Roark Bluff at Steele Creek

Ran to Ponca on Saturday about mid-day. Trying to time it just before the rain. I wanted to find a short-cut into Roark Bluff to get some fall foilage shots around Steele Creek. I was able to locate and old horse trail on the GPS and parked along Hwy 43 and hiked in from that point about halfway between Ponca and the Centerpoint Trailhead.

I followed the the trail down about 3/10's of a mile and then used the GPS to follow the topo lines to the edge of Roark Bluff overlook the Steele Creek Campground. The view was awesome!

The colors just aren't as vibrant as they were last year, but it was still beautiful. Also, the water is down on the Buffalo River because of the lack of rain. There was a beautiful canyon on the way to the bluff and the hike wasn't bad at all (except for the climbing back up part).

Roak Bluff overlooking Steele Creek Campground

Roark Bluff looking to the Southwest

Beechwoods Cemetery overlooking Lost Valley

An old cabin in Lost Valley

Camping at Kyle's Landing

We loaded up the crew for a last minute trip to Ponca on Saturday after Garrett's game. No real plan and no real timelines. Just threw the tent, the dog, and the kids in the truck and headed for the hills.

We ended up setting up camp for the night at Kyle's Landing. The weather was perfect and the stars were amazing Saturday night. I got up early on Sunday and hiked the Buffalo River for a bit and took a few pics. After spending some time in Boxley Valley and listening to the Elk serenade one another, we headed back to Springdale. A quick trip over and back, but well worth the effort. I'm not sure all of my crew would agree on that fact, but I know I enjoyed it.

Bluff behind Kyle's Landing campground.

Some color starting to emerge along the Buffalo.

Early morning on the Buffalo.

The Bluff just east of the Kyle's Landing campground.

The Springdale Cowboys!

Garrett's team the Springdale Cowboys are undefeated at 9-0 on the season with one game remaining. They've been a blast to watch this season. One more practice before the final game on Saturday morning against the Rams. We're hoping for a perfect season! How 'bout them Cowboys!

Garrett (#63) lined up against the Steelers.

The huddle at half-time, down 19-14 against the Steelers.

The Offensive line forming a wall to push for the winning touchdown.

Down . . .Set . . .

Boxley Valley Trip - Oct. 1, 2010

Got the Kiddos up early this morning around 5:30 and we headed over to Boxley Valley to see if we could catch a glimpse of the elk. It was a perfect morning and the weather was outstanding. We arrived in Boxley just about sunrise and the fog was just beginning to lift off the fields. The elk were very active and the bulls were really making lots of noise. Hearing them echo through the valley is one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. People living out west probably take it for granted, but it's really something special here in Arkansas.

We hung out and watched the elk for a while and then road around in the mountains for a bit. Stopped at Steel Creek and threw a few rocks in the Buffalo River and then headed over the Ponca Elk Education Center for a visit. We headed back and had lunch at Marble and made it home around noon. It was a great start to a day off work and a day out of school. Just wished Mom didn't have to work today.

Bull elk resting in a field South of Boxley.

Cow and calf hanging out in the Valley. You can still see his spots.

Big bull that seemed to be controlling most of the activity in Boxley Valley this morning.

Nice reflection of the bluffs along the Buffalo River at Steel Creek.

Published Photo in Capture Arkansas

WooooHoooo! Made it in the Book! Looks like we made it into this year's Capture Arkansas book. I'm excited since this was my first attempt to enter. You're allowed to submit multiple pics, which I did, and one has been chosen to be published in this years book. The only bad part is, they won't tell you which photo or photos were selected until the release the book on November 6, in the River Market at Little Rock.

We will head down to the Release Party and check the the unveiling of the new Capture Arkansas book and see which entry made it to print. There were some awesome pics entered in the contest and some really outstanding photographers chosen to be published. Some folks whose work I really admire. It's very humbling to even be considered along with some of those folks.

Published Photographer Badge

Awarded to photographers who have had at least one photo published in a Capture Arkansas product

Here are a few of the pics I submitted. These shots received the most public votes from the photos I submitted, but may not necessarily be what the judges finally picked. Can't wait until November 6th to find out.