Pangburn, AR. (Pop. 497)

We woke up this morning with a craving for coffee, but the shop we had in mind didn’t open until 8:00. So, we waited until it was time to head over to Alley Cats Coffee Bar. As we ventured into the center of Texarkana, we couldn’t help but notice how many of the town’s storefronts were empty and decaying—a sobering sight, to say the least. Crossing the state line into Arkansas, just a block later, we arrived at our destination.

The coffee shop was uniquely situated inside an old railroad car, with decor that complemented the railroad theme, along with two cats that lived below the coffee shop deck. I ordered two coffees, and the barista cheerfully responded with an “Aye, Captain!” Spotting the old standard Bunn brewer, we braced ourselves for what we assumed would be weak and lackluster coffee. However, she ground fresh coffee beans, brewed a new pot, and, to our surprise, the coffee was delicious. So much for our preconceived notions about Bunn coffee machines!

After leaving the coffee bar, we drove to Hot Springs National Park. Having visited several national parks before, we were expecting to pass through a park entrance and make our way to the springs. Instead, we found ourselves puzzled—the visitors center was located in the middle of a bustling, touristy part of town. It turned out that this area was the "national park." We adjusted our expectations and strolled through the streets, observing the historic bathhouses on one side and storefronts on the other.

We came across a “promenade” elevated above the city and enjoyed a leisurely walk with lovely views of the streets below. Once we completed the promenade, we found a cozy coffee shop where we ordered a few drinks and a sandwich to share. The sandwich was exceptional—layered with salami, pesto, tomatoes, and several other mouthwatering ingredients, all tied together with a heavenly sauce. Truly unforgettable.

Leaving Hot Springs, we headed to Pangburn to visit my brother. The plan was to take him and his girlfriend out for dinner and park overnight on his property in the PLUM. Though he offered us a room, we figured it would be just as convenient to sleep in the vehicle. We did ask for access to his shower, which he gladly provided.

Driving through the northern part of Arkansas, we were struck by how stunningly beautiful the scenery was. Pangburn, situated at the southern edge of the Ozark Mountains, offered breathtaking views that took us by surprise.

We spent an enjoyable evening with my brother and his girlfriend and are now settling in for the night.

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. Maya AngelouOkumaya devam et