Petit Jean State Park-Hike to Cedar Falls, Mather Lodge

Catherine got us up and going fairly early for our hike to Cedar Falls.  It starts with a long decent of rock stairs into the canyon.  

 Although, there are a few obstacles to go over and under.  There is a warning that it is a strenuous trail.  The only rough part is the end where you have to climb back out :).

 The falls were not spectacular but they were better than 2011. This year there has been a little rain.

 After our Hike, we wanted to check out Mather Lodge.  It was built by the CCC and the  WPA in the 1930's.  When we were here in 2011 it was undergoing a major renovation.  This is the original lobby area.

The original CCC dining room.  There are three of these wonderful stone fireplaces. Two in the lobby and one in the dining room.

 This is the original entrance to the lodge.  Check out the size of that header stone used above the doorway.

 The picture on the right is the original outside wall which faces the river valley.  It is now "inside" the new renovation. 

  The new restaurant has a much higher ceiling and huge windows at the end.  The large support timbers were brought in from Canada.  We thought they did a really nice job giving it the same "feel" as the old lodge.

The renovation shown from the backside.  Very large windows  now run all the way around the back side of the lodge.

 This is the view of the Arkansas River Valley.  In the distance, you can see Mount Magazine.  It is the tallest point in Arkansas.

We enjoyed a very nice lunch at the lodge.  Good food at reasonable prices. 

Judy asked how to pronounce the name of the park.  I will give her the same answer I got when I asked someone in Arkansas a couple of years ago.  "It's called Petty Jean- that's French."  Well, alright then "petty jean" it is.

No plan for today yet except I am making some chili and cornbread.  Our friend Sharon arrives this afternoon.