Arkansas - Pea Ridge National Military Park

Things To Do

The Battle that saved Missouri for the Union. 

On March 7th and 8th 1862, over 23,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri which was the turning point of the war in the Trans-Mississippi. This 4,300 acre battlefield honors those who fought and died on these hallowed grounds. Pea Ridge was the most pivotal Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. 

You can read more about the history and culture on their website here.

Richard and I arrived at the park with one hour to spare before closing time. We were pushed for time trying to take everything in. We will definitely have to come back.

Arkansas - Crater of Diamonds State Park

Things To Do

Upon hearing where we were going, I had envisioned something like a large crater impact site with rocky edges. I must admit I was a tad bit disappointed when I saw a plowed field. None the less, it was enjoyable :)

People travel from all over to visit Murfreesboro, Arkansas to search for diamonds in a 37-acre field of an original volcanic source. Crater of Diamonds is a one-of-a-kind experience.

You can bring your own mining tools as long as they are not battery operated or motor driven, or you can rent tools from the park.

In the visitor center you can view real uncut diamonds, interact with the exhibits and learn about rocks and minerals found at the park.

Since Crater of Diamonds became a park in 1972, over 35,000 diamonds have been found. Including the largest diamond ever to have been unearthed in the US, the 40.23-carat Uncle Sam.

Oklahoma - Exploring Lake Oologah

Things To Do

Lake Oologah is a reservoir in northeastern Oklahoma. It is located near the towns of Oologah, Nowata, and Claremore. The lake has a surface of 29,500 acres (119 km2) of water and 209 miles (336 km) of shoreline with 11 lake-side parks. The lake is formed along the Verdigris River, and is a source of water for the Tulsa Metropolitan Area. The purpose of the dam and lake is flood control, water supply, navigation, recreation, and fish and wildlife.

The dam and lake were built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who still administer it. Construction began in 1950. In 1963, the majority of the project was complete and all facilities were in 1974.

Recreation opportunities include a swimming beach, mountain biking, marina, RV and tent camping, picnic tables and a playground. On the east side of the lake, the Will Rogers Country Centennial Trail winds around the shore from the Spillway to Blue Creek Park totaling 18 miles.

Time to deal with aggressive wasps and hornets

Out Of Interest

As you've probably noticed, wasps and hornets are starting to get aggressive. Everytime I step outside on to my porch they buzz and fly around me. A few times they have even tapped me. Threatening they will attack. I am allergic to their stings.

The main reason they become aggressive this time of year is because as the weather cools their food source becomes scarce and competition gets fierce.

For the wasps, the Queen has stopped laying eggs. The larvae no longer provide a food source for the adult wasps. Lack of food makes for more aggressive, angry wasps. 

They are looking for sugar and protein.

You don't want to be near their nests. They will protect it fiercely and will proceive you as a threat.

Working on the Jeep

Update: Richard surprised me today. He added a light bar :) See photo below post. - Sept 17, 2024

Richard's been busy working on projects around the home. He recently finished installing the winch on my Jeep. Looking good. Great job hon!

EVERSTART MAXX SL10LEDE Lithium-Ion LED Rechargeable Spotlight

Gear Review

The EVERSTART MAXX SL10LEDE Lithium-Ion LED Rechargeable Spotlight is a powerful and long-lasting indoor/outdoor spotlight. 

Whether at home, in a vehicle, camping or during a roadside The ultra-bright LED provides up to 2200 lumens and features include CLO (continuous light output), so it stays brighter longer than traditional spotlights. It also features a rugged pistol-grip handle with a comfortable grip. 

The locking pivoting stand and convenient trigger lock provides hands-free operation. Recharge with the 2 Way USB port that provides up to 1A USB output. The Powerful LED provides a runtime of up to one hour on high and seven hours on low. Included battery - Lithium-ion technology allows for up to 12 months without recharging.

Comes with a 2 year Manufacturer's Warranty.

The above is the sales pitch found online.

Jackery Explorer 290 Portable Power Station

Gear Review

We are very impressed with our Jackery. It's never let us down and we can't find any faults with it. 

At home, we use it for backup whenever there is a power outage. We can be anywhere out in the yard and still be able to plug something in without having to worry about running any extension cords.

We take it with us whenever we go exploring the backroads. Just in case we need it and we always take it with us when we go camping. 

A person can charge it up while driving using the car plugin, plug it in at home or hook it up to portable solar panels.

Weighs 7.5 pounds, so it's not that heavy. Doesn't take up much room, so it's easy to store. Doesn't make any noise. Easy to carry with its handle.