Showing posts with label Lake Arbuckle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lake Arbuckle. Show all posts

Apr 6, 2011

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!