Beyond the Ozarks

I swear these kids are trying to take over my job! LOL. All jokes aside it is a true blessing to have taken so many kids exploring nature over the decades. A sense of contentment runs through my veins like the waterways I have traveled . Have a Great Day NWA!

The Red-headed Woodpecker is one of my favorites. Pretty elusive to capture on film in the wild. For me anyhow. This birds striking looks hold history in the immediate area of Northwest Arkansas's White River territory. Native Americans have colonized along this river system for thousands of years. Particularly the Quapaw, Osage and Chickamauga Cherokee. The Cherokee used this bird as a war symbol. In fact this woodpecker made a appearance in Henry Longfellow's poem "The Song of Hiawatha" in 1855, Also one of my favorites and maybe his most popular. "Aim your arrows, Hiawatha, At the head of Megissogwon, Strike the tuft of hair upon it" ..This indicates how the Red headed Woodpecker got its bright red head dress. If you haven't ever read the poem here is a link. https://www.hwlongfellow.org/poems_poem.php?pid=283 Enjoy. Pic by Captain Al on the ancient White River here in Northwest Arkansas.

At Beyond the Ozarks Guided River Tours our boats have been under mutiny! Our Captain has been forced to walk the plank and in dire need of finding him again. The kids have taken over and are in charge! Somebody help! LOL. We love the kids and the kids are our future. Take a kid into nature and you have succeeded in life. HAve a Great Day NWA!

A dose of Mother Nature here in Northwest Arkansas is exactly what the doctor ordered for these beautiful folks. The best part of the tours are the deafening sounds of silence interrupted by birds doing their daily duties. Need a dose for yourself? We are blessed.