crater of diamonds state park

Digging for Diamonds: Crater of Diamonds State Park

Well, I finally made it to the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas.  I’ve always been interested in rocks, so what better way to indulge in stones by digging for diamonds? 

The Crater of Diamonds State Park is only a four hour drive from my hometown of Dallas, Texas.  So, I don’t know why it has taken me so long to try my luck. Especially with a recent trip to Mena and passing through the state too many times to count for horse shows in Gulfport and Ocala.

The good news is that now my piqued interest in digging for diamonds has been satisfied.  For anyone else who wants to try their luck, below is a helpful guide.

DIG FOR DIAMONDS

Happy Hiking: Dam Mountain Trail

Much to my dismay, aside from hiking the Wild Pacific Trail in Vancouver, trekking this summer eluded me.  Fortunately, however, on my way to Maryland for a horse show, I stopped to stretch my legs with my dog Annie on the Dam Mountain Trail in Lake Catherine State Park.

Lake Catherine State Park is located outside of the popular resort City of Hot Springs in the forest-clad Ouchita Mountains. The 2,240 acre park offers many outdoor activities including camping, fishing, water sports, hiking and horseback riding. 

With the majority of the campsites on the lake shore, camping and water activities including fishing, party barges, canoeing, kayaking, water biking and pedal boating are the biggest draw.

HAPPY HIKING!

Historic Blakeley State Park

Continuing my road trip home from Ocala, Florida, I stayed the night in Historic Blakeley State Park on the way to visit some horse friends in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

Historic Blakeley State Park

Historic Blakeley State Park, located in Spanish Fort, Alabama encompasses more the 2,000 acres and affords visitors many things to do.  Along with RV camping, primitive camping, improved tent camping and cabin rentals, the park features 30 miles of trails, boat cruises, a Civil War Battlefield, the Townsite of Blakeley, and remnants of American Indian habitation.

EXPLORE!

Cathedral Caverns State Park

After spending two months in Ocala on the horse show circuit, I headed back toward Texas with a detour to northeastern Alabama to visit The Unclaimed Baggage Store.  It was time to let my dog Annie stretch her legs, so after completing my secondhand shopping we ventured to Cathedral Caverns State Park.

The park, only 21 miles southwest of Scottsboro, features five hiking trails, RV and tent camping, cave tours, gem mining, and many educational programs.  Since I am infatuated by caves, the cavern tour was a big draw for me.

GO SPELUNKING!
unclaimed baggage store

The Unclaimed Baggage Store

The Unclaimed Baggage Store is likely just what you have guessed.  A store with unclaimed baggage from all the airlines in the United States.  As an avid traveler, when I first heard about the place over five years ago, I was highly intrigued. So much so, that I have always wanted to visit.

I planned on visiting about four years ago while I was roadtripping through the southeast United States.  After VANgo ended up with an electrical problem in Florida, my itinerary and life changed dramatically, and I didn’t make it to Scottsboro, Alabama, the location of the Unclaimed Baggage Store.  Instead, I returned to Texas and promptly bought a horse!

Now, four years later, I was again in Ocala, Florida, this time showing my horse.  And upon my return to Texas, I was bound and determined to visit the Unclaimed Baggage Store.  I drove out of my way to do so, which is particularly crazy for me since I truly dislike shopping. But in the end, satisfying my curiosity was worth it!

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park…what a find!!  The park is only 13 miles south of Gainesville and 29 miles north of Ocala.  It was a perfect getaway for me and my dog Annie in between horse shows at the World Equestrian Center.

I typically don’t visit state parks because unlike National Forests, dogs have to be on a leash and there is an entrance fee.  At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, the fee was only $4.  I couldn’t believe it!  I am so glad I visited this 22,000 acre wilderness over two days.

HAPPY HIKING!
sandhill crane closeup

The Celery Fields

During an overnight visit to Sarasota, I was looking for a nearby, natural setting to walk my dog, since most beaches in Florida are not dog friendly.  Google Maps showed a place called Celery Fields Park a short drive away.

It seemed like an odd name for a park, so I decided to check it out.  I’m not sure why it piqued my interest so much, as I can’t stand the taste of celery. Just hearing the word gives me shivers!

EXPLORE!
cross florida greenway trail

Cross Florida Greenway: Land Bridge Trail

The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is a 110-mile linear park which spans from the Gulf of Mexico to St John’s River.  It’s 70,000 acres features 300 miles of trails for paddling, biking, hiking, horseback riding and multi-use activities. 

HAPPY HIKING!