Oklahoma Hills
On the third day in Oklahoma, I had time to take a drive, so I headed out to find the Parallel Forest. Google Maps plotted my course and 20 minutes later I was heading into the the Wichita Mountains.
5 minute later the map considered the road it had directed to as — UNKNOWN. The unknown road bordered a small lake and then abruptly ended. I plotted a new route toward Meers. The route to Meers brought me to the Parallel Forest and a walking trail.
A mile down the trail I stopped and took stock of my situation. The afternoon was waning, the sign upon entering this trail read, Trail Closes At SunSet, and I wasn’t familiar with the wildlife in the area.
I had a strong desire to keep going but my desire for self preservation won out. The trail was littered with scat and none it was from a dog. Some of it, however, was large. Although I have pictures, I think your imagination will suffice. It was time to pick up pace and head out.
My concern over was not that the sun was setting, it was about the nocturnal feeding habits of animal bigger than a bread box. A grove of trees looking similar to conifers ran close to the trail. Between and growing under the trees was a tall field grass. I had a strong urge to walk into the trees but that urge was followed by a stronger caution, were there poisonous snakes?
With the sun setting, the temperature dropped into the low sixties and a cool breeze stirred, I was in heaven. My journey continued to Meers where I took the cover photo. On my way to Meers I crossed over Medicine Creek.