Oklahoma Welcome sign from the web
We had a super day.
The morning temperature at Sanders Cove Recreational Area near Paris, TX was 70 degrees. The high was 91 degrees at Robbers Cave State Park in Oklahoma. We had wind and sometimes it was very strong.
We had two outstanding days at Sanders Cove Recreational Area on Pat Mayes Lake in Texas. It was time to move on. I got up at 7:15 am and got dressed. Then we had bagels for breakfast. Afterwards we put things away and securely down. Larry unplugged us. We were on the road by 8:30 am.
On the way out we stopped by the dumpster to get rid of our garbage. Our next destination was 114 miles down the road. We were in Texas for about 5 miles before we entered into Oklahoma. Larry surprised me by stopping at Choctaw Casino & Resort. He knows how much I like to gamble. I don't gamble a lot but I have fun. I thought it might be too warm for Larry sitting in the Minnie but it was early and there was a nice breeze.
As we were pulling into the parking lot and backing the Minnie into a spot the casino's shuttle was waiting for me. He was a very nice man. He said he was 80 years old and still very active. I gambled for an hour and a half on four different slot machines. I started with $20.00 and got back to Larry with $25.00, that's pretty good for a couple of hours of entertainment.
While I gambled Larry read. By the time I got back it was time for lunch. We shared a sandwich and chips.
The casino was small but very well maintained, it had workers constantly cleaning the beverages area and the slots. It didn't have a non-smoking area but it didn't smell of smoke. I've been here before so I knew what to expect.
Choctaw Casino & Resort
After lunch we continued our adventure. The drove was mainly a four lane highway. While we were driving we saw a few turkeys on the side of the highway. The scenery was farmland and ranches with cattle and horses. I dozed on and off during the drive.
Robbers Cave State Park welcome sign
Our destination was Robbers Cave State Park. We have been here a couple of other times so we knew where we wanted to be. Larry made reservation for four nights on the same site we stayed on last year about the same time, which was #17 in Whispering Pines Campground.
Whispering Pines Campground sign
Camping at site #17
We got there about 2:00 pm. Larry backed in and I helped direct him into the site. We made sure we could get the motorcycle off the carrier. Then Larry plugged us in. We spent the afternoon relaxing under the air conditioner. It was too hot to walk around.
When it was time for dinner I heated up the leftover pork loin we had a few nights ago.
After dinner I walked to the day area to find the trailhead. We hadn't hiked the trail at the day area before. It's a beautiful day area with a lot of things to do. It had an old mining building, beach area to swim, a swimming pool not open yet, Alpine Ice and Espresso (snack bar), mini golf, an old CCC water fountain, playground with a rock cave, area to rent canoes, nature center, restaurant, amphitheater, outdoor classroom and Lake Carlton. The trail is located by the outdoor classroom. You take a nice bridge across the lake cove to a gazebo. The amphitheater is cool because it looks over the lake. This park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The Nature Center and walkway were built by the CCC. While walking to and back from the day area I passed by a couple of other campgrounds, which were Bobcat Crossing and Horseshoe Bend both are tent campgrounds. By the time I got back to Larry I had walked 2 miles.
Bobcat Campground mascot
Sasquatch
Sign at the day area
Mining building and the history of mining in Oklahoma
Canoes for rent on Lake Carlton
CCC water fountain
Amphitheater
Bridge to the hiking trail
When I got back I rested for a little bit. Then Larry and I went for a walk. We walked around the Old Circle Campground (upper loop). Larry walked with me for 20 minutes. I continued walking around. I walked to the lodge and cabins area. By the time I got back I had walked 1.77 miles.
Sunset at Robbers Cave State Park (Whispering Pines)
Entrance to Robbers Cave Lodge
Robbers Cave Lodge
One of the cabins
By the end of the day I had done 13,000 steps.
Larry finished reading Northern Borders by Howard Frank Mosher. He said it was a terrific book.
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I would love to hear friendly comments on anything at all. Ruth