Got outside yesterday on a gorgeous sunny Oklahoma day and
drove out to the Red Bud Valley
 |
| Oxley Nature Center Tulsa, OK |
On rolling
into the parking lot, we noticed a sign that read, “No Dogs”, now to us this
meant that we couldn’t take our baby into the Nature Center but more than
welcome on the primitive hiking trails around the center. The center is located
inside the Mohawk Park grounds, about a mile from the Tulsa Zoo. So, we got all
leashed up and walked around the outside of the Nature Center to one of the
many trails that criss-cross the area. It was really nice in the shade and a cool
breeze was welcome. Our hike began on a pleasant note- aside from some muddy
areas close to the center.
Being the devout adventurers we are, we separated from
the initial “Red Fox Loop” trail and walked about a quarter of a mile down the “Bob’s”
trail when we encountered a rather large pavilion structure with bathrooms and
a couple of fireplaces. This type of pavilion seems to be common in the park
area and I know of at least one other in a different area of the park. What
really caught our attention though was a half-built debris shelter that was located
close to the pavilion. We stayed and took some pictures of the shelter and
enjoyed the wildlife, such as Red Fox squirrels and white-tailed deer. One of
which decide to grace us with their presence while we were videoing.
After the
pavilion, we hiked along some everglade-type swamp land, crossed a couple of
wooden bridges, and had just turned down another trail called “Blue Heron”. We
had just started on this course, and noticing a wooden blind used for observing
the wildlife, when a young man carrying a wooden sign approached us and
informed us that “dogs were not allowed on the trails”.
This knowledge was
concerning, seeing how we had already hiked almost an hour into the property
and were just getting ready for some Blue Heron watching. But we thanked the
young man, (who seemed very knowledgeable about other hiking trails in the park
where we could take our little Sabrina with us) and went back the way we came,
but not totally without some opposition and meandering down another canine-forbidden
foray. Well, honestly, we may have gotten a little mixed up on exactly which
trail we had initially came in on. However, we did manage to eventually find
our way back to the parking lot, had a cool drink of water, then headed out for
our most favorite spot ever. A place where the water runs clear and the owners
don’t mind if you bring your best friend along. An hour later we were immersed
in ice cold, clear flowing creek water.
We dropped
the motorcycle off and traded the Tahoe for the Silverado; stopped by the local
Harp’s store for hotdogs, drinks, and other accouterments for a cookout over an
open fire. Oh, Robin did bring her marshmallows and I had to eat one just because
it was such a nice day. After swimming and walking around our favorite swimming
spot, the sun was sinking lower and everything just seemed to gel. It’s like
the cosmos had come into alignment and all was right with the world.
There were
no protests, no rioting, looting, talking point rhetoric, or general anarchy in
the streets. The creek was sparkling and rolling towards its ultimate destination,
indifferent to the misfortunes of the world. At this moment, this was my
reality and I embraced every minute of it. I was with my loved ones. The ones I
care for and who care for me. It was so very peaceful, relaxing, and sublime. 
