Road Trip! Wichita Mountains Oklahoma

At last!  We made it to the mountains!

I have to admit, this little road trip was much too short for my liking.  A person needs more than a day to see the Wichita Mountains.  Well, this person, anyway.  haha!  I didn't even get to hike some of my favorite trails.  

In the video, you'll see the back roads most familiar to me, on the way to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.  Somehow, I ran out of space on my GoPro, right when we got to Mt. Scott.  No worries, I came prepared, and captured the rest of the action on my Galaxy S5 phone.

As always, the drive up Mt. Scott makes me a little nervous.  Something about the dizzying height and the edge of the road that appears to drop away suddenly.  It's just a small mountain, but one of my favorites.  The view from the top is lovely.  Turkey vultures, or black vultures, circle the mountaintop all day, it seems.  A person might not think a vulture could be beautiful, but when you see them soar, well, they are quite a sight!

The view was breathtaking.  There were rain shafts off in the distance.  I think I could sit on the rocks all day and watch the world.  It's a peaceful place.

I've only captured a tiny glimpse of the Wichita Mountains.  There is so much more to see!  Next time we hope to bike around the park.  I'm not sure if we'll give Mt. Scott a go, though.  Did you see those cyclists going up that mountain!?  Wow!

I hope you enjoy the vid!  Take care out there! (^.^)v   

Time for Adventure--Back to Nature

Recent whirlwind events of late have created a need for escape.  You know what I mean.  The road trip type of escape.  Just a little adventure, an experience separate from the normal routine.  

Sadly, we weren't able to take a long road journey.  It's been a while since we could do such a thing.  Even so, we have skills.  Adventure creating skills.

Just around the corner we went, and visited Bob Woodruff Park in Plano, Texas.  

The two little kiddos tagged along, though they questioned the whole excursion.  After all, scary things could happen on that nature trail!  haha!  They're probably right, I suppose.  Danger could be lurking, after all.  But what fun would it be were we to fear that unknown around the bend?  

And do you know, those kiddos can't wait to go back!  

Enjoy the journey~~

      

  

Bike Ride and the Sky

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Turn off background music here, then come back up.

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Sometimes the stress of the days mount to a point the only relief is a lengthy bike ride.

Last weekend needed such an event. And though the ride brought us down familiar paths, somehow things didn't look quite the same.

Perhaps, it is the openness one feels whilst perched atop a two-wheeled pedal-clad transport that magnifies a sense of difference. There is little to protect you from the world's ambiance. You get it all, in your face. The scent and taste of the air. The sounds, rushing engines, their hot breaths shooshing alongside, sticky tires crackling on the pavement. And the sweeter tunes, gentle snapping of windblown leaves. Birds, as they count your presence, with warning for others, as you enter their domain of the natural.

Life's pace slows a bit, focusing sharply on the moment.

My photos seem to capture a feeling of difference, if not oddness, about the day. Odd, though not unpleasant.

On our journey we made a stop at a new place, freshly built. Hydrous at Allen Station had its opening on Saturday. If ever we want to wakeboard by cable, we know where to go.

Pretty cool, this. Though, initially when I'd noticed the new hole being dug in our town, along with the destruction of trees and a patch of nature, I had reservations. A touch of sadness. Still, it is nice to see interesting things, such as this, coming to Allen. Incidentally, the very popular Edge Skate Park is located just across the street from Hydrous.

Fun stuff! Loads of activities for the kiddos around here. And the place just keeps growing.
A peek at Hydrous at Allen Station's pro shop.

We pressed on, making our way a tad deeper into the small swath of "wilderness".

