Weekend in Arkansas

 Well .. .. two things on my schedule and I'm determined to make them both work.  By the time the weekend was over, melded a third in there...

Dad and I have been trying to connect up for a few months but .. .life .. gets in the way. Or in our case, mother nature.  We had one of these getaways planned a few months back, but the skies opened up and weather got a lil crazy in his neck of the woods... so .. we postponed.  Well, we've got a CVMA event up in Northwest Arkansas.... so .. I head to Little Rock on Thursday, then Fort Smith on Friday .. home on Sunday.  The main twist is I'm on 2 wheels but .. my god its getting hot. By the time I get to Sulphur Springs I'm a little light headed riding next to a Semi at 80mph and lets just say ... it's not a comfortable feeling.  After another time this happens, I pull over to check my stats (HR, EKG, etc) and ... don't like what I see .  My heart isn't racing too fast but the pattern is a lil weird.  So ....  I make the tough decision. Head home, take a cold shower, fresh clothes... in the Grand Wagoneer. I hate caging to Motorcycle related events .. but ..  I need to see my dad so I suck it up.  And to be honest .. my god that was a comfortable and relaxing drive up!  

Roll into the Marriott downtown, valet grabs the vehicle as I yank out my high dollar detector and 9mm ouf the console.  Off to check in and Dad is waiting on me.  Hot outside but awesome and cool in here.  I'm using points for our rooms, they've upgraded both of them so we head to the top floor to get settled in.  Hour or so later, Dad and I are downstairs at the Lobby Bar having a cold one(s).  We rarely get to do this anymore; sort of miss the father/son time, with no distractions.  Eventually we head outside (to warm up!) and find a Pub/Grill of sorts a couple of blocks South.  Few hours outside on the patio sipping beers, nibbling on some good food and ... time to head back.  Find ourselves back in the lobby bar, which is pretty nice overall.  Great food rolling out of that kitchen ... and the service is good. We'll hang here swapping stories, making decisions ... for a few more .. then ...zzzzzzzzz

Awake and headed downstairs early around 8.  We meet up in the Concierge room where they provide breakfasts etc for Bonvoy members.  It's almost time to wrap it up and I'm dragging my feet not wanting it to end.  But ... hour or so later .. hugs and we're off ... .Damned that went quick!

Well, off to Ft Smith for a CVMA event; AR State Mtg/Rally.  I'll be there for 48 hours and ....   I've got a new plan scheming.   I spoke to my buddy Jesse to tell him I was close by and he's like .. " Really?  we're having a lil pool party .. interested?" .  Well, I tell him after our meeting adjourns that Sat morning  ....  done!   I can't participate in the bike rides so ... lil diversion.

My plan is to head up for a few hours then back to be with all the CVMA folks.   Sounds great in theory .. but...  things are about to change up a lil.   I've had to pick up some shorts for the pool, Jesse has everything else (beer!) .. so .. rolling North!   I pull up first around 1300 and by the time the day is done, he and Daniela will have a full house.....  five other couples, full compliment of kids with each family and ... a great time.  Jesse knocks out a killer brisket and two spatched chickens.   Food is great, beer is cold, kids are mannered and having a blast, and some great conversations among the adults.   I plan on heading back around 1800 but a quick look at my watch tells me it's 8pm ... and   with all the beers and we've been sipping some bourbons/whiskey ...  my ass ain't going nowhere.   It'll be 2am before we quit telling lies and stories and finally pull the plug.  What an awesome day.

Up four hours later ... and ... I'm out the door.  Headed back to the casino, grab my gear .. and .. I'm rolling.  I'll make it back to Greenville before noon, friggn tired.. but... ready for our Sunday Funday.  Yeah ...... that ... is another story.  Haven't decided if I'll tell that one... 

Great Pool area/backyard

My awesome hosts

Good times!

Awesome end to the evening