The New Winter Arrives

Winter is officially here, color is gone, temps in the 20's last night, cliffs are reappearing from behind the foliage, and it's time to settle in for 4 months of winter's magic. It's funny how I mourn each passing of the seasons, but quickly come to love the change and the change of scenery. It's time for hiking! Winter is the best months to get out and explore the Buffalo River canyons, waterways, and waterfalls, and I have several already picked out that I have never been to. Amazing that after 30 plus years of exploring this area, there is still so much to see, hopefully there will be a Hailstone rafting trip or 2 or 3 or 4 to enjoy. There is always something to look forward to in our little slice of paradise, and I am going to enjoy as much of it as I can. We had friends and family over for dinner on saturday night, and we all  enjoyed hanging out at the outdoor fireplace after a wonderful meal. Guests were our good friends Dennis and Candy, returning to the mountain after their summer break, Dad, Dave and Tonia, and Scott with Cooper and Lucy. A great gathering of folks and thank you for attending. Well, I gotta get going, we have 80 flat screen T.V.s arriving at the store today, and I'm in charge of getting them on the floor. Love to all, the Hollohead

Clouds developing in the Gorge

Last of fall colors

The awesome outdoor fireplace

The new scene off the deck

Quite differant from 1 week ago

The creek beginning to fill up

One Sweet World

Brothers enjoying the sun on their face

Cousins enjoying Holloween with friends

Hopefully, everyone has their own paradise, that place where all things seem as they should  be, where we feel at home, comfortable, and at peace. Since I am such a lucky man, I get to live in my own paradise, waking up every day in that special place I feel most at peace. The Ozarks represent one of  the last places where the past and tradition are not thrown away, only to be replaced by something of lesser character as long as it is new. I am so thankful that Robyn and I are able to raise Matt in this special place where things that used to be important, still are. I know there are fine people everywhere with awesome values, and I know there are the same bad temptations here as there are anywhere else. But, there is something to be said about a slower  pace, and a more subtle and slower pace of change. These pictures represent this way and pace of life, for us, the change of the seasons is really just a change of the clothes we wear, because we are always outside with our families enjoying our paradise. Love to all, The Hollohead

The Maple off the deck

Paradise

Our living room in fall colors

White Rock Mountain

Carter Edmistien

Life is good

Fun without computers

Shannon being a kid

Sky is so blue

Top of the Ozarks

Cooper loves the outdoors

Spirits Creek

Bear food

Nothing beats playing in a creek

Beautiful Weekend In The Ozarks

How lucky are we to live in such a  wonderful and beautiful part of the country that there are countless  places to take our children weekend after weekend, providing them with an appreciation and love of the great outdoors.  Brother Scott and cousin Coop met Robyn, Matt, and I at Shores Lake for a campout saturday night and it was a much needed getaway for all. We made a trip to White Rock Mountain saturday afternoon and the boys were much impressed with the tall cliffs and endless views. It had been  probably 25 years since I had been up there, and it's always stunning. There were so many people out checking out the foliage that it was kind of strange, we go  out all times of the year and to many secluded places , so it is different to be around so many folks. It is good however to see folks enjoy what we have here. Perhaps the State of Arkansas will someday realize what we have and stop the rush to destroy anything of beauty, and yes I am speaking of the hog farm on the Buffalo River. After breaking camp sunday, we went over to Spirits Creek and hiked down one of Arkansas's best class 3 kayak streams. A wonderful stroll under a towering and colorful canopy of many varieties of hardwood and pine trees. Sweet Gum, Black-Red--White Oaks, Dogwood, Black Gum, Cherry, Locust, and countless understory trees, created an awesome day to just soak up the sunshine and thank the Lord for days like this. On the way home we took the road less traveled and had quite the adventure on what has to be one of the hairiest and most scenic gravel roads in the state. Robyn turned in a great performance behind the wheel as we wondered weather or not we would make it out in the too big Suburban. We made it home in one piece around 5 o clock and darkening skies, tired but always ready for more outdoor adventures. Live life to the fullest everyday folks, and I love all of you. The Hollowhead

Christmas At The Cabin

Thank you Dad, I Love you