Question:
Are trumpeter swans in Heber Springs now (December, 2011)?
Answer:
Hi Pat! Every winter trumpeter swans migrate to Magness Lake. They can usually be seen from late November until the end of February. The swans are best seen in the mid afternoon to dusk hours. This is when they are actually on the lake. Before making a trip there, I'd call the Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce ( 501.362.2444) to check if the swans are there. The are a beautiful sight! They are solid white and their wingspans can get up to 8-feet. Normally trumpeter swans live in the Midwest, Alaska, etc but never as far as Arkansas. For some reason the group that migrates to Heber Springs is the exception to this- and they return every year.
Question:
I want to take my extended family on a gentle river tubing, canoeing, etc. trip over 3 to 4 days. Need campsite set up, meals, lodging (near or at river), and campfire. Please help. Want to do this Spring/Summer/early fall 2012. P.S. This trip includes 10 month old grandson, very well behaved and watched.
Answer:
Hi Oliver! I am happy to hear of your trip plans. For a detailed overview on rivers in the state, please check out this link: http://www.arkansas.com/outdoors/canoeing-rafting-kayaking/waterways/
It gives information on specific characteristics of various rivers found here ( locator maps, access points, descriptions of the river, services available, scenery, seasons, etc) and can help you as you research which area of the state you might want to visit. The pages also include information such as links to an outfitter's directory that highlights outfitters that can help with what you are looking for in regards to campfire set up, meals, lodging, etc. The trip sounds wonderful so please keep up posted how it goes!
Question:
Is the foliage still pretty this week or did the storms mess it up? TY
Answer:
Hi Barb--Thanks for your note--We are in the midst of a storm system today ( Nov. 8) so we won't know how it affects the foliage until after it passes through. Be sure to check out the next fall foliage report which is scheduled for Nov. 10.
Here is a link to the reports: http://www.arkansas.com/fall-foliage/fall-update/
Thanks again! Zoie