In the Wake of Loon – A travel diary

By Helmut and Peggy Albrechts
IntheWakeofLoon.com
September 16, 2019

Editor’s Note: Helmut Albrecht and his wife Peggy have recently begun a five year journey through various state and national parks.  At the beginning of September, their trip through Arkansas captured our attention.  We thought you would enjoy their thoughts on the journey, and their amazing photos.

The cave you fear to enter….

Arkansas continues to be as surprising as Texas. Just 50 driving minutes from us we stepped into a jewel, Blanchard Springs Caverns. 40 seconds elevator ride down to the underworld and we were awed by a room as large as a cathedral. Peggy and I love colors and structures and this was a treat. The lighting of the cave was done by an artist who was normally working for the New York Opera. This was his one and only cavern project and he did a great job floating these “rooms” with breathtaking colors.

Coming out from the caverns we were welcomed by warm air and the rolling hills of Arkansas. A walk to Blanchard Springs and Mirror Lake made this day perfect.

Since we had such a nice experience at Blanchard Springs Caverns we decided that we would do the Discovery Tour a few days later. This tour is closed from Labor Day to Memorial Day since more than 500,000 bats hibernate is this part of the caverns. The views were outstanding and it was worth the trip. Joseph Campbells quote fits perfect to our two days in the underworld: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek”.

About Peggy and Helmut Albrecht

We are Helmut, Peggy, and Merlot (our four legged traveling companion). After we retired in 2018, we decided to hit the road with our 36 ft motorhome and to volunteer in State and National Parks. Our plan is to experience at least two parks every year and to come back to Fort Clinch State Park, FL, to spend the winter season, check on our house and reconnect with friends.

We have a shortlist of States we would like to visit and always plan enough time for sightseeing while “moving” to another park. We are looking forward to five years on the go, serving others as volunteers, making new friends and seeing places we have never seen before. By the way, our motorhome was named Loon in memory of a beautiful antique motorsailer Peggy’s parents owned. We would be happy if you are following us In the Wake of Loon.