The Masked Merchant.   Lake DeGray State Park (June 2003) Just 6 mi off I-30 in Arkadelphia Arkansas, this place has it all.  Camping, fishing, golf, horseback riding, boat rentals, recreation for everyone in the family.  The park has nature trails and a weekly calendar of events.  For those not wanting the Arkansas outdoors there is even a lodge with pool, a resturant and meeting rooms.  We stayed in the 'C' Area where the sites are wider than the others but had the lake at our backdoor.  The 'A'  Area is reservable and not far from the lake while the ridge is on a point with lake on both sides.  Go and check them out next time you visit the natural state.  Reserve a site through the link.   Branson Missouri (April 2003) Traveling to Branson was the perfect 3 day weekend.  Musicland Kampground is where we went. Bea and Kent run a pretty clean campground. Located almost in the center of Branson, we were within walking distance of over 30 shows, attractions and several restaurants.  In this gated campground there was numerous amenitities. Some of the cleanest bathrooms we have found, laundry with telephone modem access (even relaxing I need to keep the up on the orders and site), pool, cable tv, pull through sites and full hook ups.  They accept Passport America and Good Sam Club members as well as anyone who just wants to experience Branson, Musicland USA.  Bea was very nice and personable she is sure to make you welcome.  

   ( Summer  2002)

Our Texas adventure landed some great camping sites.  

Let me tell you about Laguna Shore Village RV Park   

(Corpus Christi TX)  Jennie Ashmore was about one of the most personable people you will meet.  Located in Corpus Christi with a waterfront view, this beautifully landscaped campground has 30-50 amp connections, a coin laundry, pet friendly and on site owner manger with modem line in the office.  Jennie is the perfect tour guide when visiting Corpus Christi.  (Thanks for the Snoopy's suggestion.  Tammy and I  loved the fish and the kid's enjoyed the ice cream.)  

In Austin please visit Lone Star RV Resort (Austin TX).  It was loaded with amenities.  They have free pancakes breakfast, Saturday night steak out, and a Sunday Night Ice Cream social.All the people were friendly. They guide you to your wooded site with full hook-ups.  Pool, showers, laundry, modem hook-ups. A secure gated entrance made it a great place to  stay when in the Austin area.  

About 28 miles north of Houston we found Lone Star Lakes RV Park (Outside Houston TX).   Off U.S  highway 59 they had a pool, a fresh water fishing pond, play ground and rec room.  Reasonably priced and quiet.  My son caught 13 perch but Tammy beat him out with close to 20.  A good stop if planning anything around Houston.  

Then our weekend excursions... In or around Little Rock? 

(Sept 2002) The campgrounds at Burns Park (Little Rock AR) were just great for the weekend getaway.  Close enough to the city, yet quiet and peaceful.  Priced at only $14.00 per night for water and electric, the 30 site park has large spacious lots, 2 bath houses and was just perfect for the weekend.  

Relaxing in Hot Springs (Oct 2002) We had a Great Time over the weekend at The KOA in Hot Springs  (Hot Springs AR) and what a time it is to visit the Natural State. The fall colors were just beautiful. Philip will make you feel at home as he helps you into one of over a hundred sites.  Full hook ups, cable, laundry, and modem area in the rec room makes it perfect for the weekender or camper on the road. The kids had to get into the all season covered pool. We cooked smores over the fire ring and had time for the evening hayride.  We were the first 5 for the inaugural event.  It was a relaxing time and a nice place to visit. Be sure to put it on your must see list.

There will more adventures as we get time to enjoy them. Create some great camping adventures of your own. 

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