Hot Springs, AR: West of the Mississippi River

Hey, I neglected to mention the b-i-g news. We are west of the mighty Mississippi. Actually, it happened last week when we passed over the Mississippi River when we went through Memphis. More accurately, when we left Memphis, crossed the river and entered Arkansas.

By the way -- according to MLA, Arkansas is spelled incorrectly. She thinks it should end with a "w", not an "s". I'm inclined to agree with her. I mean, you pronounce Kansas as "can sass", not "can saw".

We went to Stubbys for BBQ this evening. Pretty good BBQ but not great. Best is supposed to be McClard's BBQ, in business since 1922 however it is closed on Sunday & Monday. McClard's reputation was enhanced by a past president..... guess who.

Give up? Come on, this is an easy one. How about a hint? Hot Springs, Arkansas is the childhood home of former President Bill Clinton (and they are proud of it.....). Apparently, Bill Clinton, a foodie of the first order, would occasionally have an order of McClard's BBQ sent to the White House. Probably had it delivered along with his favorite waitress -- hey, I don't know -- I'm just guessing.

But I digress. Back to crossing the Mississippi. When we drove over the river I excitedly pointed out the river and told MLA it was a momentous occasion on our RV adventure. The Mississippi essentially splits the US as it snakes north from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. It was instrumental in the exploration & expansion of the US.

I mean, it's the second longest river (2340 miles) in the US & it's drainage basin covers more than 1,245,000 sq mi, including all/part of 31 states plus two Canadian provinces. I mean, it's geographically significant. It's historically significant. All in all, it's magnificent.

MLA's reaction: not much -- she thought it was muddy and 'no big deal'. When I asked her to grab the camera and get a quick picture of the river under us she simply asked "Who wants a picture of a muddy river?".

Oh well -- I'll guess I'll have to keep looking for sights in the US that will impress her --the Mighty Mississippi didn't do it....

See Ya!