While driving southbound on Interstate 55 in Arkansas, the traffic suddenly came to a standstill due to an accident a short distance down the road. It was enough to cause drivers to emerge from their vehicles to stretch their legs, and I followed suit.

A gentleman in the pickup truck next to me rolled down his window to make small talk as I peered past the stopped vehicles.

“Where are ya headin’?” he asked.

“Hot Springs,” I responded, and I went on to explain that I was traveling the country while living out of my Jeep.

He nodded politely, and asked, “How did you hear about Hot Springs?”

I didn’t quite know how to respond. It was pleasant banter while waiting for the traffic to clear up, and I answered with something courteous like, “It looked like a nice place to visit!”

However, what I really wanted to say was, “I saw it on a map.” Although this would’ve been a perfectly sincere answer, I didn’t want to sound snarky.

The exchange made me reflect upon how people seem to have trouble comprehending travel without a reason, a timeline, or a definitive plan. While I understand the differing perspective, I encourage everyone to venture out with an open itinerary and an open mind. I promise that it will be a memorable adventure!

A Vagrant Named Charlie

Not far from Hot Springs, Arkansas, is Ouachita National Forest, where one can find abundant camping locations throughout an extensive network of back-roads and primitive two-tracks.

My search for a campsite brought me to Buckville Recreation Area and Campground on Lake Ouachita only 45 minutes west of downtown Hot Springs. This is a free, well-maintained campground managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It’s a first come, first serve facility with numerous well-equipped camping pads, each one offering a superb view of the lake. It was beautiful, and far better than many of the paid campgrounds I’ve stayed at.

And then there was Charlie. (real name withheld for privacy)

The campground was vacant, except for a two-person dome tent. The tent looked occupied, and the surrounding area had random supplies strewn about. I didn’t see anyone as I drove past, but the well-used, disheveled tent seemed out-of-place in such a serene setting. I made a mental note of it, and went about my business.

Unable to resist the call of the lake, I quickly found a desirable camping spot, unloaded my kayak and put it into the water for a relaxing, early evening float. The temperature was perfect, and it was a pleasure to be out at night under the stars. Upon returning to the Jeep, I stowed the boat and climbed into the camper for the remainder of the evening.

At around 10:00 PM, footsteps outside the Jeep, and an older gentleman with a raspy voice called out, “Hello?”

To whom I responded the same, “Hello?”

“My name is Charlie,” he replied. “Can I charge my phone in your car?”

He was very polite, although as innocuous as his request was, this made me very uneasy. I didn’t want to anger the man, not knowing his disposition, so I tried to think of how to accommodate him without compromising my safety by opening the Jeep. Fortunately, I carry a 15’ USB extension cable that I fed out through a cracked window, which I allowed him to use as much as he needed throughout the weekend.

He was very grateful, and I was not stabbed.

During the day, Charlie came and went multiple times, charging a plethora of mobile devices. He was very talkative and amicable, although I couldn’t understand anything he said due to an apparent respiratory issue.

He would tell me stories… something about a mannequin and a sniper rifle, and “head clean off,” and that he’s not allowed to carry anymore, but he was thinking about getting a bow.

His laughter would then come out as a drawn out, “hisssssss” due to his ailment, adding initial unease and then levity to some awkward exchanges.

Although borrowing some electricity posed no inconvenience to me, Charlie paid me back with cans of delicious organic root beer that he somehow procured from Baltimore.

I make light of the situation, but he seemed to be a good-hearted individual in unfortunate circumstances. I was happy that I could help him out, but the experience did add a certain amount of unease to one of the better camping spots I’ve found to date.

Exploring Downtown Hot Springs

During the week, I would travel into the city of Hot Springs to do work on my laptop, and while I didn’t spend much time experiencing the many notable attractions, I did try to see the sights and take in the ambiance as much as possible.

The main street in historic Hot Springs, Arkansas, is lined with opulent hotels, spas, and bathhouses. It is said to have been a haven for gangsters, such as the notorious Al Capone, in the early 20th century. In 1921, the area was made into a national park, effectively preserving the historic district and the surrounding area for future recreation. There are numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes here, and it is certainly a vibrant tourist destination worthy of a visit.

Pictures are worth a thousand words!

I look forward to spending more time exploring this beautiful historic city on a return trip.