As we have many times before, we stopped to view a place of mystery.
The "Mysterious Spot" as we like to call it.
I don't know why we feel this place is mysterious. There's a strange feeling we get when visiting it. An odd energy if you will. Even so, we are drawn to it. It could be that the spot seems isolated from the rest of the busy town. Maybe the sound of the falling water drowns out the traffic of the nearby Highway 75, making it seem like we are in the middle of nowhere. Or perhaps, it is just the mere age of the Old Stone Dam that has us imagining those who were before us. In any case, we'll likely continue to visit the spot, on occasion, for as long as we live here.
The wee ones in the trailer attached to my bike. The husband, Nikon D200 in hand.
Just up the hill from the apparent isolation is this:
Another new addition, Cabela's. Outdoor stuff, yay!
When Cabela's arrived, there was nothing to do but smile. I love these kinds of stores. It can't be helped.

All the while, the children reminded me we had to stop at a playground. Not just any playground, mind you, though this town has several lovely ones. It must be a particular one not anywhere near the bike trail we were on. So, off we went.

Past the high school and the, quite enormous-looking, future football stadium.
Allen Eagles Stadium currently under construction. I can't help but marvel at the size of this thing. Allen High School in its entirety is a thing to behold.

Rolling on, we finally made it to "the one".
The playground of choice for the day.
A visit to the store followed, for snacks and whatnot. Else the ride would've been incomplete.

That day, Saturday, a wrap.

Sunday came, and so did rain. To be sure, there was celebration. The extreme summer heat and drought had been taking a toll on our psyche. At last, a break.


After the hard work of the previous weekend, this one was much appreciated.

Peaceful and sweet.
Frequent backyard visitor.
Photos by Shauna Chan. Nikon D80, with circular polarizer and in-camera red filter for B&W photos.

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2 hours north

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It was Saturday, early afternoon. A blue funk had fallen over the household.

With funds having run dry from our A-Kon adventure the weekend prior, our exuberance had begun to wane. The hot arid wind blowing across the treetops didn't help much either. A dusty atmosphere, thick on our tongues. The sun, white hot. The sky, platinum. The heat measuring 103 Fahrenheit.

I could feel the tension. Something had to be done to lift the heaviness from our souls. There was only one refreshment that could ease our unpleasant state. Road trip!

And so, with renewed giddiness, we packed hastily those things one might need for the road. And tossed in the camping gear, just in case.
Scarcely a cloud to be found.
As we rolled along the glaring highway, I scanned the sky. Incredibly bright it was. Though, off in the distance I could see a small tower of clouds forming. Funny, I mused. Wouldn't it be interesting if that was developing into a storm directly over our destination spot? Then I cursed myself for forgetting to bring the polarizer lens for my camera, to help cut the glare of the road a bit. And to help bring out the definition of that distant cloud.

When sans polarizer, I often resort to shooting black and white photos selecting the in-camera red filter option. It helps some, but still. Frustrating a skoche.

The road unfolded, we neared the border, and there it was. The cloud formation, growing taller, flattening out around the edges. And yes, it appeared to be very near our goal area of interest. I had to consult the weather radar to be sure. Yes, there it was, the only severe thunderstorm on the map! Sitting on top of the highway we traveled.

Now this might sound tragic. After all, this was a lake-swimming overnight-camping trip of sorts we had planned. Sort of. One might think rain might ruin such an occasion. But no, my excitement only grew. We'd not seen rain in what seemed like forever! We had to celebrate the moment.
Ominous, no?

As we came through then around the storm to its northern side, I noticed the clouds somewhat striated in the tower. Perhaps there was some rotation there. I later learned a small tornado touched down in an area we had just driven through. Perhaps this photo is of that very storm system.

No matter. Because whatever rain that may have fallen, or lightning that crashed to the ground, was well to the south and east of the lake. Our camping spot.

It was getting late in the day. Quickly we searched for a good place to set up the tent. The choices were few, as it was Father's Day weekend. Though we did manage to make our home for the night near the lake's edge. Good for swimming.

It took us no time to get the tent ready. With sweat pouring down our faces, it was time for a swim. And so we did. The little ones enjoyed riding the small waves made by the occasional boat passing by. The sandy beach was a pleasure as well. Even the eldest daughter enjoyed the cool water.

