4-H Youth Hike: Natural Bridge

After having to postpone our initial Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Youth Hike back in May, we finally made it down to the Natural Bridge with a small group of children and adults. The group, which numbered around 20 individuals, drove from Melbourne to the Natural Bridge site and hiked down into the deep hollow spanned by the amazing geologic feature. Once the "oohs and ahs" had subsided while taking a look at the bridge, the group hiked up Calico Creek passing springs and Indian marker trees before turning about and walking downstream to see the "Flintstone House" shelter cave where the creek flows into the ground beneath the roots of a tree. After the hike, most enjoyed a pic-nic lunch where the vehicles were parked.

The 4-H group and the EIC Crew are planning on making these youth hikes a regular event. We will be planning the next one over the next couple of weeks and invite our readers to join us. We would also like to encourage our readers to join the 4-H program. Membership forms will be available at all the events.

Hobo's Den

We finally made it to Hobo's Den near Calico Rock. This amazing shelter cuts through a large outcropping of rock and made the perfect campsite for humble hobos in days gone by. The site lies just feet away from the railroad and only yards from the White River.
We made this trek in the early evening after a spur-of-the-moment invitation by our guide so the lighting was not very accomodating. We plan a return trip in the winter-time to get better views of this wonderful historic place.
Notice the graffiti on one wall of the shelter/natural bridge...we believe it may actually be hobo symbology!

Needle's Eye and Moon Eye

A much anticipated hike to Needle's Eye and Moon Eye was on the menu for this amazing day! Thanks to friend of the site, Wayne Hill for leading us on an excellent adventure!
This feature is located on the bank of Mill Creek opposite Pearogue and is truly something to behold! Our host informed us that the cave here was excavated by the University of Arkansas at one time and some very cool artifacts were collected...including a canoe. The site stands in the shadow of Slick Top and Hollow Mountains. The views of bluff-lined Mill Creek from above the creek are stunning! The tunnel extends about 100 feet from the top of the bluff to the creek bottom below. When exiting the tunnel on the creek, the large shelter and the natural bridge feature that is Moon Eye are just to the right.
This is a site that touches the raw spiritual parts of those who see it. The feelings of connection with the land and the generations people who lived on and used the land before us is very strong indeed!

More clips from the trip can be viewed at EIC TV!

Another Trek to the Natural Bridge