Richardson Bottoms: Special place deserves repeat visits
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to Richardson Bottoms.
I have been writing outdoor destinations for The Sentinel-Record for a number of years. And if memory serves me, the first article that I submitted to our hometown publication featured a 100-acre wetland setting that was created as a result of the handiwork of beavers.
I have since covered the Richardson Bottoms several times. In fact, I most recently wrote about the former loblolly plantation, nestled in the heart of the Ouachitas, just over a year ago, as it seemed a great location where pretty much anybody with a means of transportation could stray from home during the COVID-19 pandemic and enjoy fresh air while remaining socially distanced and safe from the disease.
So why cover this destination time and time again? Well, it just so happens that Richardson Bottoms is one of those special locations that continuously beckons my return. It matters not how many times I have visited this destination. I never grow bored with what it has to offer.
In fact, practically every excursion lends to new finds. And I have hopes that those who follow my articles will share my appreciation for and savor the opportunity to get better acquainted with an environment that is far different from that which we are accustomed to experiencing here in our neck of the woods.
The route to this particular destination is not hard to follow. And the journey is pleasant within itself. From Hot Springs travel north on Park Avenue/Highway 5 and take a left (north) onto Highway 7 just over a half-mile past Fountain Lake School.
Remain on the scenic highway for 10 miles and turn left onto Highway 298. Follow the highway for approximately 22 miles through a rural setting, and take a left onto Forest Road 37300.
The unsurfaced route will veer to the left at a dim intersection shortly after turning from the pavement. There are a few other intersections along the way as well. However, the main route is obvious. Simply remain on the road that has been most traveled.
The destination is located 2.7 miles down the unsurfaced path. However, this short stretch of dirt road is also capable of adding to the overall experience. In fact, I have seen a number of native critters crossing or standing within sight of the route.
Many have been the times that whitetails, browsing, or more often than not, bolting into the distance and disappearing into the distant understory. I can also recall watching as a bobcat crossed the road and trotted to safety. I have seen coyotes along the road’s edge on a few occasions.
And although I have yet to see a bear going about its everyday rituals within sight of this particular route, they certainly frequent the area. In fact, a friend recently shared a story of seeing one of these beautiful creatures during his excursion to the destination.
Of course, I grow excited upon watching our wildlife in their native environment. But I’m also equally as guilty of scanning the roadsides for native plants. And this stretch of road has hardly disappointed.
I can certainly share routes providing a habitat where more
plant species will thrive. But this is one of the few places where I have happened upon orange puccoons. Although the colony is rather small, I often return to capture exposures of this beautiful native plant in full bloom.
Speaking of native plants, one will not notice a shortage of wildflower species once reaching their destination. In fact, Richardson Bottoms provides the optimal habitat for a plethora of interesting pants to thrive.
I immediately embarked upon a short trek to atop a knoll overlooking the wetland setting during my most previous visit, and for good reason. Aware that it was the time of the season when shooting stars would be in full bloom, I was eager to grab a few photos of the colony I had discovered several years ago.
I was satisfied to see that they were making their annual showing. And I was excited upon noticing several of the species also taking root and blooming along the hillside.
Speaking of blooming along the hillside, the crested irises were painting sections of the forest floor a brilliant purple and the subtle blue flowers of wild comfrey were swaying in the wind.
Mandrake stands shaded the forest floor and a number of other wildflowers were making a showing in the wooded environment, as well. But I was eager to do a little kicking around along the water’s edge.
The button bush foliage was a vibrant green. However, they had yet to produce the round, white flowers that would soon dangle from their limbs. I also noticed a large colony of blue flags taking root in the water’s edge. And I recalled arriving at this location just as the sun began to rise a few years back and watching as the beautiful aquatic flowers opened when the sun crept over the horizon and cued the pond lilies that it was time to bloom.
Easing closer to the water’s edge, I recalled arriving on another occasion as a rising sun deemed it a new day But this time, I was focused on photographing dragonflies that had rested on the foliage of bushes and gathered a coating of dew throughout the night.
My heart probably skipped a beat and I was reminded to pay attention to where I stepped when a pair of wood ducks suddenly took flight from underfoot and disappeared into the cattails on the opposing side of the pond.
I then recalled capturing occasional photos of cottonmouths navigating and taking cover in the thick aquatic vegetation throughout the years. And I would not soon forget the opportunity to capture files of a feisty pigmy rattler on the nearby hillside on a sultry summer evening.
Speaking of evenings, this is also a location where I sometimes return to under the cover of darkness. I have sat back, closed my eyes and listened to the eerie sound of a screech owl shortly after dark. And I have smiled upon hearing a distant barred owl cutting loose with an array of monkey-like sounds during the mating season.
But such sounds, lurking in the forest, are often hard to detect, as the noises resonation from the water source can sometimes prove overwhelming on a warm summer night.
It begins with a subtle sound of insects making their statement as the sun dips below the horizon. But various frog species join in, soon thereafter. And they appear to grow far more vocal when darkness overcomes the sky, and one’s sense of hearing takes over.
And on a perfect night the natural ensemble will be accented with millions of distant stars dancing across the cloudless heavens. And although I am all about taking refuge from the hustles and bustles of everyday life, I do occasionally watch with awe, while pondering how humans are actually aboard the jet that is navigating the night sky.
Yep, the Richardson Bottoms are a place where I hope to return time and time again. And it is a destination where I am confident that those sharing my passion and intrigue for the wonderful outdoors can enjoy a stint as well.