I've had a couple of pleasant hikes on the other side of the Arkansas border, this fall. The trails get harder to follow when the leaves fall, and the trail map doesn't always do a good job of being accurate, but that may be part of the fun to hiking. These trails double as bike trails and, in fact, there are some routes that are specific to bikes only. Those are a little more rugged, with sharp hills, drops, and jumping off spots. |
| The goal for this particular day was to finally find the tabernacle of the Israelites, or at least a reasonable facsimile of it. I knew there was a reproduced copy of the Jewish tabernacle somewhere on the extensive property at the Passion Play, but I had not come across it on previous visits. You can find more about this property here: Eureka Springs: Passion Play Trails I Eureka Springs: Passion Play Trails II Eureka Springs: Religion and History While visitors have to pay to see the actual performance of the Passion Play, most other items of interest on the property are free. I especially enjoy spending time in the Bible museum, the "Sacred Arts" museum, and the science and archaeology facility. In addition to all of this, if one ventures in just the right direction, he will find the Noah's Ark petting zoo. If one ventures much farther in the right direction, like onto certain hiking and biking trails, he'll find himself in the locations that are normally reserved for folks who have paid to take the "Holy Land" bus tour. Those trail finds can be somewhat of a treasure hunt. |
After investigating the tabernacle, there were other places to see on the way to the trail head, including two stones depicting the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. I especially felt like I was in a special place when I saw the "Passover House", with its door frame painted with blood. Here was also Jacob's Well, the Pool of Bethesda, and a grain storage pit. Nearby, a crown made of thorns hangs on a post, ready for the rough placement onto the head of Jesus. |