Not far enough South…

The weather in Missouri has been dreary and cold for weeks on end, with an occasional brief show of sunshine.  Our friends from Wisconsin were experiencing the same thing, only colder and snowier and drearier. 
So Dennis and Kris headed out for a drive-about through Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas.  We met up with them last weekend in Eureka Springs.
Eureka Springs is a “Victoria Mountain  Village” built into the hillsides of the Ozark Mountains.  The early 1900’s architecture, beautifully restored, is a site to behold.
 

We apparently brought the weary Missouri weather with us.  The locals said it was in the 70’s and sunny earlier in the week, not the 40’s and rain of the weekend.

If you look closely at the center Old Towne building (I’m sure it has a name, but don’t know what it is) , you might be able to spot the fact that the red awning canopies the entrance to a Quilt Shop.  In this shop we bought a beautiful quilt.  It was the highlight of my trip… next to spending time with friends, of course.  A photo of the quilt later.  Ok?


As much as I love taking pictures, it is hard to get good photos with gloves on shaking hands in drizzling rain.  Jim took most of the pictures on this trip. 

We visited the Christ of the Ozarks, where the Passion Play is performed during peak season.  If you do a Google search, I believe you will find tons of photographs of this statue – most much better than this one (you know, the rain, cold, etc…)  It is one of the most photographed in the world.
       
I’m kind of fond of the eerie look to this distance shot of the Crescent Hotel.  I can almost believe there really are ghosts in residence there, as promised.

Since the town is built into the mountains, there are undeveloped areas – and it was in such an area that we spotted a family of deer.  Of the six or seven hiding behind the trees, these two ventured out to check me out.  My fingers were clicking away as I walked closer and closer.

But the leader decided I was close enough.  He stomped his hoof and challenged me.  Since I was the visitor who had worn out my welcome, I retreated (quickly).
          
The dome of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church.

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church


 
St. Elizabeth’s from the inside.

Eureka Springs is beautiful – even when there is no sunshine.  I want to go back and check out the sites better when the temperatures are a bit warmer and the sun is shining.