I've come to look for America.

Day 36 and we just left Arkansas.Northwest Arkansas has a lot of natural beauty to offer. After being bitten by the wilderness bug, Matt and I decided to spend some time (read: two hours) at Lake Leatherwood, near Eureka Springs. It was gorgeous. and hot. and a bit dirty. and then I slipped on some rocks. So ended our brief excursion into nature, but not before some stone-skipping.

We spent the weekend with my dad and filled our bellies with coffee, beer, and of course, massive amounts of pork. We drank our daily cup of joe at the Iron Horse Coffee Company, and our beer at the local Club Frisco, both owned by Louisiana natives, so you know they're awesome.
On our final night, we celebrated Independence Day with Dad and his neighbors. The lovely Mike and Leslie of Persimmon St welcomed us at what was to be the most spectacular (read: dangerous) fireworks show I have ever attended, hosted by their two teenage boys. That's right, nothing says, "freedom," like adolescent boys blowing stuff up. Explosions abounded, mostly in the air. Unfortunately at one point, one of Dad's big fireworks tipped over and began spinning around. As the flaming balls shot indiscriminately in our direction, we vacated our seats, and for a moment, I felt like I was in Vietnam, running towards the trees, explosions on either side, carrying a wounded Matt on my shoulders. In truth, Matt courageously shielded me during our exit, while I screamed something like, "NOWHERE IS SAFE!"Afterwards, we all agreed that it had actually been quite exhilarating, and readily occupied our seats in anticipation of more. On through Missouri and Kansas. Back in Ca$hville on Thursday night, for two days only.

song title.