Pinnacle Mountain

Today I went to Pinnacle Mountain State Park. I asked the ranger if I could make it to the top. He said I could. He said the second half is rockier so even if I made half way up I'd be doing good. Did you know that state parks in Arkansas and Pennsylvania charge no admission? I wish all state parks would do that. I really didn't like it when Anoka County charged admission. People with low incomes and families need parks too! That is my right knee in the lower right hand corner. Got up to 86 today. Beautiful weather for hiking.

I saw 3 of these lizards. I think they are anole.

As I started my hike this lady with white hair admired my skirt, my hiking sticks, my shoes and my hat. We talked for 30 minutes. We were both married for 19 years. We were both vegetarians for 40 years. We both worked in social services. Our children were very much alike. I was about to ask for her contact information until she asked who I was voting for. I am so glad I didn't ask for her contact information. In hindsight, I think she was probably mentally ill. Finally I had to be the one to say I should move on. Sheesh!

This is a beautiful state park.

I didn't make it to the top. I made it a little more than half way. I sat on a rock to drink some water when I saw this rock in the tree. Someone wrote a Bible verse on it.

I was still looking at the rock when five Latino men and women came down. I told them to look at this rock. I thought it grew with the tree. They thought someone put the rock into the tree later. How disappointing!

This is my favorite view. I sat here and read 3 chapters of my book before heading down again. When I did reach the parking lot I used the bathroom and filled up my water bottle. People in Arkansas are very friendly. I ended up reading for a time before making a short walk on concrete on the Kingfisher trail that runs next to the Maumee River.