Time for a snack. Back to camp we went.
Snacktime!
"Take my picture by the grass!" he said.
Venturing.
The night fell fast upon us, but we were not yet through. Though the wind was a bit stiff, a fair fire had to be built. Even now we wonder if it were a wise decision. The land was parched. Grass browned in places. We were very careful to mind the flames and sparks.


A useful tip for those who like to pack lightly, or for those who tend to forget an important item like a lantern...

Make yourself a handy sack lantern! Here I have used a small flashlight, a Wal-Mart sack, and a roll of paper towels. Just stick the flashlight in the paper towel roll, puff up the sack a bit and put it over the light. The glow is just bright enough to see what you're doing. Cozy.

Finally exhausted, we all five crawled into the tent. Sleeping was not easy. The heat and humidity made for an uncomfortable time of it. The youngest daughter and I stayed awake most of the night. We made good use of our time watching a raccoon scavenge around picnic tables. Sara remarked that she'd not seen a raccoon like that before. I suspect she thought they'd be a bit more cartoonish and friendly looking. Even still, she admitted he was sort of cute.

The wind picked up, yet it offered no cooling relief. It only blew the tent around wildly and teased that it might refresh us. The moon rose and shown itself brightly through the fabric walls. Lovely. I found myself gazing at it for a good part of the night. And then, it was over. The sun began to cast pink on the clouds.


A quick bite to eat and down the tent came. We wasted no time. The stifling hot of day would soon return. Laughing and silly, homeward bound we were. Ah, another successful trip on the road. I look forward to the next one!

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summer wind

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Outside the window, I see the limbs and leaves of the trees dance in a dry hot wind.

It is summer. It has made itself known, leaving its mark in the cracks of the parched earth. The sun, relentlessly piercing through a dusty haze, baking the streets, sidewalks and lawns.

You can taste the air. Powdery on the tongue, stinging the throat. What moisture the heat doesn't steal away, the wind strips.

It is said we may get a spot of rain tomorrow, though I'll not hold my breath waiting. No, in the meantime, I'll do my best to find appreciation for the extreme warmth.

Indeed, there are moments when I feel the scorch of sun on my face and shoulders and relish it. Perhaps, it is because it reminds there is a freedom about summer. It is the time we skimp on clothing and travel to random places. And, we swim.

Such a free feeling, floating in the sweet coolness of a pool or lake.

It seems the summer has only begun, yet we've managed at least a couple of adventures already.

One such was a trip to Dallas for the three-day affair, A-Kon 22. I almost think this particular subject requires a separate post! There is too much to mention, I can scarcely think. So, I'll save it for later.

Shortly after the A-Kon convention ended, the itch to venture the roadways hit. On the spur, and almost too late in the day, we quickly packed the truck and pointed north, making way to the closest lake we're most fond of. The journey would take us more than 2 hours, though not unpleasant, the drive is part of the allure. A complete departure from the seductive madness and thrill of A-kon.
It was hot, 103ºF! In my haste, I'd forgotten my polarizer lens, so the glare is evident.

This subject, too, will require more attention than I am able to give it at the moment. Tonight, maybe, when there are less pressing matters to tend to.

For now, I'll consider taking the children out in the hot for a swim~~~

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Laundry and the Moon

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Tonight, I'm up late. Nothing new, really. The washing machine is cycling, sans clothes. That's the thing about newfangled front-load machines, they need to be... washed.

It's my own doing. I'd forgotten a blanket was still in there a day or so ago. Yes, that long. And the whole machine became a bit, shall we say, musty. So, the machine needed a bleach bath. It takes a while. An hour or so.

I'd like to blame this on the moon. The "Supermoon", that is.

If it hadn't been for the building excitement of that moon, so-called, super, I'd have remembered that blanket, to be sure. As it was, though, a little road trip was in order. To celebrate the moon o' course. The import of the soggy blanket lost.

