Westward Bound with Countless Curiosities Along the Way (Part 2)

After a charming breakfast of quiche, ham and fruit in the cozy breakfast room at the Cedar Key Bed and Breakfast, and conversations with Innkeeper, Alice Phillips Oakley, and other guests, we loaded up the truck and headed north up the Nature Coast of Florida and eventually west toward Port Gibson.

One of the southern dynamic sights is the appearance of the Kudzu vine that seems like an undulating carpet of green that covers the ground and crawls up tall trees as far as the eye can see. In fact, it’s known by a nickname - “the Vine that Ate the South” - and it’s taking over in the perfect climate for it to multiply. Originally thought to be a forage crop plant, it was planted to reduce soil erosion and feed livestock, but it soon outpaced the original purpose. Kudzu is now America’s most invasive weed and planting it is outlawed in many states. Since you have to see it to believe it, I’ve included a photo.

Lake Providence is a sleepy town, with lots of closed businesses, few cars or activity, however, they did a masterful job creating a mural of inspiration for their residents and those just passing through like we were. When I think of the many blank walls across the USA, it would be dynamic to challenge local artists to express their talents and cover the boredom. 

Hot Springs, Arkansas, was home to an amazing antique store with a talkative gent who was most willing to explain any of the collectibles displayed. I could have bargained for any number of treasures, but my husband pointed to the truck and said there wasn’t room, unless it was something small. (Note to self – leave more room for the treasures along the way next time we drive!) The photo taken in this store is for you to decipher what the plethora of objects are. (Answer at the end of the article.)

Fort Smith also had surprises. Check out the creativity on this wall of mostly abandoned stores and a dilapidated service station remade into the stylish Fort Smith Coffee Company with whitewashed faux bricks and an antiqued metal awning. Plenty of light coming through the old garage doors and planters outside for a touch of living things. Wish we had had time to stop and go inside and investigate further.

While getting temporarily lost in Elk City, Oklahoma, we found a local museum and decided to see what local color we could experience. The Old Town Museum was worth touring; however, they had a rule that if you brought your dog, you had to carry it. I can see why, however, my arms were worn out by the time we reached the second floor of the museum, actually an old Victorian house set in a small village setting along with many other re-created scenes and antiques.

The Old Town Museum had the original oldest wooden schoolhouse called the Rock Bluff School, equipped with a sign that detailed the 1872 “Rules for Teachers”. Talk about lack of rights. If the dedication of teachers weren’t so high, they would have had few participants for those wages and rules.

While driving from Elk City to Clayton, Oklahoma, we passed homes and businesses spread out farther and farther. I almost whiplashed my neck when we passed a business and a home with the most incredible array of welded animals in all sizes on the property! I had to walk around the critters and realized what a unique find in a field in what seemed like the middle of nowhere.

Finally, we made it to Wyoming and found another incredible mural on the side of a building. Except for the black garbage can and the map, the rest of the mural is all painted. The Pronghorn Antelope is especially detailed along with the shadow and windows. Fremont Lake lies at the base of the Wind River Mountains. Some say the actual depth hasn’t been verified. In any case, this Florida girl will not be cooling her toes in snowmelt creek water anytime soon. Part Three next issue with more adventures.  (The white mysteries on the shelves are the ceramic grates that are in gas or electric heaters - who knew there would be so many varieties!)