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This is the best way
to view Lake Ouachita - being out on the water instills a sense
of wonder at the vastness of this manmade lake - 40,000 acres of
sparkling clean water completely surrounded by the greenery of the
Ouachita National Forest. One of the reasons this lake remains so
clear and pristine is no houses are allowed to be built along its
975 miles of shoreline. There are just 8 homes that have been "grandfathered"
in and allowed to remain - what lucky folks to have this kind of
view virtually to themselves.
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Water
skiers enjoy the 80° water temperature on this Labor Day holiday.
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Towing
the kids behind the boat on an inner tube - you could just hear
their squeals of joy!
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The
lake is so immense that there are markers to guide boaters around
the outstretched fingers and inlets. This is Point 50 Peninsula
that can also be reached by land by hiking the Caddo Bend Trail
- a 4 mile trek that meanders through the forests and along the
shoreline.
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Crawdad
Island - One of the most popular primitive camping sites that used
to be a mountaintop before the river was dammed to create the lake.
Lake Ouachita is one of very few in the nation where the Corp of
Engineers allows camping on island shores - just pull up your boat
and enjoy! No fee or permission required, but stays are limited
to two weeks and you must bring and pack out everything you're gonna
need for this rustic but beautiful experience.
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Just
one of the many gorgeous views of the shoreline you'll enjoy.
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Our
captain, Lydell Lively, shared his navigation duties with the kids
on board, to their delight and fascination. He's been exploring
Lake Ouachita for over 30 years and has been working with the park
for 2 years. He says he never has a problem coming to work in the
mornings, and he obviously enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience
of this special place.
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| What
sunset cruise would be complete without a breathtaking sunset? This
one did not disappoint any of us! Book your cruise at the Visitors
Center - for $6.12 (as of August, 2006), it is worth every penny! |
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