Blogs from Oklahoma, United States, North America - page 11

Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge is located off of Highway 44, between OKC and Lawton, OK. According to their website and brochure, it was established by President McKinley in 1901. It is approximately 59,000 acres where the bison and the Texas longhorn roam freely. When looking at the skyline, the mountains do not look like typical mountains but it is said that they are indeed mountains but unlike the Blue Ridge mountain, Washington Mountain, The Rockies-most of the mountain at Wichita is still underground. There are many stories of the past, many include lost treasures that were buried by the Native Americans and the Spanish colony. During the early 1900s, mining was popular. There is much more information at the well put together Visitor Center with interactive displays, movie documentary of the Refuge, and helpful people runn ... read more

DAY FIVE: April 26, 2013 I came to roost this evening at the Super 8 in El Reno, OK after a drive of 251.6 miles. El Reno is less than a hundred miles from Sayre. The Super 8 is a shoddy old run down joint, but it is what I found. Folks hereabouts are not big on motels or restaurants I guess. I had an old army pal who lived here his whole life. He died a few years back and I would like to pay my respects at his grave site, but did not arrive until all offices were closed for the weekend. I tried calling some relatives but had to leave messages at both numbers. It is why I hate goddam telephones. Dinner tonight was at a place called Montana Mike’s. It ... read more

18 years ago on April 19, 1995 Timothy McVeigh and his cohort decided to destroy the innocence of America. Even moreso, the innocence of Oklahoma City. Since I had known that I was coming to Oklahoma-one of the top visits were going to be the OKC Memorial. Before 9-11, April 19th happened. While I was in Minnesota, awaiting my first nephew (who came 3 days later on April 22) a bomb exploded on a rental truck infront of the Murrah Federal Building. I often ask myself why anyone would do this? Or 9-11? Or the Holocaust? Or anything that harms other people. I just can never and will never be able to wrap my head around it...NEVER. On the grounds are is the memorial of the victims, survivors, and rescuers. Included are the Surviving Tree, the ... read more

I'm guessing most people will read this when the wake up Sunday Morning….good morning and HAPPY EASTER! We are driving into the wee-hours of the morning here in Oklahoma. Headed for New Mexico and plan to spend the better portion of a week there. A re-cap of the last few days since we have been “off the grid” and in the Louisiana Bayou. 3.28.13. Kisatchie National Forest- No showers, no running water, and free entrance! Most people had to carry their belongings into their camp since parking is off the camp site – however we pilled everything onto the kitchen and wheeled right in! We were excited to set up our awesome new tent (THANKS JACKS!!) and cook lunch. After lunch we took a little walk and explored our surroundings- the water was really gross, and ... read more

For years I had heard about the Black Kettle Battleground near Cheyenne, OK. As I understood, this was a critical battle in the control of the Native Peoples as white men forced their way to the west. What I found is that I had not heard the full (real) story of the Battle of the Washita. After breakfast at the Noble House in Watonga, we headed west toward Cheyenne. The drive over was great - there was still snow piled in the ditches - the remnants of over 12 inches this area received last week. We were told that there were drifts of 6-9 feet! After pulling in to Cheyenne around 1 p.m., we quickly found the National Park Service's visitor center for the Washita National Battleground and the Black Kettle National Grasslands. The park ranger ... read more