OK, I'm still unable to post pics which aren't the size of drive-in movie screen, so I'll try using links.
The first stop on the ride was the rest area about 12 miles south of the start/finish point.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...7/HPIM0081.jpg
The photo in the link is the rest area in Brentwood, AR. Back in the day when U.S. 71 was the main north/south thoroughfare in this area, the state maintained the area. With the opening of I-540, the state eventually dropped the area. Later, the citizens of Brentwood started maintaining it. Not only do they maintain it, they improved it by adding the shelter. It's a great place to stop for water, a little conversation and the call of nature. The west fork of the White River runs through the rest area.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...7/HPIM0080.jpg
Photo in the link is the river. It parallels U.S. 71 from West Fork to somewhere around Winslow. When there's no traffic and when my terminal tinnitis isn't overwhelming, I can hear the water rushing over the rocks. It's quite a beautiful site and soothing to the ears.
I met another cyclist, Brain, at the rest area and invited him to ride with me. He said he would ride along but might not go all the way to Mountainburg.
The next photo is at Winslow at the base of Mt. Gaylor on the north side of the mountain. The information on the sign is quite accurate. Brian shot this photo of me and Ol' Fuj.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...7/HPIM0083.jpg
Brian and I rode together to the top of Mt. Gaylor and took a break under a tree at an old well.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...7/HPIM0066.jpg
The well is on the property where the three chows usually come out and give chase. For the second week in a row, they remained under the carport. I've befriended them in previous rides, so I don't consider them a threat.
Down the mountain toward Mountainburg is Artist Point. The view there is really beautiful.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...7/HPIM0086.jpg
In this photo, you see Ol' Fuj taking a break, and in the next photo is the view to the east.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...7/HPIM0088.jpg
Down the hill more is Lake Fort Smith, which will serve primarily as a reservoir for drinking water for Ft. Smith, AR. As I understand it, the lake is fairly new. Given all the rain we've had of late, it has filled ahead of schedule by a couple of months. The park below the dam is not complete, and I was unable to get any closer for more pics. The dam is an earthen structure.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...7/HPIM0091.jpg
On the way home, back up the mountain, I shot Interstate 540, way down below. I thank my lucky stars for I-540. It took most of the traffic off U.S. 71 and turned it into a great place for cycling and taking in peace and quiet and natural beauty. The mountain in the background is the way back home
.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...7/HPIM0094.jpg
Well, I hope you enjoyed my ride as much as I did. I hope the links worked.