Chillin' at the Lake

Philoboy, Philoboy Action Figure, PAF's pup, and I spent the weekend at Lake Arbuckle, near Sulphur. Before I launch into my usual rambling, I want to give kudos to the park people and the campground.

This campground had the cleanest, nicest shower houses I've ever seen. I always take shower shoes with me, because shower houses are usually yucky. Some of them are even gross and disgusting. Not this one-I thought about taking the stove in there and eating dinner on the floor.

And many thanks to our camp hosts, Jerry and Susan. They were out-of-their-way accommodating, helpful, and friendly. Thanks, guys!

OK, now I can get back to my normal digression. There was so much to do here- I really think you can find an outdoor activity on your scale:

There's hiking.

We went up Bromide Hill. Twice. For the more adventurous, try hiking option #1- take a shortcut and end up on not-on-a-real trail. That happens a lot to us, yes. Hiking option #2-go around to the other side and walk it on the trail.

There's paddling and fishing. This guy's so photogenic.

I highly recommend staying behind the no-wake buoys if you're in a low- profile man (or woman)-powered paddle boat, kayak or canoe. There's a lot of serious fishermen on this lake, driving high-powered boats, intent on rushing to the next spot lest the fish leave on lunch break or something.

There's camping and bike riding...

There was also a bike option #2- in which some guy says "Let's take a shortcut between the campgrounds," and you end up taking your bike for a hike through the briars...  I recommend option #1-ride around on the road.

There's sitting by the fire, contemplating the state of nature... which I find to be solitary and my time in it always too short, but never brutish or nasty.

There's wildlife watching.  I have never seen as many species of waterfowl in one place as I did here. Ohmygoodness, look at all that life in motion...

There's cooking and eating. A LOT of eating. Cajun rice and beans-classic camp food. Watching the beans cook might count as an activity also, on a slow day.

In the 30 mph winds whipping through camp, the Kelly Kettle was by far the best bet if we wanted a hot meal. I had no trouble lighting it in the gale, and it still heats water faster than any other stove or device I've tried.

Believe me, early in the morning when I need hot water for coffee, speed is of the essence. The transformation from Mrs. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll is best accomplished with caffeine or chocolate. Ideally with both simultaneously.


Did I mention there was paddling? Floating on the waves, making like a giant bobber?  That's my favorite activity. Just point Rudy's nose into the wind and enjoy the view...

      Happy Trails, and may you find nature in an enjoyable state!

Winding down at camp

Two days of hanging out with the women of B.O.W. (Becoming an Outdoors Woman) has made me live longer. I've been told that if you laugh out loud, it extends your life. If that's the case, I'm going to live to 107 because of this past weekend.

After the late afternoon feeding frenzy of our big feast, we did what outdoor women do-and it did NOT include napping on the couch, screaming at the TV while watching football, or belching. Well, two out of three anyway.

Nope, after everything was cleaned up, the cast iron washed and oiled, and recipes exchanged, we were off to experience the rest of the great day.

Some of the more energetic souls set off for a sunset cruise in the kayaks.

The wind had finally settled, and fish were working the surface of lake, well into the cove on which we were camped. Who can resist the Dance of the Fishes? Unless, of course, you suffer from Ichthyophobia....

Ahhh, our den mother gets everything ready for paddling off into the sunset. What would we do without her to take care of us? I know I need her! She rescued my camera when I absentmindedly left it sitting out.

Elaine was thankful for an opportunity to wear her new kayak boots. Sexy!!  I needed some of those puppies when my feetsies were freezing in the Buffalo...

The flotilla prepares to launch as the sun melts into the water.

Bye Wendy!  It looks like she's waving water wings.

There they go! Say hello to the fish for me!

They got some gorgeous pictures while out on the lake. Check out Oklahoma B.O.W. on Facebook if you'd like to see them.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

Others had taken a hike to walk off the dressing, a fire was built up, chairs gathered. Someone put the coffee on, someone else put a pot of mulled wine on the fire, as people settled in to ward off the evening chill by warming up with hot drinks, side-splitting laughs, and bellying up to the fire.

The group talked into the night-the giggles, squeals, and laughs shooting up to join the sparks rising from the fire. I heard stories about Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, and other fantastic places that made my travel bug rise and whimper to be set free. Telling travel stories to a woman with wanderlust is like waving a drink in front of an alcoholic. It's just cruel.

Good night tents.

Good night kayaks.

Good night moon.

I eventually crept off to my tent, to fall asleep to a chorus of the Coyote Lullaby. I've decided that BOW really stands for Being Outside is Wonderful!