Yes, I took a camera. A drive without a camera is sort of pointless. Especially when the moon in its superness is involved. But because we started the drive late, as is often the case, we were no where near a good picture-taking place. The moon, pinkish-purple and oddly shaped, broke the horizon before the truck could find a decent exit.

Aiyaaa... the gas prices!

Nevertheless, pictures from the shotgun side were taken! At 70 miles per hour, no less. Now that in itself is sort of super, no?

Orangish spot, the Supermoon breaks the horizon... 70mph!

Admittedly, they aren't the best pictures. Seventy miles per hour... through a dirty window... shotgun side.

As for the superiority of the moon. Well, the husband was not so impressed, claiming this moon was "faux super". He'd seen a truly large moon years ago. As for me, maybe it was more like Supermoon in its alter ego--like the Clark Kent of Supermoons. Because, after all, it is the moon and has no need to prove itself or be overly flashy. It's the moon! And I like it, no matter.

So, the trip was worth it. Bad pics, smelly wet blanket in the machine, and all. The moment was made special for whatever reason, big moon or no.

Thanks Buddy!

Cheers to the Supermoon for getting this family in one place at the same time!


Supermoon!

And when clouds cover the lights in the sky, there is always time for a little artistic photography of the seemingly mundane.


Art o' the dark road...

Somewhere...

Luckily, I'm easily amused, sort of low-maintenance. Unlike the newfangled washing machine.

At last! It's clean. Time to do the laundry...

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azure funk

It's the time of year...
Once a favorite of mine, but now, a bit different.

I realize, I should be embracing the festivities of the season. At least for the sake of the little ones. And to be sure, I do my best. They're smiling still. I hope they never find a reason to feel the blueness that creeps in on some of us.

What is it that causes that feeling of being on the outside? With our breath fogging the glass of the window to that warmly lit home where the laughter rattles the panes...

On the outside, baffled by the amusement of the others. Smiling tearfully, truly happy for those who possess the joy, yet aching for a piece of it...

What is it?

Perhaps, it is knowing. Knowing too much of the dreadful things. Being old enough to be aware of the difficult things hovering over us and having trouble shaking it off.

Oh, to be oblivious. There are moments I've wished for the ignorant blissfulness of a butterfly. A great cataclysm could be falling around them, yet they'd float and flutter, dancing from perch to perch. Smiling inside at the beautifulness of their brief moment of existence. It would seem.

Not too long ago, I had little trouble feeling somewhat carefree and childlike. Wanting to spin in the rain and toss the leaves to the wind.

I've hit a wall. A darkness that does not feel like my own. There seems to be no shortage of people who would see to the failure of the lighthearted.

A break is needed. The road beckons...



Not to turn and run from the heaviness. But, to get a better perspective. A refreshment of sorts. And not just for me.

That's what I tell myself, at least. Though there is something to seeing strangers milling about in towns foreign to us. We may not look or speak the same, still we are together in this. No matter how it seems, or even if they will agree with us on the issue.

I know it is me who placed myself outside that window. Maybe it's best this way. At least I know when my lips part for a grin or a bit of laughter, it is genuine.

the road goes

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On a whim, not terribly long ago, we let the road take us north ... with a hint of east in it, at near midnight one night.

We stayed on this heading until we reached Little Rock, the capitol of Arkansas. We'd never been there before. And because there were no plans made prior to this trip, we'd no idea what to do there.

Had we been better prepared, I'm sure we could have enjoyed more of Little Rock's finer points. Though lacking the time to do research, we stumbled around until finding this wonderful place:
Heifer Village
Puzzled by the name and lack of information on the outside of the building, unlike most of the touristy shops on the road leading to this place, there was no choice but to take a peek. I asked the greeter what the purpose of Heifer Village was, then almost instantly remembered seeing Susan Sarandon on a late night talk show speaking about the program.

