Boxley Valley

After our hike in the "Lost Valley" we drove around in Boxley Valley looking for the elk that  are seen reguarly along the roadside. As we waited and drove we stopped for photos:

















And Finally, the ELK!!!









I had never before seen elk in the wild and had never heard one bugle except on tv. What an amazing experience and sound. Now I understand the lines of cars with people stopped on the roadside, watching, waiting, cameras ready. What a beautiful beautiful place!

Boxley Valley: The Hike in Lost Valley

It was a beautiful walk through the woods, to the natural bridge, crawling up over huge rocks, up to the waterfall that with recent drought provided just a trickle, on to the cave at the end...and back down.

Heather and Marty walking the trail:





All the gals paused along the trail on a fallen log over the creek:




An old hollow tree that appears to have been burned. Each of the kids took turns standing inside the remains for a photo. Heather:




My niece Nicole:





Heather, my sister Lacey, my niece Nicole and my mom walking together:





My cousin's daughter Lea looks so tiny below the massive rocks!





Heading up over the natural bridge to the waterfall on the other side.




Just too funny not to snap



Up up and up the trail climbed





Just outside of the natural bridge the view was stunning. Straight up rock bluffs all around.

Picnic in Boxley Valley

Reminiscent of childhood days and road trips through Arkansas with my family, on our trip to Boxley Valley we took picnic food and supplies for lunch. Upon arrival we chose a spot (all picnic tables had washed away in a previous flood) and unpacked coolers, boxes and blankets.

My niece Nicole was very curious about the contents in everyone's coolers and boxes.





My brother in law Greg cooked hot dogs for any who didn't want sandwiches.

My brother Davy just chillin' waiting for his food.



After lunch we hit the trail (Lost Valley). Can you see that the love of photography kinda runs in the family??

Boxley Valley, AR

After our detour in Cotter, Arkansas we proceeded onward toward Boxley Valley. The hills and valleys were breathtaking! Just before we reached our destination all 3 cars in our group stopped above the valley to see the panoramic view. The beauty and the colors literally brought tears to my eyes. It had been so long since I'd seen vivid fall colors and I was in awe of the beauty God created for us to enjoy.