Mena AR

Mena population of 5737 can be considered the “heart and the pride” of the Ouchita Mountains  ,It is the most scenic and colourful range with peaks ranging up to 2,681 feet.

Just 13 Miles North West of Mena is Queen Wilhelmina S.P which lies adjacent to Talimena Scenic Drive , a National Scenic Highway ,and this is only few reason for us to choose Mena to be our base for the next few days.

The ride from Fort Smith to Mena was 110M,but with the scenery ,rolling hwy and the colors it seemed much shorter.

Kris was waiting for us at the gate of Iron Mountain Camping and escorted us to our site that was levelled,had FHU,  great Wi-Fi reception and close to a spotless ,comfortable bath house.

This C.G that has 70 sites , belongs to Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) that hosts 2 annual with 3000   Motorcycle coming from all over the country.

Mena has a very nice Down Town ,beautiful Old Train Depot ,used now as a Museum and a visitor center

   

,Old Court House,Old Gas Station (they did not want to fill my tank with this price….)

 

A nice park with a fountain,spring , “hippie “ ducks and of course some antique shops.

        

We completed the visit in half a day before heading towards Cossatot River S.P that has 12.5 Miles of one of the most rugged and spectacular river corridors in the central US .

But as you can see NOT in August…but imagine kayaks going through this “masse” when the water is high…

Any how we had a good time walking the rocks and enjoying the fresh cool water.

 

On the way back “home” we spotted this rare scene and a symbol of FREE bird forever.

Till we meet tomorrow when we get lost again in the right direction…