Jim, JC, Bryan were camped in the Richland Creek Arkansas Wilderness years ago when JC pulled out three glow sticks. His wife, Gwen told him “you’ll find something to do with these”. We did … a scraggly Cedar Tree and, at that moment, Charlie Brown Christmas Campout was born.
LAST MONDAY, THREE GUYS RETURNED TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND FRIENDSHIP OF OUR DEAR FRIEND, JOHN CARL (JC).
Bryan jim RenieGlow sticks … original tree Original campsite, fire ring and tree.
It was a perfect March day to backpack into the first campsite … a crisp evening in the 40’s and a meaningful place to feel the spirit of our friend, who had shared this spot with us over so many years.
Richland Creek
This is one of the most beautiful untouched wilderness areas in Arkansas … turquoise water, waterfalls, caves, flowering trees and naturally chiseled rock and bluff outcroppings. Even a friendly visitor below.
Inquisitive River Otter.
Family and friends.
Over the years, I’ve covered our annual Charlie Brown Christmas outings. Photos below show a few.
This was Charlie Tree number two. it was only 5 feet tall when we camped by this one. Charlie tree number two. Same one as the big one in picture above. We always have glow sticks but got a bit more creative JC … tree number two DJ, Daryl and John joined the fun. Jeff Napoleon Eileen Spencer joined
If you are interested, more about this tradition can be seen at my WordPress Blog page… Jim Dailey at WordPress. Last pair of boots.
I’ll close with a few more photos from the most recent RETURN TO WHERE CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS WAS BORN.
Renie’s Gourmet Breakfast Richland Creek … words unnecessary What a photo settingNow, that’s a real backpack To my friend JCRedbuds popping out all over. Our only delay while driving to the trailhead. A sharp rock cut the sidewall. Arkansas the Natural State
Our second Total Eclipse of the Sun … Monday, April 8, 2024
On the 21st day of August 2017, Patti and I ventured into Tennessee to witness and photograph our very first total eclipse of the sun. It was our first, it was amazing and it set in motion our desire and the planning urge seven years in the future when another totality would occur … this time in our home state … Arkansas The Natural State.
In 2017, I was involved with the Arkansas Parks Heritage and Tourism Department. Within days of returning from Tennessee, I began nudging the department to get ready for visitors from 50 states and many countries. To the credit of the Parks and Tourism Commission, the planning worked and every city in the path … big or small … was ready. Patti and I spent a perfect, cloudless eclipse Monday in Morrilton, Arkansas supporting this community and our friends, Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer and his smiling, energetic wife, Stephanie. What a day it was … fun, food, families, friends plus over four minutes of Total Eclipse darkness. Below is a photo grouping of three shots I took with my Sony A7. My main goal was to capture what has been called, The Diamond Ring and … I think I nailed it! What you see in the photo is: Top, the thin crescent sun, maybe 30 seconds before full coverage; Middle, the instant of coverage when the last big burst of sunlight sparkles from the moon’s edge creating, the Diamond Ring and Bottom, about 30 seconds into the full totality. Once again, it was amazing, it was surreal, it was indescribable, it was REAL. I’m so thankful we had great weather and that we were able to share this with our friends. It is doubtful I will be around for the next one in 2044 but I will continue to relish the memories and photos of 2017 and this one ,,, ARKANSAS ECLIPSE 2024.
An Eclipse is somewhat rare, maybe once in a lifetime for some but … ARKANSAS IS THE NATURAL STATE … EVERYDAY
Below is a Charlie Brown Christmas photo at Falling Water Falls in the Richland Creek Wilderness area. My hiking buddy, his girlfriend and I camped and hiked there two days before the Eclipse. My point … awesome natural wonders abound. The stars were stunning … almost as breathtaking as the eclipse. We have several dark sky areas in the state and i promise you a spellbinding, magical, almost spiritual experience. Just get away from the city lights and have that awestruck moment.
In addition, we have 52 of the best state parks in the United States, plus the first National River declared by Congress … The Buffalo National River. Sure, we will talk about the Eclipse in all its wonder but there is unmatched beauty in the mountains, rivers and right now in the wild flowers blooming throughout Richland Creek, Indian Creek and so many other places to be discovered … right here in Arkansas.
