We took our time breaking camp. That is one of the things I dislike about camping, but it wasn't so bad this time. I started rolling the bedding up while Tom organized the hardware. It took longest to put the tent and tarp away as the ground was wet and we had to wipe the mud off and let them sun dry before folding them and packing them away.

Our stuff seemed to fit in the car MUCH better this time than on our initial trip out there, probably because we didn't have all that firewood with us. Come to find out, we didn't really need the firewood after all as there was plenty to be had locally. Just like we were in the woods or something.

On the way out of the park we stopped at the touristy shop and got some souvenirs -- one of those things you just gotta do. Tom got me a frog and a TShirt . .I got a little something for Jeanette and the boys and we were on our way again, only stopping to get our photos of the Lake Catherine State Park sign on the way out.

We meandered over to Scenic Byway 7 and up through Hot Springs. It was the first time we had made the trip during daylight hours and there were certainly some sites to see. I made a vow to actually stop in Hot Springs one of these days instead of just passing through on our way to the woods. The place looks downright interesting.

Finally, there was Mountain Thyme. I told Rhonda, the hostess, that I was planning to spend the afternoon soaking in the tub, so she gave me a Harry Potter book and some scented soap . .Ariel was its name. It smelled lovely, like sandalwood. Tom used it when he showered so I went around sniffing him all evening. Ummmm.

While he was showering, I went down and borrowed some silver polish from Polly, Rhonda's mother -- our champagne glasses SPARKLED. I also put the champagne in the guest fridge. I'm not sure what Tom did while I was in the tub. I did spend a good deal of time in there, but when I got real pruny, I moved into the bed with my book.

Our anniversary dinner was catfish baskets from The Shack, THE burger place in Jessieville, Arkansas. It was finger licking good.

Our room had a fireplace, a gas one. It operated on a light switch by the door and I had a lot of fun turning on the fire when we came in and flipping it off when we left.

Our nice romantic evening was just that -- romantic, with the champagne, the fire, the husband that smelled so nice, the bed that was too comfortable for words . . .