Otter's Outings

As has become tradition, Joanie, Mim and I started the year with a hike.  We had to bundle up a bit this year, but they were gracious enough to come visit me on my home park turf, Hobbs State Park.  Sinking Stream Trail: Mittens for all! Fungus, because well, I love fungus!     This morning was punctuated by quick hikes and car rides with the heater at full blast.  Most importantly was the bag of cookies passed around for sustenance (I have a history of possibly getting us a bit off track....snacks are a good plan).      Pigeon Roost Trail   This is the lake with loads of water in it.  Usually you could jump off about six feet into the water.      We ended with black eyed peas, cornbread, card games, movies, Moose cuddles and a roaring fire.  I can't think of a more appropriate way to spend the first day of the year.  Here's to more adventures with people we love!...

Finding myself in Oklahoma with decent weather in January was a great adventure waiting to happen.  Luckily I was couch surfing with my childhood friend Kate.  Kate is the aforementioned librarian and, thus far, a very willing adventuring buddy.  We set out for my favorite place on the planet, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, near Medicine Park, OK.  I had in mind a brutal hike that I adore, but family and friends encouraged me to maintain my friendship with Kate (i.e. trying to kill someone by climbing up the back of a mountain on a cold day is discouraged).  A few folks have made the hike over the back of Elk Mountain with me.  I solute you and our continued friendships.  We stalled a bit getting bagels and buffalo searching and low and behold - buffalo magic.   After finally deciding that the wind may stay at bay, we jumped straight into the Charon Gardens wilderness area.  This is by far the most rugged part of the...