Falling Water Creek in the Richland Creek Wilderness Area … circa, December 2022 during the annual Charlie Brown Campout and Tree decorating outing.
For more photos and commentary on my favorite spots to hike, camp and simply “enjoy”, scroll deeper into this blog. Arkansas is truly The Natural State.
Mystique: a fascinating aura of mystery, awe and power surrounding someone or something!
A juxtaposition of Nature, Engineering, art and yours truly, the quixotic photographer
For a number of years, we have discussed spending time in Montana.Finally we did.
Having just re-read “Undaunted Courage” by Stephen Ambrose about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, we were set to explore history. Little did we realize or expect that our trip would lead us down paths of cultural, religious and … early American history. It would bring us to new friends with unexpected connections to Arkansas. In the photos below, including the captions, it’s fairly self explanatory but I will expand on a couple. In addition to recommending Stephen Ambrose’s book, I highly recommend another with meaningful connection to Montana … Timothy Eagan’s book, “The Immortal Irishman“. This weighty tome is about the Irish Revolutionary, Thomas Meagher, who became an American Hero and served as the Territorial Governor of Montana. So significant was he, his monument stands prominently in front of the Montana State Capitol. Patti and I were even able to stay in the early Thomas Meagher Cabin in Virginia City, the first Montana State Capitol. I referred to it as “staying in the Governor’s Mansion.”
Sacajawea is a familiar name to most of us … even if it took a coin to make it so. That said, we were fortunate to book a room in The Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks, Mt … named because it lies near the point where the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers converge to form the Missouri River.
Sacajawea … Shoshone Indian interpreter/guide to the Lewis and Clark Expedition … circa. 1805. Hotel in the background. Sacajawea Hotel Front PorchSacajawea Cottage … across the street from the hotel. Very nice.Pompey’s Grill Sacajawea Hotel Three Forks, Mt … Lighted menus no less.Sacajawea Hotel Reception area. Three Forks, Mt. 1890 Saint Ignatius Catholic Mission Church … St. Ignatius, Mt.One of scores of murals in St. Ignatius Catholic Mission Church. Painted by Joseph Carignano S.J. The Mission Cook. Altar scene … Last Supper … St. Ignatius Catholic Church, St. Ignatius, Mt.Main Sanctuary St. IgnatiusUnique Tent TabernacleThe Native American Madonna … St. Ignatius ChurchNative American Jesus Chief figure St. Ignatius ChurchYum Chenmo, Wisdom Mother … Garden of One Thousand Buddhas ,,, Flathead Indian Reservation, Arlee, Mt.Temple of the Central Figure, Yum Chenmo, The Great Mother of WisdomThe Garden is the vision of Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag RinpocheEight significant Stupas … Garden of One Thousand BuddhasThe Cathedral of Saint Helena modeled by architect A. O. Von Herbulis after the Votivkirche in Vienna, Austria … high on a hill in Helena, Mt … first Mass November 1914Cathedral of Saint Helena, Helena, MontanaWood from The Cross of JesusWood from the cross on which Christ died.Statue of Territorial Governor Thomas Meagher …. a hero for right and justice. Montana State Capitol, Helena, Montana. Montana State Capitol Entry RotundaWomen’s Commemorative Mural … downtown Helena, MontanaBullwacker pops the whip over the oxen during the Gold Rush days.Taegan, our delightful Montana host. Thank you.New friends Stephanie and JohnHistoric Fire TowerSleeping Giant Mountain Helena, Mt.St. Helena CathedralHistoric Trolley … downtown Helena“Read all about it.” My dad sold papers on the corner in Downtown Little RockHistoric Virginia City, Mt.The home of Territorial Governor’ Thomas Meagher. We stayed two nights in “THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION” lolMeagher Cabin Living RoomAmazing year round Glacier seen from our cabin in Silvergate, Mt.Silvergate owner, adventurer and former Little Rock resident, Henry with Patti and JimNot a Grizzly but a big bear.Royal Wulff founders, Andrea and Chris from England and Slovakia
Three of our Arkansas connections happened at Silvergate Lodging. Henry was from Little Rock. What an interesting adventurer, risk taker and off the grid businessman. Silvergate is less than one mile from the NE Yellowstone entrance. We enjoyed two nights in a small cabin and made the early morning trek into Lamar Valley where we saw moose, bear and bison. Missed out on the wolves … oh well, next time. In the evenings, we enjoyed another Arkansas Connection with Andrea and Chris. Not only did we enjoy the food and Prosecco in the Royal Wulff Lodge but a warm fire, an amazing tour of Chris’ Hemingway museum and conversation about Pauline Pfeiffer and Piggott, Arkansas. Chris successfully hosted the 2022 International Hemingway Conference in Silvergate and Cooke City, Mt. He and Andrea have even camped at Lake Ouachita State Park. Andrea deserves the red star for properly pronouncing “Ouachita”.
