Here we are at the entrance sign to Buffalo Point,
Buffalo National River. I
had anticipated this camp out ever since I reserved a campsite four months
before the 2008
Memorial Day holiday weekend. Our youngest son, Byron, his
wife, Sherry, and one of their sons, Nicholas had made reservations several
months earlier than I. If one wishes to camp at Buffalo Point it is best to
make early reservations because the campsites are reserved early. To rent a
cabin one must apply at least one year in advance.
If you have ever been there you will understand why. It is beautiful and one can float the Buffalo River, fish it, swim, hike the beautiful hills, or just lie around the campsite and rest. I'm proud to say I did all except float it. The others floated several miles on large inner tubes while I choose to fish. The water was just right for fishing and floating while the water temperature was excellent for swimming.
Our last trip there was 37 years ago while the campground was Buffalo River
State Park. Our
children were in their early teens at that time and the park had not
developed much, although the same activities were available.
One can rent canoes from several commercial providers a few miles from the park. The most popular float trip is from Highway14 Bridge where it crosses the Buffalo River to Historical Rush about 7 miles downstream as show below.
Rush is a Historical District within the boundaries of the Buffalo National River.
In 1880 John Wolfer, Bob Setzer, and J. H. McCabe thought they had found silver-bearing ore, but they had discovered zinc.
With the development of the zinc mining, Rush population increased to around 2,000.
On the left is the remains of a Zinc Smelter built in 1886 and Hick's Store on the right. .
Saturday morning I woke up around 6:00 a.m. very hungry wanting a big breakfast so I jumped in my truck and headed for the Park Restaurant at the top of the mountain. They served two eggs, bacon or sausage, hashbrowns, and two biscuits with or without gravy for $4.50 plus tax of course. Now that's a breakfast that last me most of the day until dinner.
Not only did I enjoy the meal but the scenery was gorgeous looking out the large glass windows surrounding the dinning room. The sun just now peeking over the mountains while the river was difficult to see because of the fog.
After finishing my breakfast I walked out behind the restaurant and shot several pictures of the beautiful
view as shown below. WOW! What could be better than this, and with
a full stomach.
Looking East
Northeast
This photo shows part of my campsite and my TearDrop Camper. For more information about the TearDrop please visit that page.
The camper has a 3 speed fan with a thermostat and a reversible fan motor to push air outside or pull air inside. Either way I used it very little at night because while there the nights were cool .
Many campers stopped by to view and inquire about my TearDrop and I always enjoy visiting with them.
Southern view
Caption not needed.
A lone canoeist/fisherman enjoying the solitude.
If you have the opportunity to visit or camp the Buffalo National River take advantage of it.
Many men and women have died or become disable to protect our freedom and to enable us to enjoy in peace our scenic rivers, lakes, and campgrounds.
Don't miss it and remember the DAV's.
.
