We started our day with a hike at the Black Kettle Recreational Area Creek Trail. We lost the trail not to far into the hike, but that didn't matter we just blazed our own. The kids loved it and ran head of us. As we got back to camp we packed up and said our goodbyes to Jack, Maggie, and their grandson. We would miss them the rest of the trip and they would miss the best parts!
The trail was smooth the first part of the day. We would drive through some ranches passing over cattle guards. The ranchers were all nice and gave us big waves as we drove by them. We made great time and put a ton of miles on this smooth part of the trail.
As we entered the southwest portion of the state it amazed me how different it was from the northwest. Even as we crossed over I40 we all could see that this part of the trail was going to be great. The views were getting even better and the trails curved around hills and canyons. We even got to hear a local Jeep group that happen to be exploring an area called Buzzard Canyon over the CB. There was a report of a rolled Jeep, we all held our breath for a minute because Justin and I knew a few people that were out there. The good news is that no one was hurt and they got the help they needed.
We came up on an old abandoned school, Plain View School. We decided to get out and explore the inside. I was blown away that were still tables and other items left behind. The textures were awesome to photograph and the gym was by far my favorite. Part of the roof was missing and the old wood floor was still there, although very rough. As I walked around the outside with my camera I noticed a building next to the school, I had to go explore. I had just moved my camera from my eye when a large white owl came flying right at me. I didn't get the shot and almost peed my pants.
The dirt started to change colors, darker in places and almost white in others. The trail also would get narrower and the roads rougher. We made our way to Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area and no one in the group had ever heard of this area but we all fell in love. It felt like we jumped into an old wild west movie. As we entered in the area I couldn't help but think what it must have been like to be an Indian living in this area or a cowboy riding his horse all alone. There are some open camping areas in Sandy Sanders and we all agreed we would need to come back and explore this area more someday. We found a private section of the trail that was posted but it also said as long as you don't stop you can pass through. So far this day has been amazing and we still had more to come.
We found some more sandy roads that were dusty and narrow. Mark and Justin had never done a real river crossing before. This one would not be very difficult but we still got out and checked the situation out. I showed the guys what to do before you cross water on the trail. You need to check the depth, even if you have to walk it first. You need to all be on the same page and have a plan if something goes wrong The river was a wide but not very deep. It was awesome that even this crossing, being really easy, brought us all together. It was good practice because we would need it later.
We came across another old abandoned school, Ron School. I know nothing about the history and it was completely gutted with the roof removed. It was in a cattle field and I think it is now used as a wind block for the cattle. We had to be careful because there was a bull in the field! I thought the old house across the street was much more interesting and wish I that I could have gotten closer.
We made our way to Quartz Mountains but not before we grabbed some beer for the camp fire. As we arrived we were greeted by the mountains, well Oklahoma mountains anyway. Showers were on the list as well as a good meal. The girls were happy to go play on the playground and we even had deer walk through our campsite, the girls loved it. We spent the end of the day around the camp fire drinking some beer telling stories of the day while the girls slept in the back of the Jeep. It would be the last night of the trip and the best sleep as well.
The trip was nearing and end. Tomorrow would be our last day. It would also be the most exciting day of the entire trip. Make sure and keep an eye out for Part 4 and read about how I got the my Jeep stuck in the river, yeah way fun. Thanks for reading my blog and remember GO ALL OVER!
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