Moose sightingYellowstone … where “the buffalo roam”Roosevelt Entry Gate to YellowstoneOur humble cabin in Silvergate, MontanaPatti … Forever young!
I’ve covered a lot but barely scratched the surface on this “greater than expected” Montana adventure. We saw so much history and so much beauty that it is difficult to say one day or one visit was better. Road trips are tiring but this one was energizing. Being with Patti was a special treat, especially when there was no internet, no cell service and no TV. There were other parts of our road trip that are not included because my focus was Montana. Maybe i’ll cover Pueblo, Co (on the Arkansas river) and Laramie, Wy (with a very cool cupcake shop) and Cody, Wy and Deadwood, SD in another blog … for now my brain is fried so I’m calling it quits for the day.
However, I do want to thank Taegan Walker. Patti and I loved our time with you and truly appreciate your help, your introductions and your precious smile, Big hug from both of us. See you soon in Arkansas! BTW, we love your Helena, Montana.
For over forty years a group of male friends has had lunch together once a week and taken a trip together once a year. I’ve written about this unique friendship several times before and the trips we have taken to first class places like Park City, Utah; Breckenridge, Colorado and Scottsdale, Arizona. Not that Branson is less than first class … in fact we stayed in a beautiful 7 bedroom, 7 bath home overlooking Table Rock Lake. So why “did” “we choose Branson? Mainly because it’s close to Little Rock, has a lot going on and more of our guys could make the trip. Good Move … Until the Major Cold, Ice and snow event threatened to disrupt our plans. The weather. as predicted, was bad … even the owner of the house we rented recommended we reschedule. No way for this group! There was a little drama and uncertainty before, during and along the way … but, We made itand SST 2023 (number 44) is now in the record books.
Typical scene along our route to Branson
Mr. G’s Downtown Branson, Missouri
We have several good cooks and most meals were prepared in our well equipped rental home. Below is a photo sampling of food, fun and fellowship.
In spite of our penchant for the fun facet of our time together, we always find time for something a bit more culturally enriching. This trip, we visited Bass Pro founder, Johnny Morris’s Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum at Ridgedale, Mo. There are over 75,000 artifacts representing about one third of Mr. Morris’s Collection.This place is truly a “must visit” in the Branson Area. Plus, this is only a small portion of attractions under the Top of the Rock/Big Cedar umbrella. Below are a few photos. Of particular interest to me was the Edward S. Curtis Gallery. I just recently read an amazing historical biography … Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher by Timothy Egan. This book portrays the lifelong passion of one man in the early 1900’s as he captures in photographs the pictures and stories of disappearing Native American Indian Tribes. This gallery alone is worth a visit to Ozarks Natural History Museum.
Once again it was illuminating, energizing and reassuring to know there are friendships that can last a lifetime. I have seen old guys (ROMEOS … Retired old men eating out) in small town restaurants across America. We are they! However, I bet there is not another like ours that has for over four decades had the consistent commitment to keeping a friendship bond right at the top of the calendar and priority list as we have. Thank you Fellow SST members.
For more than a decade, a few of my family and friends have taken to the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas in search of Charlie Brown’s Christmas spirit. The first five years, we backpacked into remote wilderness areas, set up our tents, gathered firewood donned Santa Hats, selected a small lonely cedar tree and with much pomp and ceremony, decorated it with a few items from home plus edibles for birds and animals. This has become a tradition as seen in the above December 2022 photo. The only difference from earlier years is we now go to one of the beautiful camp grounds along the Buffalo National River near Jasper, Arkansas. Incidentally, the free flowing Buffalo was the first river to be declared a “National River” by Congress.
