Western Swing 2013 - 2 - Memphis to Little Rock

It's Friday morning and time to head for Little Rock. By the time we had coffee, worked some using our computers, had breakfast, took showers, and then walked around the campground it was nearly 11 AM and time to check out. As you can tell from the photo below, we weren't among the first to leave. When we pulled in last night there were two spaces open on either side of us. Before we went to sleep all the spaces were filled. By 11 AM this morning, however, we were the only ones left among three rows of spaces.

Leaving from the KOA we headed south on I-55 for a few miles and then turned westward to travel on I-40. The section between Memphis and Forrest City is, by far, one of the busier and rougher sections of interstate in the USA. Two construction zones caused us to loose only a little time on our trek of 150 miles for today.

We arrived at the KOA in North Little Rock well ahead of the rest of the crowd. While Martha did some transcription work Byron got us set up, the car disconnected, and a few other small tasks.

Martha selected an interesting place for supper; Whole Hog Café and Catering. She had read reviews on TripAdvisor.com and thought we should check it out. Byron agreed it would be OK in spite of the fact that we were 10 miles closer to Little Rock’s Cock of the Walk. We’ve eaten at the Nashville location near Opry Land and know their hospitality and fish to be excellent.

As soon as we exited the Interstate in downtown Little Rock we were in the midst of a traffic jam. As it turned out, this was the first night of a weekend festival called Riverfest. We were in stop-and-go traffic through nearly a dozen blocks of the downtown area but we did make it to Whole Hog Café before the Friday evening rush. We knew that the place had to have good food because there were police cars in the parking lot. When we got inside two firetrucks pulled up. In addition to us, there were eight policemen and six firemen (dispersed around the room) present for dinner. Oh, we did see three other couples in a place large enough to seat 150. It was also easy to see why the place is an award-winning restaurant for barbecue, they offer seven different sauces. Six sauces are placed on each table with a sign stating that one can ask for the hottest and spiciest variety. The photo (below) doesn't quite tell the whole story but you get the point.

For all intents and purposes, the restaurant is like a fast food place. You place your order, receive a receipt with order number, prepare your own drinks, then get your own food when the appropriate number is called.

Well, the plain truth is this; we prefer Mark's Feed Store in Louisville for barbecue. We had a taste of pulled pork, beef brisket, and pork ribs. The sauces were good but the brisket could have been more tender and the ribs less crisp (overcooked). However, like good members of the Clean Plate Club, we didn't disappoint the help by leaving food on our plates.

Now, what does one do after having a big dinner? You walk it off. One other point of interest Martha found on TripAdvisor.com was Big Dam Bridge. It's located at the Murray Locks and Dam on the Arkansas River on the western edge of Little Rock. To get there we drove along miles of river which included three, distinct parks and a golf course. The pedestrian bridge is high above the locks and dam. The ramp up to crossover reminded Byron of the hike up to Clingmans Dome in Great Smokey Mountains National Park; it's a gradual incline that finally reaches a proper elevation. Once out on the bridge it was obvious to feel the sight we had noticed; 30 mph winds and flag flying straight out.

Big Dam Bridge, a pedestrian bridge, is built over the

Murray Dam and Locks on the Arkansas River.

We went to the half-way point then turned around to go back. It is possible to walk along the southern banks, cross over, and walk along the northern banks on the wide bike/walking path.

The half-way point of the pedestrian bridge. The flags were standing

straight out because of the brisk and steady wind.

Day Two came to a close with us catching up on work and email. Total mileage for today was at 150 highway miles plus a 25 mile loop around Little Rock. Tomorrow we head to the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.