Heifer International is a charitable organization aimed at ending world hunger through education. Curious about it? Visit www.heifer.org. It's a cool thing.

I must say, it's one of the best spots we found in Little Rock.

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A place near Little Rock.

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Our trip to Arkansas would not be complete without a quick stop at Hot Springs.


Whilst there, we climbed, hiked and got rained on. It was lovely.

Always the disturbing thing about Hot Springs, at least to me, is the deceiving water fountains decorating the city. They dance beautifully and tempt a hot person to refresh themselves in their waters. But watch out! The water is scalding hot!!
Not nice. Just, not nice.

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disquiet

We take our road trips to escape a place we feel unsettled in.

We travel to ease the disquiet and to search for a better way.

So far, we've found few answers. Though the journey has been fun, the constant uncertainty, the state of limbo we are in, causes a bit of anxiety.

Perhaps it is a case of cold feet.

There is something difficult about settling in a spot surrounded by so much land. A bit of the sea nearby would surely be lovely.

It is true, I come from a state smack in the center of the country. A wonderful state to be sure. We had twisters, I recall. Huge ones. Those kept us busy every spring. And there are a touch of mountains here and there. Peaceful country roads. Lakes. Loads of them.

And here, now, we find roads. Very long ones. Endless it seems.

Most recently, however, we've found...

Dust.

It is what hovers around empty, voiceless faces that crash into us at the grocery store. The dust we stand sputtering in, as we stand protecting our children from the parking lot crazies. Or that which swirls on the back porch, where a bicycle, now gone to thieves, once stood... Clouds of it kicked up when large stands of historic trees are felled for the sake of a giant concrete slab...
What fills our pockets, after forking over a small fortune to stake our tiny claim on... even more dust.

These things, seemingly small, mount up bit by bit.

We might expect to come unhinged, were it not for our hopeful spirits and a glimpse of the sea on a very distant horizon.

It happens from time to time, this cynicism. It'll be gone by sunrise. The steam from my coffee cup and the scent of rain on the children's hair will flatten the confusion.

Little smiles. The one person out of thousands who holds the door when the babies struggle and slip. A knowing glance from someone else who sputters in the dust. We need each other it seems.

The blocks, multicolored and many-shaped, my daughter and I stack to the sky... Our little boy's "Kung Fu Panda" impression... Big daughter's music, joyous laughter, the radiant smile. And that thing that happens to the husband when he wants to be aggravated at the raucousness of monkeybabies, but can't help a grin, a giggle and hearty laugh, because they are so darn cute!

The stars, how they do shine so in winter...

Keep it simple.

the coast

Though the day began with clouds covering the sun, our visit to the beach was indeed a fine one.

And, while we may never traverse that particular beach again, any time soon, we'll not soon forget the sweetness of the air, nor shall the memory of soft waves leave us.

A lovely holiday it was...

riding shotgun...etcetera

So we went to my home state of Oklahoma for the Thanksgiving holiday.

I'm not big on the holidays, for some reason. When they are finally over, there is a long emotional recovery.

Perhaps, I've been away from home for too long...
among other things...

colors

Another beautiful day.

This one coming after a most spectacular night with a Milky Way sky and a fingernail moon.



Yesterday, leaving the Dallas Metro for Possum Kingdom State Park was a welcome break from the concrete maze.

Though, once again, we arrived at our destination late, the brilliant stars and peaceful cool air soothed our souls.


The gentle footfalls of small deer that approached us as we scanned the sky, magical.

Innocent faces of curious youngsters, with bright eyes and shiny noses, sneaked up on us in the darkness, whilst I fidgeted with my camera. The night's serenity broken only by the calls of coyotes in the distance.

Lucky for me, my family goes along with my road trip whims. Else, we might not enjoy such moments as these.

Yes, yesterday was quite lovely.


And then, came today.