Above is one of the beautiful limestone bluff lines at Kyle’s Landing where we set up camp.
Krista and BryanDon and Jim AKA, Charlie Brown
Just in case you are wondering who would wear a jacket like the black and white one above, it is I. It’s truly perfect for camping in cold weather … down lined with a hood and it didn’t cost much at all. I found it in a discount store in Colorado and immediately declared it my camping jacket. Retail $300 … on sale $32. Enough said?? Also, how about the guy in the first photo with the Goldilocks Santa Hat?
The guys … Bryan, John, Daryl, CB, Renie. Showing up later … DJ and Don.
Above is a typical afternoon routine … tents erected, fire started, a little relaxation… happy hour not too far behind. Below, one can see what “roughing it” means to us … Renie preparing our main dish for the evening … pork tenderloin over an open charcoal and wood fire. WOW!! I can attest, his secret marinade made this meal as good or better than any 5 star restaurant!! BTW … Renie and his wife just returned from 9 months in France. Thus, “laissez les bon temps rouler”… “let the good times roll”
RenieDinner time
It was another unique and special weekend with friends and family. The older I get, the more I appreciate the freedoms and the blessings of living in the United States. In particular, I appreciate how so many before us have seen the value in preserving National Parks, National Monuments and State Parks, especially those here in Arkansas, The Natural State. We are truly blessed!!
Because Charlie Brown Christmas Campout has become a tradition, I am including a few photo memories from Christmases Past !!
JD/CB
UNTIL NEXT YEAR … MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! ALSO, SAY A PRAYER FOR OUR LEADERS REGARDLESS OF YOUR PREFERENCE … AND… PRAY FOR UKRAINE !!!
My good buddies, Bryan and Daryl, just returned from our annual hiking trip to National Parks. This time to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, both located in Southern Utah.
We drove … almost 3000 miles round trip. That’s a long trip but with three drivers, it was comfortable. With the flexibility of having a car, we made side trips, detours on purpose and an overnight in Chinle, Arizona to visit Canyon de Chelly. The next day we stopped in Page, Az. to see the 710′ tall Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell where the water level is at one of the lowest since the dam opened in 1966. After a short hike to Horseshoe Bend we drove on to our base for the next four days, Kanab, Ut.
Below are a few picture of these amazing places. Of note, crowds are increasing … that’s good and bad. Just be prepared and try to go early.
Canyon de ChellyHorseshoe Bend Page, Az.The Narrows in Zion National ParkBryce CanyonBryce CanyonSand Caves Kanab, Ut.90 Million Year Old Dinosaur Tracks
In closing, once again, I am so blessed to have good friends and we are all so blessed to be able to enjoy and share the freedoms and beauty of our incredible country … USA.
It’s Fall and wild persimmons are dropping from the trees.
Yesterday, while on a short hike, I was transformed into a hunter gatherer foraging beneath a huge hardwood tree for beautiful, delicious and ripe Arkansas wild persimmons. After gathering several pounds, I headed home … whereupon, for the first time ever, I made Persimmon Walnut Bread. Thank goodness Patti was there to steer me away from serious mistakes. The above photo is the final product.
I’m certain there are less primitive ways to discard the seeds (four or five in each fruit) and recover the pulp … I chose rolling up my sleeves, squeezing one or more between my hands and fingers and extruding the slippery watermelon size seeds into a trash bag. I can attest this is messy, sticky work and that there will be more waste than edible pulp. Regardless, it’s been entertaining, educational and palatable … and a lot of work!
Maybe I will forget the work by next October. In the mean time, there’s another Persimmon nut cake in the oven. BIG SMILE! Happy Fall and Halloween!
Arkansas to Oklahoma to Texas to New Mexico to Colorado and back home.
ARKANSAS … EUREKA SPRINGS OVER LABOR DAY
This little city in the Ozark Mountains is a frequent destination for Patti and me … I suspect I could go so far as to say it is our favorite Arkansas escape. Labor Day is reserved each year as an outing with another couple … Nancy and Steve.
