Petit Jean Mountain State Park

I spent my childhood as well as many of my adult years in the state of Arkansas. Due to some life changing events, I left there in 2002. I now live in the great North West, here in Oregon. It rains a lot during the fall, winter and the spring. It is really wet and yet we do not let it keep us from enjoying life. While I may enjoy living here in Oregon, where I can walk its sandy beaches I have very fond recollections of Arkansas. I can honestly say that Arkansas still runs deep within me, and probably always will. Growing up I developed a huge interest in Photography and Hiking which is a great combination. And like a lot of nature nuts, my favorite singers were John Denver, Michael Martin Murphy, and a few other folk artists. The same as many teen-age boys, I drove my Father crazy, with my semi-long hair, just below my collar. Now I have none to speak of, what's up with that? I even read a few of the books by Euell Gibbons. Once I became old enough to drive, I did a lot of camping on my own, not always by choice mind you, just the way things worked out. My favorite place to camp, hike and photograph was Petit Jean Mountain State Park.

Petit Jean Mountain is located near Morrilton Arkansas. It has an incredibly rich history. There is also a wonderful story for how this oasis of paradise got her name. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you will want to stop at Stouts Point. Located at the east end of the mountain, this is a great place to experience the true beauty of an Arkansas sunrise. It is here that you can find the sign which tells the story for her name. From this point you can also see the Arkansas River valley below.

On a clear day you can watch the eagles soar through blue skies. See the river barges as they make their way up the Arkansas River. The view from Stouts Point, is only one of her many treasures. You will find more of these treasures on Red Bluff Drive and all around her ridges

The Cedar Creek Trail  is another one of my favorite places. This is not a real hard trail, fairly easy and offers a lot to see. Other trails include the Cedar Falls Trail. This trail is a little harder, and well worth taking.  There is also the Canyon Trail . This is part of the Boy Scout trail.  Petit Jean Mountain State park has many trails, for those who have the aspiration and fortitude to take the journey Nevertheless if Hiking is not your image of fun or in the event you are unable to, because of health concerns. Do not lose heart. You can still enjoy her magnificence by visiting the many overlooks throughout the park. Red bluff drive is a must; last time I was there it was a very well maintained gravel road. I remember right there at the intersection, there is a little dairy bar. They were only open about nine months out of the year. I can tell you, they served some really good burgers, milk shakes and orange floats. I have been told by park officials that it is out of business though, hopefully someone will reopen it.

 After a long day of hiking and sightseeing, there is nothing like sitting back and enjoying a nice camp fire. Roasting hotdogs, making S'mores or just gazing at the stars, on more than one occasion I was invited, by my neighbor to join them around their campfire. I have met some of the nicest and most musically talented people while camping at Petit Jean State Park.

  If I tell you everything about her, you would have no reason to make the journey, to see her.  I talk about this place as though it was a person, a lady. Indeed I do, once you make the trip you will too. I made several trips to see her and photograph her. It did not seem to matter what time of the year it was she always gave me some great photographs, and a lot of good memories. Every time, that I was there I would hike down to Cedar Falls. Something about that place that would bring about calmness, it was a place to forget about the world an all of its problems.  Just when I thought, I had seen everything she had to offer. I would discover something new about her. She was always there for me, when I just needed to get away from things.

 Petit Jean has seen her fair share of marriage proposals, weddings, and Honey-mooning couples.

Petit Jean has so many things to offer, to so many people. I have not been there in a few years. I cannot imagine that too many things have changed. The park service is very diligent in preserving the park and keeping it as natural as possible. Although I understand that there has been some major renovations made to Mather Lodge at Petit Jean Mountain State park. This park has camping available for RVs as well as tent camping, boating, fishing. If you live in Arkansas and have not visited Petit Jean you are cheating yourself of a wonderful experience. If you are on the road just passing through the state you need to visit Petit Jean  and create some memories of your own, you will be so glad that you did.

Standing Up For What You Believe In.

We have all heard about the big hullabaloo, over Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-a. Dan Cathy strongly supports  the biblical definition of marriage.  So strongly that Chick-fil-a, has donated several millions of dollars in support of traditional marriage between one man and one woman. As well as for traditional moral family values. Dan Cathy's Stance on this issue could wind up costing Chick-fil-a and its franchisees several millions of dollars worth of future business. This has not kept mister Cathy from standing up for what he believes in. It has come time for all Christians to stand up for what we believe in, in spite of what the cost might be. I see Dan Cathy's actions and views to be an inspiration to all of us, who believe in the teachings of the Holy Bible.

Politicians all over the country have said that they will ban chick-fil-a from opening in their city. While Michael Bloomberg mayor of New York city welcomes the fast food chain to open more restaurants in New York City. At the same time Christine Quinn a New York city council-woman who is currently in a same sex marriage. Supports kicking Chick-fil-a out of town. Mayors in cities such as Boston, San Francisco, and Philadelphia; are in support of keeping the fast food chain out of their cities. They all accuse Chick-fil-a of discrimination. Now look who is calling the kettle black. Is that not what these big cities are doing; discriminating  against Chick-fil-a for their religious beliefs. Even Washington DC has said that they will keep Chick-Fil-a out. Our nation's capitol city is going to discriminate against the fast food chain. The Jim Henson company is pulling its toys out of the kids meals, cutting off all ties to Chick-fil-a. This is totally understandable since Ceo Lisa Henson, is in favor of same sex marriages. Ms Henson has also directed that the payment received from Chick-fil-a will be donated to GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)   Councilman Jim Kenney of Philadelphia, the city of brotherly and sisterly love made a comment that there was no place in their city for that kind of hatred, in Philadelphia. I do not recall Dan Cathy saying that he hated anyone.

I really don't know if these politicians or blind or plain stupid. Chick-fil-a is a franchise company. This means that these restaurants  are owned by individuals. So when you are kicking the Chick-fil-a off of the university campus, you are kicking some poor business owner in the gut. When you ban one from moving into your city you are hindering the creation of new jobs. Now maybe it is just me, I would think that in a down-turned economy that creating jobs would be a good thing. Furthermore  are you not violating first amendment rights. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

There is always this confliction about the separation of church and state. Since this is over the religious values of a man and his company it is not only about discrimination against Chick-Fil-a direct violation of the first amendment. I have not found anywhere or anything that says chick-fil-a is going to ask customers if they are gay; serving them according to what their answer is. So now city governments want to crucify a man and his business for their religious views. I find that funny. The message that I come away with, is that we want separation of church and state when it serves the needs of local government.

Not to worry because Dan Cathy and Chick-fil-a, also have supporters. Former Arkansas governor, Mike Huckabee is planning a Chick-fil-a appreciation day. As of the moment this article  was posted 410,000 Americans have pledged to eat at their local chick-fil-a, on Wednesday August 1st. These customers support his views on traditional marriages. It seems that a McDonalds restaurant has also jumped on to the support wagon.

 However on the flip side of that a gay and lesbian organizations are planning to have a same sex kiss day in front of selected chick-fil-a restaurants. Don't know about you but I find that rather repulsive. I am interested in what you have to say about this situation. I encourage all Christians to make a firm stand on your beliefs. It is the only way that we can reverse the moral decline of our country. God Bless America.