December 2, 2004; Eureka Springs, Arkansas

After collecting some affects at my storage shed in Kansas City I headedout again, well after I removed frost from both sides of my windshield.

As I moved South, I could smell it getting warmer; that unmistakeable and indescribable smell of spring. Nothing could have smelled sweeter... oh, wait... Bar-be-que! Mmmmm, Bar-be-que. Bound and determined to cross another state line, I hit Arkansas an hour before sundown. A scenic high hills pass lead me to Eureka Springs, where I snapped a few shots from the observation tower, hoping to make up for the shots I could not stop for on the way (picture below).

The street plan for Eureka Springs is straight out of 1800's Italy;narrow winding streets framed by crowded three story shops and homes. To the left is a picture of the town decorated for Christmas. I get the feeling that there is much to see here and it may require my attention tomorrow.

I stopped in at KJ's Caribe Cantia. Besides having great atmoshpere, this place has more characters than a DC Comic. Unfortunately no picture, my head was in the clouds.

I met Bill, an ol' sailor that gave me a verbal tour of the gulf coast and many great ideas on where to stop along the way. He has promised to tell me how he made a living for 20 years while traveling, which I look forward to hearing.

Beau is the former mayor of Eureka Springs. Although he is connected like a mayor, his apperance and demeanor are more befitting the title of an American Indian sage than "Mr. Mayor." Beau took it upon himself to work his contacts and find me loging for the night, which was greatly appreciated. He has invited me to his art studio tomorrow. I can't imagine that it will be anything less than a trip.

KJ is of course the proprietor of KJ's Caribe Cantina. A real live wire. I would not doubt that if she touched her index fingers together, that there would be a spark. She runs a hell of an establishment.

Between the three of them and Lee, the bartender, they have coaxed me into putting off my southern momentum to see exactly what Eureka springs has to offer. They told me that Eureka was the kind of place that sucks people in. Lee enjoyed the analogy drawn with the lyric "You can check out any time you like but you can never leave" from The Eagles "Hotel California." Intruiging me even further was the saying I heard multiple times: Eureka Springs- the place where misfits fit.