I’ve covered Eureka Springs before featuring its uniqueness … the historic 1800s building, the healing springs, the Ghost tales in the Crescent Hotel and the countless serpentine streets, hills and “steps everywhere”. In this post I wish to draw your attention to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge … a 400 acre lifetime sanctuary for Big Cats and other abused wild animals. Founder, Tanya Smith and her family have dedicated their lives to the monumental task and financial challenge of caring for over 100 animals. Thanks to Walmart and Tyson’s Foods plus 100s of volunteers and thousands of visitors and donors, Turpentine Creek is one of the most successful and respected large animal refuges in the nation. Truly worth of a visit and possibly even an overnight stay in a cabin … complete with lion and tiger vocals. Check it out at: https://www.turpentinecreek.org
Birthday party for Lakota
Oklahoma … Roland and Shawnee
We both enjoy a few pulls of the slot machine handles so a short stop in Roland, Ok. and an overnight in Shawnee, Ok. broke the trip into shorter segments and thankfully didn’t break the travel bank. We had fun … won a little and lost a little. Patti is usually the lucky one.
Amarillo, Texas
This Interstate Highway spot on the map has become a regular for us … usually at Comfort suites where we have developed friendships with the smiling helpful staff. I even mentioned Teandra in a previous post … she’s still one of my heroes. Lots of restaurants, museums and natural attractions in the area … Napoli’s Italian downtown, Palo Duro Canyon and the Cadillac Ranch Sculpture Garden just West of town. Bring your spray paint can.
Palo Duro State Park
Las Vegas, New Mexico
I’ve written about Las Vegas, New Mexico before … especially our stop at the “Skillet Restaurant” … delicious, funky and artsy. Well this trip, we explored more and found a lot more that will keep us coming back on future trips. First of all, there are over 1000 buildings on the National Historic Register including a beautiful Catholic Church, “Our Lady of Sorrows”, The Plaza Hotel on the square, Montezuma Castle … now the United World College, the Dawn Light Sanctuary and our hotel, the Castaneda.
Hotel Castaneda… Our HotelDawn Light SanctuaryDawn Light Sanctuary InteriorUnited World CollegeCarnegie LibraryOur Lady of Sorrow Catholic ChurchExample of more than 1000 Historic Structures
I could write a book about Las Vegas, NM … it flows history. As an 1800s Railroad town it was not only a stop on a route but a destination and a settlement city. Patti and I loved our two nights at the incredible railroad hotel … Hotel Castaneda pictured above. This hotel, one of several built by Fred Harvey to serve rail travelers, opened in 1898. It was closed for many years and reopened after extensive restoration in 2019. Mr. Harvey created a hospitality industry, including the hiring and training of thousands of young women … THE HARVEY GIRLS … featured in a 1946 Judy Garland movie. There are now, even more reasons for Patti and I to pause in Las Vegas … plus, the Hotel Castaneda was a serendipitous find!
Westcliffe, Colorado
My buddy, Daryl and I discovered Westcliffe last year while on a hiking trip. I must say, this little town of 586 captured my fascination index … historic Main street, a couple of restaurants, a few retail and outdoor shops and a backdrop of the awe inspiring Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. Nothing notable about our two days here … but then, everything notable. It was relaxing, refreshing, energizing and “spiritual” … out here in the middle of God’s natural wonders.
One other thing … Westcliffe is a Dark Sky City. I was excited to do some night sky photography but, alas, Full Moon. Oh well, Arkansas has one Dark Sky designated site … Tyler Bend on the Buffalo National River.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains Afternoon stormWestcliffe, Colorado Main StreetSunset behind the Sangre de Cristo mountains Our Westcliffe lodgingFull Moon in Dark Sky City
Silverthorne, Colorado on the Blue River … last stop before heading home.
We’ve stayed here on the Blue River several times in past years and it seems a bit like coming home. Silverthorne, Colorado is a great destination in Central Colorado … cool crisp temperatures, 32 degrees one morning, in the mountains over 9000′, near Breckenridge and Frisco and Vail, plenty of good food, outdoor activities and shopping … of course! The only negative this year … Aspen tree color change was later. We were tempted to stick around for another week or two. I’m not complaining. It was beautiful … see for yourself.
