Chillin in Hot Springs...and a hike in Garvin Woodland Gardens

With the end of school nearing and the blur of activity and stress that is associated with that, it was essential that we get away for the weekend. Our good friends, Danny and Judy we celebrating their anniversary and asked if we wanted to join them at the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs. Also on the agenda for the weekend getaway was a hike through Garvin Woodland Gardens. Since we had not been to either popular attraction we were very excited about our trip. Let me just say, if you have not visited the Garvin Gardens, you must do so. It is a gorgeous botanical garden that was alive with spring flowers and blooming trees. You get to walk at your own pace through a winding 2 mile trail of waterfalls, streams, flowers and wildlife. It was so peaceful and serene. Just what we needed to begin the relaxation process we were hoping to find. After our walk we headed back to the hotel to check in and freshen up. Since the four of us enjoy people watching as a passtime we spent the rest of the afternoon sitting on the veranda of the hotel talking and watching a variety of people, cars and tons of motorcycles as they came and went up and down Central Avenue. After a delicious dinner at the Fisherman's Wharf we went back to the hotel to enjoy listening to a live band playing 40's and 50's dance music while many talented and some not so talented people hit the dance floor. I really wish that Norman and I had some of Camryn's dance ability because I would have loved to join those on the floor who seemed to be having such a good time.

Today we had planned to hit the mall for some shopping but alas, being Sunday, they did not open until around 1 PM. So, we did the next best thing...we went to Walmart and got in on some great deals. Now, to most of you this may sound like a pretty boring weekend but to each of us, it was absolutely wonderful. I mean what more could you want? We had beautiful weather, peaceful surroundings and time with funloving friends.

Here are some of the pictures of us as we strolled through the gardens....

A self photo shot
A gorgeous stream
Us on one of the many bridges

Danny and Judy pause for a picture

Danny and Judy again

Norman and Me

Norman tries to attract the fish
A gorgeous Waterfall

I love these two people

Here they are by the waterfall

And here we are by the same waterfall

Judy and I enjoying a "serene moment."

What a beautiful view of Lake Hamilton in the background.
Another bridge shot of us

An electric train set

A miniature village for the trains to move around

We had a wonderfully restful weekend and look forward to our next outing with these two friends.

*Sorry about the 3 pictures that are not vertical as they should be. I couldn't find the correct way to get them turned and I was too tired to keep messing with them. lol