Friday, May 2, 2025
Weather Conditions:
High: 69
Low: 51
Skies: Variable clouds with showers and scattered thunderstorms. Chance of rain 100%.
Wind: N 5 to 10 mph
Today’s mileage: 0 (rain day)
Total: 40 miles
Where we stayed: Tyler Bend
Instead of birds giving us a wake-up call this morning, rain and thunder interrupted my peaceful sleep. After 30 minutes the storms moved on, so a quick shower was in order.
The rain returned as we drove to Ferguson’s for breakfast. The local restaurant resembles a small Cracker Barrel with its fireplace and gift shop. In the back of the building is a showroom of locally made furniture. The restaurant is famous for its biscuits and gravy and cinnamon rolls. John ordered the specialties and shared the cinnamon roll with me. (Isn’t he sweet?) I enjoyed two basted eggs, grits, and a biscuit. Luckily, we ordered and finished our meal as the tour bus arrived from Branson.
Next stop, the renowned Gilbert General Store in Gilbert, Arkansas, the place to visit when on the river to enjoy a cheeseburger. We had planned to arrive by river, but by road worked today. Unfortunately, the restaurant hasn’t opened for the season yet because of staffing issues. Gilbert’s has everything—store, restaurant, outfitters (Buffalo Camping and Canoeing—BCC), cabins, and campground. BCC is the outfitter that helped the guys retrieve our vehicles.
After exploring the store, we had another meeting of the minds. With rain in the forecast, the river will go up even more. With so many unknowns (when to return to the river and camping options on the banks), we decided it was time to go home.
Back to Tyler Bend and pack up.
We left the campground around 1:30. John and I ate at Daisy Queen. (The same place he and Gary ate yesterday and brought pieces of peanut butter pie for Linda and me.) John and I split a piece today. It was soooo good.
While we were eating, a rescue boat sped by. More confirmation we are being safe.
Homeward bound. Maybe we’ll return someday to enjoy more of the splendor we glimpsed this week.
This is the trip. This is our story. It was perfect.