Picnic and hike Beautiful hikeHow much fun the girls had shopping and then modeling their new purchasesDid I mention “Shopping?”Mom and Daughter modeling the largessewe also celebrated Patti’s Birthday … sans traditional candle and cakeAspen color was a little late but we did see this near Fairplay, Co. as we headed home for Little Rock
War Memorial Golf Course is a significant piece of the recreational history of Little Rock, Arkansas. Now it is closed!!
I loved this golf course … partly because it was short, partly because it was in the middle of the city and partly because this is where I spent much of my time attempting to learn to play this mostly fun, often frustrating game.
In reality, the game of golf has been on a national downswing … Pardon the pun! Courses have been closing all over the country due to reduced rounds of play and other recreational choices. I must admit that I too, very seldom play any more and have probably had a cavalier attitude regarding the closing. So why the big deal today? … COVID-19 isolation, fitness center closings and my need for a place to exercise and get some fresh air.
What better place than an abandoned golf course …
For the past week I have been going to War Memorial where I power walk the cart paths. Rather than drive the fairways, chip from the fringe or putt the greens, I now enjoy the fresh air, soak in the Redbud tree beauty and refresh my spirit with memories of three hundred yard drives, eagle putts and that occasional hole in one … I Wish!!
What about that 3 under par? Here’s how that came about. As I walked from hole to hole I began to remember specific rounds from the past. I remembered the eagle from 125 yards on number 12, the sloping side hill 40 foot putt on number 7, the blind over the hill to two feet on 15 and … on and on and on for 18 holes … I was mentally playing a phenomenal round of golf. Maybe it was a compilation of best shots from multiple rounds or maybe it was just fatuous dreaming or oxygen depletion … regardless I was having a ball and all I can say is … I was having the best round of my life!
Back to reality … sure, the golf course is closed. And maybe it’s only hitting me now, but I do feel sad about the closing. I don’t know what the future uses will be but I do know this beautiful spot on the map will always be for our citizens to enjoy and celebrate. In the meantime, I offer this suggestion to anyone who wishes to get a little exercise, walk the dog and breathe in the beauty of Arkansas the Natural State … It’s right here for you at the Former War Memorial Park Golf Course in Little Rock. Enjoy!
Eileen and friends … Jeff the photographer. The picture says it all!
January 1, 2020 … Lake Ouachita … Hot Springs, Arkansas
It was one of those absolutely perfect mornings for a hike at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Mountain Harbor is one of the finest places in Arkansas to “get away” for a few days with family or friends. For the past four or five years Patti and I have been doing just that … getting away over New Years with our life long friends, Gwen and JC. Each morning, JC and I … plus his dog, Herkie, wake up early and hike 2-3 miles. I took the above photo on New Years Day 2020 … what a special moment to welcome the new decade!
Bill, Merle, JC, Gwen, Patti, Jim celebrate the season and friendship
Not only are Patti and I thankful for friends of nearly half a century, but also slightly newer friends like Bill (Mountain Harbor Owner) and Merle. Bill and I served on the Arkansas State Parks Recreation and Tourism Commission together for a number of years. Mountain Harbor Resort is truly one of the great Arkansas Tourism destinations.
Garvan Woodland Botanical Gardens, Hot Springs, Arkansas
While in the Hot Springs area we visited Garvan Gardens to experience one of the most spectacular Christmas Light displays in Arkansas. A stroll (or golf cart ride) thru this amazing lighting extravaganza is a “must see” that rivals any I have seen in theme parks from Disney to Silver Dollar City. Just as I touted Mountain Harbor as a tourist destination, I classify Garvan Gardens as a Tourism Attraction Destination.
Also of note, don’t miss seeing the Tulips at Garvan Gardens in the Spring.
TULIP TEASER Photos !!
More information on Mountain Harbor and Garvan Gardens, check them out online.
Jim Dailey is just an ordinary guy who has travelled many trails, met a bunch of heroes along the way and finally decided to write TRAILS, TRIBUTES AND THOUGHTS before his LAST PAIR OF BOOTS bite the dust.
Jim grew up in Little Rock, AR., owned a furniture store, has a wife of 50 plus years, four grown children, six grandkids, is VP of Government Relations with Kelley Commercial Partners, served as Mayor of Little Rock for 14 years and Director of Tourism for the state of Arkansas
Jim Dailey 